Director of Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury being Replaced

Full Article at: DOD says brain injury office chief is reassigned

By ANNE FLAHERTY and RICHARD LARDNER (AP) – 2 hours ago

WASHINGTON — "The Army officer in charge of overseeing treatment for troops suffering from brain injuries and psychological trauma has been reassigned until an internal investigation into his management of the office is completed, a senior Pentagon official said Thursday.

Col. Robert Saum is being replaced as acting director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, the official said. The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Saum has been accused by an office employee of unwanted sexual advances and creating a hostile workplace. The Pentagon inspector general is investigating.

In a brief statement, Dr. George Peach Taylor, director of the military's health care program, said Saum will report to Taylor's deputy, Rear Adm. Christine Hunter. Taylor did not address the allegations against Saum and did not say what Saum's duties would be in his new assignment.

Saum is a highly decorated officer with a doctorate in cognitive studies, according to his official military biography, which has been removed from the Defense Centers of Excellence website. Saum was traveling and could not be reached for comment.

Saum had been acting director of the Defense Centers of Excellence since late June. He replaced Army Brig. Gen. Loree Sutton, who abruptly resigned amid heavy criticism on Capitol Hill that the office had not moved quickly enough to improve care for troops."