The highest ranking member of the US Marine Corps has temporarily suspended a high-level adviser for allegedly creating a ‘hostile work environment.’
General Robert Neller, the commandant of the Marine Corps, took action against Brigadier General Norman L. Cooling pending the outcome of a Defense Department review, Neller said in a written statement on Wednesday.
Cooling has served as Neller’s legislative assistant since July.
‘We are committed to being an organization in which every Marine has the opportunity to serve at their full potential, unimpeded by discrimination, bias, or hostile working conditions,’ Neller said.
Gen Robert Neller (left), the commandant of the Marine Corps, has temporarily suspended Brig Gen Norman L Cooling (right) for allegedly creating a hostile work environment
The Senate Armed Services Committee had asked Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to pursue allegations brought against Cooling of the creation of a hostile work environment, Neller said.
Neller did not provide further comment about the exact nature of the allegations.
Cooling is accused of having made disparaging comments about women, thereby undermining trust among those working in his office, including female Marines, an official with knowledge of the allegations said.
The Senate Armed Services Committee had asked Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, seen here on the right of White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, to pursue allegations brought against Cooling
The official spoke on condition of anonymity, as this person was not authorized to discuss details of the accusations or the investigation.
Cooling is a native of Baytown, Texas. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1986. He has served at least two tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Cooling has also formerly served as deputy commander of Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa.
Immediately prior to his appointment as commandant, Neller served for one year as commander of Marine Corps Forces Command and Marine Corps Forces Europe.
Neller was announced as former President Barack Obama’s pick to serve as the 37th commandant of the Marine Corps in July 2015 and was confirmed by the Senate two months later, in September.
Neller is seen here testifying during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Marines United Facebook page on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on March 14, 2017