LA National Guard top enlisted adviser fired amid sexual harassment allegations

A Louisiana National Guard leader has been removed from his high-level position amid allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power.

Louisiana National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Mike Kazmierzak confirmed Saturday that Major General Glenn Curtis removed Sergeant Major Tommy Caillier from his position of Senior Enlisted Leader after receiving an accusation of sexual assault and conducting an investigation.

"It was brought to the attention of command and an investigation was launched by the adjutant general. They concluded that in fact sexual harassment and an abuse of power did occur. It was substantiated by the investigative team."

Now a criminal investigation from the Louisiana National Guard with assistance from Louisiana State Police will determine if sexual assault also took place.

The guard would not release any information about the victim.

"It comes as a shock that any of our leaders would violate our soldiers. They are our most precious resource," says Lt. Col. Kazmierzak, adding that such violations would not be tolerated. "Sexual Assault is a crime that violates everything that we stand for. The National Guard is going to do everything it can to protect its men and women. This can not and will not be tolerated in our organization. We respond to all accusations of crime as quickly as possible in order to bring justice. We value all of our men and women of the National Guard."

In addition to his removal from the post, Kazmierzak says Caillier, 53, has been removed from active duty status, making him a part-time Guardsman. He was the highest-ranking enlisted soldier in the state's military force.
 
Sergeant Major James Mays was appointed on Friday as the new Senior Enlisted Leader, effective immediately.

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