Inspector General Of Pentagon Resigning

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon's inspector general is resigning after just over a year in the job and at a time when defense spending has skyrocketed but personnel shortfalls in the oversight office have strained its ability to probe allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse.

Claude Kicklighter, 74, took over as the military's top investigator in April 2007. He'll be replaced by Gordon Heddell, the Labor Department's inspector general since January 2001.

The Defense Department announced the changes yesterday. It's not clear if Mr. Heddell, who will hold the post in an acting capacity, will be officially nominated for the position.

Mr. Kicklighter's departure marks yet another shift in leadership at this key Pentagon office. In September 2005, Joseph Schmitz resigned to be chief operating officer and general counsel for the Prince Group, which owns security contractor Blackwater Worldwide.