US generals fired over attack on camp Bastion, Afghanistan

Commandant of the US Marine Corps relieved two commanding generals of their duties as a result of the September 2012 insurgent attack on Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. "It was evident that the two generals did not take the necessary steps to ensure the force protection resulting in the attack," the Marine Corps said in a statement following a thorough investigation conducted into the incident. The attack, which had been planned by insurgents since 2011, resulted in the death of two Marines, the injury of eight others, and the destruction of six AV-8B Harrier jets, costing roughly USD 24 million each, according to the statement. "The attack on Camp Bastion "was an example of a complete lack of judgment on the part of both generals," stressed General James Amos. He added that the two generals "neglected to fully prepare for the various types of threats they might face in Helmand and Nimroz province." Amos wrote in the memorandum for the investigation, "the fog of war, the uncertain risks of combat, and the actions of a determined foe do not relieve a commander of the responsibility for decisions that a reasonable, prudent commander of the same grade and experience would have made under similar circumstances." "Commandership is a sacred responsibility and the standard for general officers is necessarily high. In their duty to protect our forces these two generals did not meet that standard," he stressed.