Army General Fired: Why Was Ralph Baker Sent Back To Washington?

A U.S. Army general was fired Thursday following allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol-related offenses. Maj. Gen. Ralph Baker, who oversees the Combined Joint Task Force: Horn Of Africa, was relieved of his duties by the Army's commander in charge of Africa, Gen. Carter Ham. The Blaze reports Gen. Ralph Baker was also fined for the alleged incidents. Baker has been relegated to the capacity of special assistant to Army officials in Washington as he appeals the decision to Chuck Hagel, the secretary of defense.

Gen. Ralph Baker's demotion and investigation was preceded by similar punishment in the U.S. Army African Command, directed at Gen. William Ward, accused of excessive spending practices and gift receipts, including a family trip to the shore and a meet and greet with Denzel Washington.

Gen. Baker was previously in charge of operations the Horn of Africa, based out of Camp Lemonnier in the Republic of Djibouti, directly across the Red Sea from Aden, Yemen, home of the 2000 bombing of the U.S.S. Cole by al-Qaeda forces. Specifics on the accusations have not been released as military officials who conveyed the information to the press spoke on the condition of anonymity and could not reveal particulars at this time.