Chief Master Sgt. Jose Barraza, the former command chief of the 12th Air Force — also known as Air Forces Southern — will face an Article 32 hearing on Tuesday, according to the Air Force.
AFSOUTH Commander Lt. Gen. Mark Kelly removed Barraza from his position at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona on Nov. 23 due to a "loss of confidence in his ability to carry out his duties," according to a news release from November.
The hearing is a result of charges stemming from an investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Barraza is charged with one specification of willfully disobeying an order, seven specifications of dereliction of duty, two specifications of making false official statements, two specifications of indecent recording and five specifications of obstruction of justice, the Air Force release from Monday said.
Col. Scott C. Campbell, 355th Fighter Wing commander, preferred these specifications on March 30 and May 18.
An Air Combat Command spokesman told Air Force Times in March that the specifics of those charges will be presented at trial, and the command cannot publicly discuss them.
Chief Master Sgt. Jose Barraza was removed from his position as command chief of the 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern on Nov. 23 due to a "loss of confidence in his ability to carry out his duties."
Photo Credit: Air Force
Barraza joined the Air Force in 1989 and became AFSOUTH's top enlisted adviser in June 2015. A January 2014 Airman Magazine story, " Playing the Pawn," told the story of how Barraza rose from a gang member in Los Angeles to a leader in the Air Force.
An Article 32 hearing is mandated by the Uniform Code of Military Justice before charges can be referred to a general court-martial.
Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
