Military Entrance Processing Command chief removed from duty

The chief of U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Ill., was abruptly relieved of command this week.

Navy Capt. Eric Johnson, who as MEPS commander was in charge of the military’s nationwide network of facilities that process incoming recruits before they are shipped off to basic training, was temporarily relieved Monday due to an “ongoing investigation,” a Pentagon spokesman said.

The order to remove him came from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, specifically from Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness and Force Management Fred Vollrath, said Navy Lt. Cmder. Nate Christensen, a Pentagon spokesman.

Johnson has been temporarily replaced by Marine Col. Kathy Maloney, Christensen said.