WASHINGTON (AP) — Military leaders are trying to fix the lengthy, inconsistent process for investigating senior officers accused of misconduct. The Associated Press has learned the leaders are seeking to change a hodgepodge system in which investigations can drag on for years while taxpayers pay six-figure salaries to senior officers who have been relegated to mid-level administrative posts.

The chiefs of the four military services have sent a memo to Defense Secretary Ash Carter saying trust in the disciplinary system is strained. It outlined plans to set up a task force to study the issue. That task force would be created by the end of the year, and likely would include members of the military, lawmakers and former investigators. Proposed changes would be expected within 10 months.