The Army Reserve’s 316th ESC prepares to deploy without suspended commander

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Brig. Gen. Richard Staats, commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), talks to Soldiers of the 444th Human Resources Company (Postal) after the noon meal at one of the dining facilities on Fort A. P. Hill, Va., during Warrior Exercise 78-15-01, Jan. 17, 2015. The 78th Training Division’s WAREX is one of several U.S. Army Reserve exercises involving active duty, National Guard, Army Reserve and U.S. Navy personnel. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. D. Keith Johnson/Released)

A new one-star has taken over at the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in time for the unit’s upcoming deployment, as their previous commander remains under investigation.

Brig. Gen. Robert Harter has mobilized to Fort Hood, Texas, with the Pennsylvania-based command, in place of former commander Brig. Gen. Richard Staats. The soldiers in the 316th are preparing to deploy to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, according to Army Reserve spokesman Col. Tad Fichtel.

Brig. Gen. Robert Harter

Brig. Gen. Robert Harter has taken over the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command while the unit’s former boss is under investigation (Army photo).

“This decision does not reflect the pending outcome of the ongoing investigation,” Fichtel told Army Times on Thursday. “The Army Reserve takes all investigations seriously and will take all possible steps to ensure they are conducted in a thorough, impartial, and timely manner.”

Harter took over on Nov. 4, as Staats has been in a suspended status since he was temporarily relieved on Sept. 8. Reserve officials have declined to comment on the nature of the investigation.

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Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.