Army Names 2 to Fill In for Suspended Sergeant Major

WASHINGTON — The Army named two acting sergeants major Friday to fill in for Sgt. Maj. Gene McKinney, who was suspended as the top enlisted man amid allegations of sexual harassment.

The two acting sergeants major, one of whom is McKinney’s twin brother, will take turns doing the job until the case against McKinney is resolved, the Army said in a statement.

“It is in the best interest of the Army, and our soldiers will be better served by having an experienced command sergeant major performing duties traditionally performed by the sergeant major of the Army,” Army Chief of Staff Gen. Dennis Reimer said.

The new appointees are Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Alley, assigned to U.S. Forces Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. James McKinney, assigned to the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command.

Gene McKinney was suspended in February from his Pentagon job as the senior enlisted advisor to service leaders pending resolution of sexual-harassment allegations against him by former soldier Brenda Hoster. In May, the Army charged the 22-year veteran with adultery and indecent assault against four servicewomen, adding to the scandal over sexual harassment in the U.S. military.

The three other women who alleged that Gene McKinney acted inappropriately with them have been questioned extensively by Army investigators. Charges include four counts of maltreatment of soldiers, two counts of assault, one of adultery, two of communicating a threat and three of soliciting adultery.

He has denied the charges and has asked for permission to retire to avoid the possibility of a court-martial.