Commander of Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment fired amid investigation

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The commander of the Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment has been relieved over a loss of “trust and confidence in his ability to lead” amid an investigation into his conduct, a Corps official told Task & Purpose on Thursday.

Col. Lawrence F. Miller was removed from his post on Thursday morning and replaced with his executive officer, Lt. Col. Larry Coleman, who will serve as interim commander of the Quantico, Virginia based unit.

His removal was “not based on a single incident,” spokesman Maj. Craig Thomas told Task & Purpose. “[But] rather on the totality of his job performance and personal leadership choices” that resulted in his ouster.

“There are allegations against Col. Miller that are being investigated,” Thomas said. Asked for more specifics on the allegations, Thomas was unable to say, noting that the matter is currently administrative in nature and that information was not releasable.

The relief was carried out by Lt. Gen. Michael Rocco, deputy commandant for Manpower & Reserve Affairs, according to a Marine Corps press release. Miller has been temporarily assigned to the staff of Marine Corps Combat Development Command.

A Florida State University graduate, Miller was commissioned a second lieutenant in April 1990, later serving as an infantry officer, deploying multiple times to Iraq.

Miller’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit (gold star in lieu of second award), Bronze Star (gold star in lieu of second award), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two gold stars in lieu of third award), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal (gold star in lieu of second award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Basic Parachutist Wings, according to a service biography.

The Wounded Warrior Regiment oversees two battalions and other detachments that provide medical and non-medical care to wounded, ill, and injured Marines and sailors.

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Paul Szoldra

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Paul Szoldra was the Editor in Chief of Task & Purpose from October 2018 until August 2022. Since joining T&P, he has led a talented team of writers, editors, and creators who produce military journalism reaching millions of readers each month. He also founded and edits Duffel Blog, a popular satirical newsletter for the military. Before becoming a journalist in 2013, he served as a Marine infantryman in Afghanistan, Korea, and other areas of the Pacific. His eyes still go up every time a helicopter from Camp Pendleton flies over his office in Southern California.