Mark Kimmitt: Difference between revisions
Gregorywill (talk | contribs) Consolidated the two investigation sections by including mitigating information in extended section. |
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===Abuse of Subordinates=== |
===Abuse of Subordinates=== |
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| ⚫ | On Aug. 15, 2008, during Kimmitt's confirmation proceedings, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee received an anonymous letter alleging that Kimmitt abused his subordinates.<ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> The Committee asked the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to investigate the allegations.<ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> The |
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====Anonymous letters and investigation==== |
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| ⚫ | On Aug. 15, 2008, during Kimmitt's confirmation proceedings, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee received an anonymous letter alleging that Kimmitt abused his subordinates.<ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> The Committee asked the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to investigate the allegations.<ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> The IG sent its initial report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on January 8, 2008.<ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> After the inspector general issued the report the committee received another anonymous letter on Jan. 30, 2008, resulting in further investigation.<ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> |
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====Inspector General Report==== |
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The IG report concluded that Kimmitt was "often physically intimidating" and created "a miserable office environment" that led five of them to get jobs elsewhere. Congressional Quarterly reported that "Employees told the inspector general that Kimmitt occasionally displayed 'anger that demeaned subordinates and caused them to minimize their interaction with him.' They described 'walking on eggshells' and 'sort of a permanent fear' in the office. Several said he threatened their jobs."<ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> The inspector general also found that: |
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* Kimmitt accused an employee of being "a traitor" after the employee accidentally received an important document intended for Kimmitt.<ref name='igreport'>{{cite web | title = Inquiry into an Allegation Involving Brigadier General Mark T. Kimmitt, U.S. Army, Retired, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Near East and South Asian Affairs) | publisher = Inspector General of the Department of Defense | url = http://www.dodig.osd.mil/fo/Foia/ERR/08-0235_RedactedScan.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> |
* Kimmitt accused an employee of being "a traitor" after the employee accidentally received an important document intended for Kimmitt.<ref name='igreport'>{{cite web | title = Inquiry into an Allegation Involving Brigadier General Mark T. Kimmitt, U.S. Army, Retired, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Near East and South Asian Affairs) | publisher = Inspector General of the Department of Defense | url = http://www.dodig.osd.mil/fo/Foia/ERR/08-0235_RedactedScan.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> |
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* Kimmitt "made acetate templates to measure document formats," and he required that documents be reworked if they were a quarter or a tenth of an inch off his specifications.<ref name='igreport'>{{cite web | title = Inquiry into an Allegation Involving Brigadier General Mark T. Kimmitt, U.S. Army, Retired, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Near East and South Asian Affairs) | publisher = Inspector General of the Department of Defense | url = http://www.dodig.osd.mil/fo/Foia/ERR/08-0235_RedactedScan.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> |
* Kimmitt "made acetate templates to measure document formats," and he required that documents be reworked if they were a quarter or a tenth of an inch off his specifications.<ref name='igreport'>{{cite web | title = Inquiry into an Allegation Involving Brigadier General Mark T. Kimmitt, U.S. Army, Retired, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Near East and South Asian Affairs) | publisher = Inspector General of the Department of Defense | url = http://www.dodig.osd.mil/fo/Foia/ERR/08-0235_RedactedScan.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> |
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* Kimmitt "yelled at subordinates for minor grooming matters."<ref name='igreport'>{{cite web | title = Inquiry into an Allegation Involving Brigadier General Mark T. Kimmitt, U.S. Army, Retired, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Near East and South Asian Affairs) | publisher = Inspector General of the Department of Defense | url = http://www.dodig.osd.mil/fo/Foia/ERR/08-0235_RedactedScan.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> |
* Kimmitt "yelled at subordinates for minor grooming matters."<ref name='igreport'>{{cite web | title = Inquiry into an Allegation Involving Brigadier General Mark T. Kimmitt, U.S. Army, Retired, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Near East and South Asian Affairs) | publisher = Inspector General of the Department of Defense | url = http://www.dodig.osd.mil/fo/Foia/ERR/08-0235_RedactedScan.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> |
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The inspector general's report concluded that Kimmitt "warrant[s] monitoring," noting that his "leadership style was occasionally inconsistent with the standards expected for senior government leaders."<ref name='igreport'>{{cite web | title = Inquiry into an Allegation Involving Brigadier General Mark T. Kimmitt, U.S. Army, Retired, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Near East and South Asian Affairs) | publisher = Inspector General of the Department of Defense | url = http://www.dodig.osd.mil/fo/Foia/ERR/08-0235_RedactedScan.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> <ref name='hearingtranscript'>{{cite web | title = Business Meeting, March 13, 2008, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations | publisher = U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations | url = http://www.senate.gov/~foreign/testimony/2008/BusinessMeeting031308.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> |
