A top Pentagon commander is under investigation for allegedly having sex with an aviator on a plane in early September.
Gen. Michael “Eric” Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), allegedly shoved an aviator on a C-17 flight bound for Israel after becoming frustrated with access to logistics and communications issues.
The four-star Army general is currently under investigation by the Army Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
After an airman demanded that the general sit down and fasten his seatbelt, the general allegedly yelled profanities and pushed the airman away.
“The Army Criminal Investigation Service is aware of the alleged incident and is currently investigating. We have no additional information at this time,” CID spokesperson Mark Randardi said in a statement to FOX News Digital.
Central Command oversees the military's operations in the Middle East and Asia, including many of the U.S. military's roles in Israel, Iraq, and Syria.
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General Michael Eric Kurilla of CENTCOM meets with Israeli Defense Minister Job Gallant. (IDF)
Gen. Michael Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command
Kurilla has criticized the Biden administration's long-standing defensive approach to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. According to the Wall Street Journal, he wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin alleging that U.S. defense policy has “failed” to have the desired effect.
Mr Kurilla called for a “whole of government” approach to the issue. That approach would include stronger military pressure, as well as economic and diplomatic pressure, to deter terrorist groups from operating against transport ships in the region.
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One official said the letter's tone shocked some members of the Pentagon, particularly Kurilla's assertion that “if things continue like this, American service members will die.”
Army General Michael Eric Kurilla met with the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Halevi. (IDF)
Mr. Kurilla has been in charge of CENTCOM since April 2022. The position typically operates for three-year terms, meaning Kurilla is scheduled to relinquish command in April 2025.
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Prior to leading CENTCOM, Kurilla commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and 18th Airborne Corps. He also served as assistant commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
He was shot multiple times in combat in Mosul, Iraq in 2005, but continued to fight and earned a Bronze Star for his actions.
