The Department of Defense has started its review into the circumstances which led to the Nov. 5 shooting on Fort Hood.
As a result of the shooting, 12 soldiers and one civilian were killed at the hands of accused murderer Maj. Nidal Hasan.
In the first step of the investigation, two Pentagon review board members visited Fort Hood on Tuesday.
While on their day-long visit, former Army Secretary Togo West and retired Navy Adm. Vern Clark spoke to the press about what they hope to accomplish.
West said as part of review process, the Army will take a close look inward at their policy and procedures for one purpose.
"To try and make sure to our best of our ability that it didn't happen again," West said. "By looking at the policies and procedures that deal with how we deal with service members who may be, who may cause trouble or do harm to their fellows."
A three page document from the Department of Defense lays out the "terms of reference" for the investigation. There are specific policies and procedures the board will be focusing on.
Under the header "Objectives and Scope," the document states the review will identify and address gaps and deficiencies in the reporting and handling of adverse information about department employees.
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Pentagon review
News 8's Chie Saito tells us what taskforce members hope to accomplish.
 
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In addition, the review calls for a look into service members release and discharge policies and procedures, medical screening programs and personnel evaluations, among other things.
The review will also look into how the emergency response was handled, along with care for the victims and families after the shooting.
However, West is very clear about what this investigation will not be.
"It is not a purpose of ours to point fingers," he said. "We're simply here to accumulate information and offer our best judgments to the Secretary of Defense."
During their stop at Fort Hood, the two also had a chance to visit the site of the shooting and speak with wounded soldiers.
"Let me just say I have been very impressed by General Cone and his leadership here at III Corps," Clark said.
The investigation is scheduled to take 45 days. A report by the review panel with recommendations on necessary improvements is due on Secretary Gates' desk by January 15.
This report is separate from the intelligence review ordered by President Barack Obama.
The review will not touch on the criminal investigation being conducted on the shooting.
