Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon's top military planner, a defense official confirmed Wednesday. Sylvia led the Joint Staff's directorate for strategy, plans and policy, known as the J5.
This marks the second general to be ousted from the J5 position under Hegseth. Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee was previously removed and forced to retire in October. A spokesperson for the Joint Staff stated that the Chairman and the Joint Force extend their gratitude to Sylvia for his 32 years of service and wish him and his family well. There is no immediate replacement for Sylvia, and no official reason has been given for his dismissal.
The firing occurs as President Trump is reportedly considering renewed military strikes against Iran. Trump has previously vowed to "finish the job" in Iran, which has been engaged in an eight-month conflict. US officials have informed several Middle Eastern countries and regional allies to prepare for potential renewed military action following Tuesday's midterm elections. They have also advised them to anticipate possible retaliation from Iran.
Sylvia's removal is the latest in a series of personnel changes within the military leadership under Hegseth. The Defense Secretary has previously stated his intention to reduce the number of top officers by 20% by January 1, 2027, a move he described as "accountability and long overdue." This initiative aims to cut approximately 160 flag and general officer positions from the current 800.
Prior to his role at the Joint Staff, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. His official biography has since been removed from public access. He also previously served as the vice director for the J5.
Some members of Congress have expressed concern over Hegseth's actions, with Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., characterizing the cuts as a "purge" that could take years to rectify. The Pentagon has not provided public explanations for most of the departures of senior military leaders during Hegseth's tenure, which have included civilian secretaries of the Army and Navy, as well as other uniformed officers.