Report: Former Africa Command chief demoted, fined by Pentagon

The former four-star general who led U.S. forces in Africa has been knocked down to three stars and ordered to repay thousands of dollars in unauthorized DOD spending, according to recent reports.  

DOD officials handed down the punishment after an inspector general investigation found Army Gen. William 'Kip' Ward spent thousands in DOD funding on lavish trips and shopping sprees for himself and his family while head of Africa Command, The Associated Press reports. 

Some of the more egregious violations uncovered by the IG's investigation included a trip to an exclusive spa and resort in Bermuda on the Pentagon's dime; he also accepted Broadway tickets and other gifts from defense contractors during his time in command, according to the AP. 

These personal activities resulted in a significant increase in costs billed to Africa Command and DOD, costs that eventually drew the attention of the department's main watchdog. 

The DOD IG's inquiry began a year after Ward had stepped down from his post at Africa Command. 

Losing his fourth star could cost Ward roughly $30,000 in retirement pay, with three stars generally taking home just over $200,000 a year in pension. A four-star general and flag officers take home nearly $240,000 annually, according to the AP. 

Along with a smaller retirement check, a one-time, $82,000 payout will be coming out of that annual stipend and heading back to DOD to pay for Ward's unauthorized expenses.

---