The U.S. Army has suspended Baez Ramirez, the first female garrison commander of Fort McCoy, following an incident involving portraits of former President Donald Trump and television personality Pete Hegseth. The portraits were allegedly turned around to face a wall, sparking a firestorm of outrage that ultimately resulted in her suspension.
Fort McCoy, a 93-square-mile training base set in the rural, far western countryside of Wisconsin, has been open since 1909. Since Ramirez started at the base in July 2024 she has taken on her purpose and passion with vigor. It remains key to our military’s training and readiness. Throughout his career, Ramirez has consistently held a number of influential, high-ranking positions in the Army. He held the position of chief of the Reserve Program at U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and as chief of operations for the U.S. Army Reserve Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
During her previous active-duty career, she was the deputy commander of the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade. Additionally, she served as the deputy chief of the special United States liaison advisor to Korea at Camp Humphreys. Her long tenure in these leadership roles made her a strong fit to lead Fort McCoy.
Information about the incident that served as the basis for her suspension is scarce. According to numerous news reports, the Trump and Hegseth portraits’ frames were turned away from public view. This controversial decision raised hackles even in the military establishment.
“Regarding the Ft. McCoy Chain of Command wall controversy … WE FIXED IT!” – Department of Defense
The U.S. Army remains deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct within its ranks. It helps to create consistency in compliance with all parties working on the project. The Army knows how important behavior by leaders and following the chain of command are. This suspension draws attention to the narrow rules prohibiting depiction of political figures on military installations.
As this story continues to develop, we hope to learn much more about the details surrounding Ramirez’s suspension. These specifics might have major repercussions on her Army career down the road.