Leader of Army's elite raid force reprimanded

Michelle Tan | Army Times

The commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment has been reprimanded following allegations of misconduct while leading the Army's elite raid force, Army Times has learned.

The informal investigation into Col. Christopher Vanek "looked into matters concerning command climate, perception and judgment," said Lt. Col. Mark Lastoria, a spokesman for U.S. Army Special Operations Command, in a statement.

Lt. Gen. Charles Cleveland, commanding general of Special Operations, directed the investigation.

Cleveland "took action accordingly" after receiving the findings of the investigation, Lastoria said in the statement.

Col. Christopher Vanek (Photo: Army)

Lastoria did not provide further details about what prompted the investigation, what the allegations entailed, and what action was taken by Cleveland.

Attempts to reach Vanek for comment via email and through Army public affairs were not immediately successful.

Vanek assumed command of the storied 75th Ranger Regiment in July 2013. He is scheduled to relinquish command on June 25. Col. Marcus Evans is scheduled to take over.

Vanek was commissioned in 1989 after graduating from Arizona State University, according to his official bio. He served with the 25th Infantry Division before being assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment.

Vanek served multiple assignments with the Ranger Regiment, including battalion logistics officer, company commander, regimental operations officer and deputy commander of the regiment.

Vanek deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan while he was with the Ranger Regiment.

He also served in Joint Special Operations Command and commanded a battalion in the 10th Mountain Division, leading them on a 15-month deployment to Iraq. Vanek also commanded 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.