The inspector general's report concluded that Kimmitt "warrant[s] monitoring," noting that his "leadership style was occasionally inconsistent with the standards expected for senior government leaders."<ref name='igreport'>{{cite web | title = Inquiry into an Allegation Involving Brigadier General Mark T. Kimmitt, U.S. Army, Retired, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Near East and South Asian Affairs) | publisher = Inspector General of the Department of Defense | url = http://www.dodig.osd.mil/fo/Foia/ERR/08-0235_RedactedScan.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> <ref name='hearingtranscript'>{{cite web | title = Business Meeting, March 13, 2008, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations | publisher = U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations | url = http://www.senate.gov/~foreign/testimony/2008/BusinessMeeting031308.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> At Kimmitt's request, the report also noted mitigating testimony of superiors, who maintain that Kimmitt had strengthened the overall performance of his office.<ref name='hearingtranscript'>{{cite web | title = Business Meeting, March 13, 2008, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations | publisher = U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations | url = http://www.senate.gov/~foreign/testimony/2008/BusinessMeeting031308.pdf | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> Congressional Quarterly used a FOIA request to secure a heavily redacted version of the IG report.<ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> |
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====Senate Response to IG Report==== |
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| ⚫ | Despite the IG Report's findings, the Committee nonetheless voted, 12-7, in favor of Kimmitt's nomination.<ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> Most Democrats on the committee voted against him.<ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who opposed Kimmitt's nomination, said, "There was a significant body of evidence that the way he interacted with employees was, in my judgment, based on what I read, not professional. I think how you treat people in an employer-employee situation is relevant. I don't think it's just get the job done and don't worry about how you treat people." At the April 22 committee meeting, Chairman Joseph R. Biden Jr., D-Del., noted he was very close to Kimmitt's father, who had been secretary of the Senate years ago, and said he therefore would be willing to give Kimmitt the benefit of the doubt, saying, "I'm going to let my hope triumph over my worries. . . . I hope Mr. Kimmitt . . . understands with the delay his misconduct has caused . . . that he will be chastened." <ref name='alkamen'>{{cite web | author = Al Kamen | title = But His Dad Was a Good Guy | publisher = Washington Post | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/29/AR2008042902561_2.html | accessdate = 2008-08-06}}</ref> <ref name='cq'>{{cite | author = Adam Graham-Silverman | title = Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee | publisher = Congressional Quarterly | date = June 4, 2008 }}</ref> Kimmitt was confirmed by the full Senate on June 27, 2008. |
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| ⚫ | |||
===Failure to Safegard Classified Information=== |
===Failure to Safegard Classified Information=== |
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Revision as of 13:03, 16 August 2008
Mark T. Kimmitt | |
|---|---|
| File:Mark kimmitt.jpg | |
| Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs | |
| Assumed office August 8, 2008 | |
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | John Hillen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | www.state.gov June 21, 1954 |
| Died | www.state.gov |
| Resting place | www.state.gov |
| Spouse | Catherine Kimmitt |
| Parent |
|
| Alma mater | West Point |
| Profession | Soldier Statesman |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Bronze Star NATO Medal (3) |
| Website | http://www.state.gov |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1976-2007 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | Bosnian War Kosovo War Iraq War |
Mark Traecey Patrick Kimmitt[1] (born 21 June 1954) is the current Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, nominated by President George W. Bush on July 11, 2007[2] and confirmed by the Senate on June 27, 2008.[3]. Mr. Kimmitt was formerly a Brigadier General in the United States Army, and served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East[2] prior to joining the State Department. Kimmitt has also served as Deputy Director for Strategy and Plans for the United States Central Command, and Deputy Director for Operations/Chief Military Spokesman for Coalition Forces in Iraq,[2] and served at NATO's SHAPE headquarters in Belgium.
Personal background
Kimmitt was born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and is married to Catherine Kimmitt[4]. Kimmitt's father is Joseph Stanley Kimmitt (Stan), former Secretary of the Senate and army colonel, who died in 2004. Kimmitt's brother, Robert M. Kimmitt is the current Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Treasury.
Education
Kimmitt graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point as a part of the class of 1976,[5] and earned a Masters in Business Administration degree, graduating with distinction, from Harvard University as part of the class of 1984.[6] He also received master's degrees from the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the National Defense University.[2] He earned a certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) while serving as Assistant Professor of Finance and Economics in the Department of Social Sciences at the United States Military Academy.
Military career
Kimmitt retired from the US Army a Brigadier General in 2006. While in the Army, Kimmitt had command and staff assignments throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, including planning positions within both Allied and Joint service commands. Additionally, he spent three years as an assistant professor and instructor with the Military Academy’s Department of Social Sciences.[5].
