US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon’s top military planner, over what officials say were leaks of classified information to the media.
Sylvia served as Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a role known as the “J5” that shapes US military war planning. He is the second general to be removed from that post under Hegseth.
Accused of Leaking Iran and Ukraine War Secrets
A senior Pentagon official told CBS News and ABC News that Sylvia was accused of “severe misconduct” for leaking classified information to the press about the US war with Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war and other matters. According to CBS, the official said Sylvia failed three polygraph tests about sharing classified information with reporters.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said an Air Force Office of Special Investigations probe had been referred to the Justice Department for “potential further legal action,” ABC News reported, though his statement did not name Sylvia. The Washington Post reported that officials say the general has been referred for possible criminal prosecution. The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment.
Sylvia has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Joint Staff Withdraws Statement Praising Him
In an unusual twist, the Joint Staff initially issued a statement thanking Sylvia for his “distinguished” service and wishing him and his family well. A spokesperson later withdrew it, saying it did not reflect “the full circumstances,” according to ABC News.
A 32-Year Career
Sylvia served in the Army for 32 years. Before joining the Joint Staff, he commanded the famous 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025, and earlier served as vice director of the J5. His official biography has since been taken offline, CBS reported. No replacement has been named.
Part of a Wider Shake-Up
Sylvia is one of nearly two dozen generals, admirals and senior military leaders who have been fired, forced to retire or otherwise left their posts under Hegseth. Others include Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George. Hegseth has also ordered a 20% cut in the number of top officers by 1 January 2027.
Hegseth has defended the moves, saying in a September speech: “I call it accountability and long overdue.” Critics disagree. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly accused him of “purging a generation of great leaders of the military.”
Comes as Trump Weighs New Iran Strikes
The firing comes at a sensitive time, as President Donald Trump weighs renewed strikes on Iran in a war now about eight months old. The J5 office plays a central role in planning military options, making the removal of its chief a significant development.
Sources: CBS News, ABC News, The Washington Post, PBS NewsHour. Image: U.S. Department of Defense via Wikimedia Commons (file photo of the Pentagon).