Ft. Cavazos: Another Senior Commander Fired

Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, is once again making headlines as another senior officer has been relieved of command. Lt. Col. Damasio Davila, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division, was dismissed from his position due to a “loss of trust in his ability to command,” according to division spokesperson Lt. Col. Jennifer Bocanegra.

The exact reasons for his removal remain undisclosed, they could range from general misconduct to potentially criminal actions. This incident comes just months after the removal of Col. Jon Meredith, who served as the commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, facing charges of abusive sexual contact and conduct unbecoming of an officer.

Col. Meredith’s wife, Col. Ann Meredith, also faced termination in January from her position as commander of the 89th Military Police Brigade.

Ft. Cavazos: new name, same problems?

These recent dismissals add to the already troubled history of Fort Cavazos. In December 2020, a damning Fort Hood Report revealed systemic issues with command, including failures to ensure the safety of soldiers, particularly women. This review was prompted by the tragic murder of Specialist Vanessa Guillén, which shed light on the base’s pervasive cultural and leadership problems. Following the report, over a dozen officials were suspended or fired.

Fort Cavazos, which underwent a name change earlier this month as part of an initiative to remove Confederate names from military installations, continues to grapple with controversy and the need for significant reforms. The base has been plagued by a series of unfortunate events, including the deaths and disappearances of at least 39 soldiers in the span of a year, as reported by Vanity Fair.

With each new revelation, it becomes evident that Fort Cavazos must confront its deeply rooted command issues and work towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for its personnel.