Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed the Pentagon's top military planner, Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, from his position as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The move comes as President Donald Trump is reportedly considering renewed strikes against Iran.
Sylvia's ouster marks the second time in less than a year that Hegseth has removed the director of the J5, the directorate responsible for generating and coordinating military plans. Sylvia's predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced to retire in October.
It is currently unclear who will assume Sylvia's responsibilities, as no replacements have been named. Typically, the deputy or vice director of the J5 would fill the role on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is nominated and confirmed by the Senate.
A spokesperson for the Joint Staff stated that the Chairman, the Joint Staff, and the Joint Force extend their gratitude to Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia and his family for their 32 years of service. The Pentagon has not provided further comment.
Sylvia's removal occurs at a time when President Trump has repeatedly suggested initiating new military operations against Iran. US officials have reportedly alerted Middle Eastern allies to prepare for potential renewed military action following the upcoming midterm elections. There is also a possibility that Iran may attempt to retaliate against these actions. A third US aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are being deployed to the region.
Hegseth has also initiated broader reductions in the number of senior military officers, aiming for a 20 percent decrease in flag and general officer positions by January 1, 2027. He has described these actions as "accountability and long overdue."
Some members of Congress have criticized these personnel changes, with Senator Mark Kelly calling them a "purge" that could take years to rectify. Before his current role, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and previously served as the vice director for the J5. His official biography has reportedly been taken offline.