Army investigators have confirmed they’ve launched a formal investigation into a Stryker Brigade soldier’s allegations of racist behavior by some members of his unit. The action follows an earlier informal inquiry into allegations- first outlined in a story published Wednesday by the Army Times.
The story is based on statements by a staff sergeant with 2nd Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, a unit under the 25th Infantry Division’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Wainwright.
The staff sergeant has served for a decade and asked not to be identified. He told the Army Times that soldiers with the platoon created a weekly opportunity to racially slur fellow soldiers known as “Racial Thursdays.”
U.S. Army Alaska spokesman Lt Colonel Alan Brown this morning confirmed that officials with the command had completed an initial informal inquiry into the allegations and have now launched a formal investigation. 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Commander Col. Donn Hill appointed an investigating officer on Thursday to look into the matter.
Brown says he can’t estimate how long it’ll take to complete the investigation. He emphasized that “The allegations are just that – allegations,” until evidence is found to support them.
Tim Ellis is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
