WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say America's top military officer opposes demotion of a four-star general who is accused of spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on lavish travel and other expenses in a case that has been sitting on Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's desk for weeks.
Officials say Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is among those who believe that Gen. William Ward, the former head of U.S. Africa Command, should be allowed to retire at his full four-star general rank.
A Defense Department inspector general's report released in mid-August concluded that Ward engaged in multiple forms of misconduct related to official and unofficial travel.
Dempsey said he does not comment on recommendations he makes to Panetta.
