Defense secretary's aide fired amid allegations

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Thursday he fired his senior military aide from his job after "learning about allegations of misconduct."

Carter did not describe the allegations in a brief statement announcing the removal of Army Lt. Gen. Ron Lewis from his influential Pentagon job.

Carter said he was referring the allegations to the Defense Department's inspector general.

"I have confidence in the Inspector General's ability to determine the facts," Carter said in the statement. "The Department of the Army will then take action as appropriate."

"I expect the highest possible standards of conduct from the men and women in this department particularly from those serving in the most senior positions," Carter said. "There is no exception."

The Washington Post, citing an unnamed person familiar with the matter, said the dismissal involved an alleged improper relationship.