Newspaper finds years of problems in AZ Guard
Web Producer: Taylor Higgins
PHOENIX (AP) - A newspaper investigation of the Arizona National Guard finds systemic criminal and ethical misconduct that critics say continues to fester in part because of leadership failures and lax discipline.
The Arizona Republic reports that interviews with military officers and records show misbehavior by Army National Guard members in the past decade included sexual abuse, enlistment improprieties, forgery, firearms violations, embezzlement, and assaults.
Much of the wrongdoing was not previously disclosed and was concentrated among military recruiters.
National Guard investigators found that non-commissioned officers engaged in sexual misconduct, collected improper recruiting fees, forged documents, and committed offenses such as hunting the homeless with paintball guns.
Investigators asserted that National Guard commanders didn't hold subordinates accountable.
Gov. Jan Brewer has ordered an investigation after the Republic shared its findings with her.
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