Kimmitt's professional military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Armor Officer Advanced Courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, the Advanced Military Studies Program, and the National War College.[4] Additionally, Brigadier General Kimmitt completed Ranger, Airborne, Jumpmaster, Naval Gunfire, Joint Firepower Control, Air Assault, Pathfinder, and Jungle Schools.[4]
Awards and decorations
Kimmitt's distinctive awards and decorations include the following:[4]
United States awards
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Army Commendation
- Joint Staff Commendation
- Korean Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Medal (Expeditionary and Service)
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Master Parachutist Wings
Foreign and international awards
- NATO Medal for operations in Bosnia
- NATO Medal for operations in Kosovo
- NATO Medal for operations in Republic of Macedonia.[5]
- NATO Service Medal
- German Parachutist Wings
- German Leistungabzeichen in Gold.
Government Career
Subsequent to retiring from the Army in 2006, Kimmitt served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy, responsible for military policy development, planning, guidance and oversight for the region[7]. Kimmitt served in this position until July 31, 2008, and was sworn in to his current position on August 8, 2008[7].
Controversy and Investigation
Abuse of Subordinates
Anonymous letters and investigation
On Aug. 15, 2008, during Kimmitt's confirmation proceedings, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee received an anonymous letter alleging that Kimmitt abused his subordinates.[8] The Committee asked the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to investigate the allegations.[8] The IG sent its initial report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on January 8, 2008.[8] After the inspector general issued the report the committee received another anonymous letter on Jan. 30, 2008, resulting in further investigation.[8]
Inspector General Report
The IG report concluded that Kimmitt was "often physically intimidating" and created "a miserable office environment" that led five of them to get jobs elsewhere. Congressional Quarterly reported that "Employees told the inspector general that Kimmitt occasionally displayed 'anger that demeaned subordinates and caused them to minimize their interaction with him.' They described 'walking on eggshells' and 'sort of a permanent fear' in the office. Several said he threatened their jobs."[8] The inspector general also found that:
- Kimmitt accused an employee of being "a traitor" after the employee accidentally received an important document intended for Kimmitt.[9]
- Kimmitt "made acetate templates to measure document formats," and he required that documents be reworked if they were a quarter or a tenth of an inch off his specifications.[9]
- Kimmitt established an office rule that no one could speak with someone outside their pay grade.[9]
- A witness reported finding one employee "in tears not less than five times after meeting with" Kimmitt; another said she preferred to have her supervisor present when meeting with Kimmitt.[9]
- Kimmitt "yelled at subordinates for minor grooming matters."[9]
The inspector general's report concluded that Kimmitt "warrant[s] monitoring," noting that his "leadership style was occasionally inconsistent with the standards expected for senior government leaders."[9] [10] At Kimmitt's request, the report also noted mitigating testimony of superiors, who maintain that Kimmitt had strengthened the overall performance of his office.[10] Congressional Quarterly used a FOIA request to secure a heavily redacted version of the IG report.[8]
Senate Response to IG Report
Despite the IG Report's findings, the Committee nonetheless voted, 12-7, in favor of Kimmitt's nomination.[8] Most Democrats on the committee voted against him.[8] Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who opposed Kimmitt's nomination, said, "There was a significant body of evidence that the way he interacted with employees was, in my judgment, based on what I read, not professional. I think how you treat people in an employer-employee situation is relevant. I don't think it's just get the job done and don't worry about how you treat people." At the April 22 committee meeting, Chairman Joseph R. Biden Jr., D-Del., noted he was very close to Kimmitt's father, who had been secretary of the Senate years ago, and said he therefore would be willing to give Kimmitt the benefit of the doubt, saying, "I'm going to let my hope triumph over my worries. . . . I hope Mr. Kimmitt . . . understands with the delay his misconduct has caused . . . that he will be chastened." [11] [8] Kimmitt was confirmed by the full Senate on June 27, 2008.
Failure to Safegard Classified Information
The Department of Defense Inspector General's office, in a separate letter to the committee, also disclosed "a substantiated allegation that Mr. Kimmitt . . . failed to properly safeguard information, in violation of Army regulations," but it did not elaborate.[8] The exact nature of this violation has not yet been disclosed.
See also
External links
References
- ^ "Presidential Nomination". The White House. Retrieved 2007-10-30.
- ^ a b c d "Personnel Announcement". The White House. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ "Reid Statement On Nomination Deal". The Senate. Retrieved 2007-06-27.
- ^ a b c d "BRIGADIER GENERAL MARK T. KIMMITT" (PDF). BritishAmerican Business Inc. Retrieved 2008-08-13.
- ^ a b c "Iraq: Mission Continued?". The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ "New Horizons for Iraq". Harvard Business School Bulletin. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ a b ""Kimmitt, Mark"". Retrieved August 12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j Adam Graham-Silverman (June 4, 2008), Inspector General Finds That Employees Feared State Department Nominee, Congressional Quarterly
- ^ a b c d e f "Inquiry into an Allegation Involving Brigadier General Mark T. Kimmitt, U.S. Army, Retired, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Near East and South Asian Affairs)" (PDF). Inspector General of the Department of Defense. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
- ^ a b "Business Meeting, March 13, 2008, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations" (PDF). U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
- ^ Al Kamen. "But His Dad Was a Good Guy". Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-08-06.