Army Surgeon General to Step Down

March 12, 2007 — -- A senior defense official tells ABC News that Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley is out as the surgeon general of the U.S. Army.

Acting Secretary of the Army Pete Geren asked Kiley to submit his retirement papers, which he has done. The move is supported by Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

The official says that Maj. Gen. Gale S. Pollock, Kiley's deputy, will replace him as the acting surgeon general.

Meanwhile, the Army will convene a panel to select a permanent replacement.