Clifford Stanley’s career at the Department of Defense has come to an end, with the ex-Marine general resigning before the completion of an investigation into charges that he was incompetent and tyrannical as well as overspent taxpayer dollars and hired friends for jobs.

 

Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness since February 10, 2010, was accused of spending nearly $400,000 on an “incredibly extravagant” conference room and giving a senior position to an old friend. He also allegedly forced out more than 20 senior executives and spied on employees.

 

He also spent more than $5 million on a contract with McKinsey & Co. that included an employee survey the results of which he refused to release.

 

Since Stanley took office, the average processing time to evaluate the cases of wounded troops has increased from 291 days to 404 days.

 

“He has created a dysfunctional command marked by fear and mistrust through a capricious, tyrannical and arbitrary leadership,” read one whistleblower’s complaint against Stanley. “Waste, fraud and abuse of power are rampant. Even if he were competent, his destructive leadership would assure ‘P&R’ (personnel and readiness) mission failure.”

 

JoAnn Rooney, principal deputy undersecretary for personnel and readiness, will replace Stanley on an acting basis until a permanent replacement is named.

-Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinsky

 

Defense Official under Investigation Resigns (by John T. Bennett, The Hill)

Pentagon Personnel Official Resigns Amid Whistleblower Allegations of Incompetence (Project on Government Oversight)