Battalion command team in Korea suspended amid investigations of racism

"We have ZERO TOLERANCE for this in our formations and communities."

By Haley Britzky

Updated on Dec 14, 2020 5:14 PM EST

Soldiers assigned to Company B, 602nd Aviation Support Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, prepare to enter the gas chamber during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, May 27. The training familiarizes Soldiers with their protective equipment in the event of a CBRN incident. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Adeline Witherspoon, 20th Public Affairs Detachment)

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A battalion commander and command sergeant major in South Korea have been temporarily suspended after allegations of racism.

In a message posted to the Eighth Army social media on Saturday night, Lt. Gen. William M. Burleson, commanding general of the Eighth Army, said he had “received allegations of racism, bigotry and discrimination” through an anonymous line. While various investigations are being carried out, the battalion commander and command sergeant major of the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion have been suspended “pending the outcome of their investigation.”

“We have ZERO TOLERANCE for this in our formations and communities,” Burleson said.

A Message from the Commanding General of Eighth Army:
 
This week, Eighth Army received allegations of racism, bigotry and discrimination in one of our formations via the Eighth Army Anonymous Assistance line. My intent is to always tackle these challenges head-on. 1/9 pic.twitter.com/b1Aa2M18CC

— Eighth Army (@EighthArmyKorea) December 13, 2020

Some of the allegations are being addressed in a 2nd Infantry Division investigation, Burleson said, while others are being addressed by the Criminal Investigation Command, or will be investigated by the Eighth Army.

The Eighth Army, CID, and 602nd ASB did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Task & Purpose.

The suspensions come just days after the Army released the Fort Hood report, which put that installation’s toxic culture on display and resulted in 14 leaders being suspended or relieved.

Burleson encouraged “anyone” within the Eighth Army to report racism, bigotry, or discrimination to the “several reporting methods available” on the Eighth Army’s Equal Opportunity website.