Lieutenant General Charles Costanza, the commander of the U.S. Army's V Corps overseeing military operations in Europe, has been removed from his command, the Army confirmed Friday. The specific circumstances surrounding his removal remain unclear.
Costanza's removal occurs amid broader changes within the military's senior ranks, with over two dozen high-ranking officers having been removed or sidelined under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. However, a source familiar with Costanza's situation stated that his removal is not connected to Hegseth's broader restructuring efforts or any political implications.
The V Corps is tasked with overseeing U.S. Army forces and coordinating operations throughout Europe. With a partial base in Poland, the corps has become increasingly significant since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, facilitating U.S. support for Kyiv and managing the American military presence along NATO's front lines.
Earlier this year, the Pentagon reduced the U.S. military footprint in Europe. This included the unannounced cancellation of a planned deployment of the Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas, to Poland. Subsequently, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 5,000 troops to Poland following criticism of the brigade's removal in Warsaw.
Costanza, an armor officer, assumed command of the Army’s V Corps in April 2024. Prior to this role, he led the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Brig. Gen. John B. Mountford, deputy commanding general of readiness for V Corps, is currently serving as the acting commanding general.