Fort McCoy, Wisconsin (Agencies): A senior U.S. Army commander has been suspended following an unusual incident involving the display of official leadership photographs at Fort McCoy. The portraits of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which are meant to reflect the Army’s chain of command, were found turned around, leaving only the blank backs visible.
The incident gained widespread attention after a photograph of the display circulated on social media. In response, the U.S. Army issued a statement clarifying that the suspension was not related to misconduct and dismissed suggestions that the commander had deliberately altered the display. “No one on the Fort McCoy leadership team, which includes Col. Sheyla Baez-Ramirez, directed or supported the removal of any leader portraits,” the Army stated. The Leader Board was corrected immediately upon notification of the issue.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reshared a post on social media highlighting the suspension, further fueling public interest in the case. The Army confirmed that the matter remains under review, with no final conclusions drawn regarding responsibility for the incident.
The suspension of Col. Baez-Ramirez, the first female garrison commander of Fort McCoy, has sparked discussions about leadership accountability and the political dynamics within the military. As investigations continue, the Army has refrained from providing further details.