WASHINGTON, Feb 25 - U.S. Vice Admiral Fred Kacher has been removed from his post as director of the Joint Staff after taking the position in December, according to two sources familiar with the matter. One of those sources told reporters that Kacher was not the right fit for the role.
The Pentagon confirmed the personnel change in response to questions about the Joint Staff position. A Pentagon spokesperson said Kacher will "return to service" with the U.S. Navy when asked about his removal from the Joint Staff.
In a statement, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Dan Caine, offered formal thanks for Kacher’s work. "We are deeply grateful for Vice Adm. Kacher’s dedicated service to the Joint Force and his contributions to the Joint Staff," General Caine said.
The personnel move follows a short tenure in the director role that began in December. Public details beyond the brief confirmation and the comment from a source that Kacher was not the right fit are limited in the available reporting. The Pentagon statement about Kacher returning to Navy service is the primary official confirmation released concerning the change.
The available information identifies the change in assignment and provides an official affirmation that Kacher will continue his career in the U.S. Navy rather than remaining in the Joint Staff director post. The statement from the chairman acknowledged Kacher’s contributions without offering further context on the reasons behind the reassignment.
Given the limited public detail, the specific circumstances that led to the decision have not been disclosed. The reporting cites two sources familiar with the matter for the detail that one source viewed Kacher as not the right fit; beyond that, the official remarks focus on appreciation for his service and confirmation of his return to Navy duty.
Summary of facts:
- Vice Admiral Fred Kacher was removed from his position as director of the Joint Staff after assuming the role in December.
- Two sources familiar with the matter provided information to reporters, including one source who said Kacher was not the right fit for the job.
- A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed Kacher will "return to service" with the U.S. Navy.
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine issued a statement expressing gratitude for Kacher’s service and contributions to the Joint Staff.