In the military, just as in business, when a serious crime occurs, the person at the top NEEDS to lose their job. This is not being made "scapegoat", it is being made to be accountable for one's lack of ability in doing the task they were entrusted for.
Granted I only have 15 years civilian service at a couple different military installations, but I haven't had much use for folks higher than Lt. Col. I haven't met a Colonel. or higher who wasn't a political animal in the extreme. Certainly on the field of battle things are different, but administratively they stink.