Pentagon Inspector General finds civilian harm mitigation programs dismantled in violation of law

The Defense Department Inspector General released report DODIG-2026-084 on May 15, 2026, finding the Pentagon gutted its civilian harm mitigation programs to a degree that may violate DoDI 3000.17, required by federal law under 10 USC 184. The Civilian Protection Center of Excellence lost nearly all personnel, CENTCOM's civilian harm team was cut from 10 staffers to one, and JSOC eliminated its civilian harm office entirely. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper told the Senate Armed Services Committee his command hasn't investigated civilian casualty reports in Iran.