Commanders Must Play A Role In Preventing Next Ft. Hood Shooting, States Report

The tragic shooting at the Fort Hood Military Base last November demonstrates the military’s need to a closer watch on those it employs, according to a new report compiled following an independent review from the Department of Defense.

“It is the role of our forces to protect the nation against external threats, but our emerging concern is to protect the force against internal threats,” Former Secretary of the Army Togo West, who co-chaired the independent review with retired Navy Admiral Vern Clark, told reporters Friday.

The report calls for Commanders to detect and report behaviors that could lead to violent outbursts, including the embrace of religious or cultural radicalism.

Major Nadal Hasan, who may have had ties with a radical cleric in Yemen, killed 13 people and wounded 30 others. Defense Secretary Robert Gates Friday would not comment Friday on whether the case will be classified as an act of terrorism.

Additionally, the report notes that there are “several” officers who may have violated army policies by not intervening with Hasan prior to the November shooting. The officers could be subjected to disciplinary action.

Hasan was shot mid-rampage but survived. He is currently undergoing recovery efforts.