Three Camp Pendleton officers have been removed from their command.

This development comes as the military investigates the brutal killing of nearly two dozen civilians in Iraq.

An attorney for one of the Marines relieved of his command said it has nothing to do with the investigation.

But the three were with the Camp Pendleton-based battalion connected to the deadly rampage.

One former Marine spoke to 10News about the investigation and the possibility of a cover-up.

"If the leadership fails, anything is possible and I'm not just talking generals. I'm talking down to corporals, sergeants. They really win the ball game," said retired Marine gunner Joe Vaineharrison.

Vaineharrison spent more than 20 years in the Marine Corps.

He doesn’t want to believe a small number of rogue troops killed 24 Iraqi men, women and children last November.

The outcry for answers is only growing louder.

"This happend six months ago. This happened November 19th. It happened during action," said Rep. John Murtha, D-Penn.

Although no reason has been made public, at Camp Pendleton, Capt. James Kimber, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, the commander of the 3rd battalion, 1st Marine regiment, and Capt. Lucal McConnell, commander of Kilo Company implicated in the killings have been relieved of command.

Another commanding officer, Capt. James Kimber, was also relieved of his command.

"It's hard to believe they would relieve a battalion commander and two company commanders and not have something connected to it," said Vaineharrison.

The formal findings surrounding the investigations are still due to be released.

During the Gulf War, Vaineharrison was investigated and cleared in the deaths of civilians during action.

"I was outraged, my honor was being attacked. I'm sure these marines fell the same way," said Vaineharrison.

If the Marines are found guilty of a criminal act and cover-up, Vaineharrison hopes it does not overshadow all the good they have done.

"They're doing a great job there, they're doing unbelievable things. They bring hope to the people there," said Vaineharrison.