US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia from his position as the Pentagon’s top military planner, marking another departure from the US military’s senior leadership. The decision comes as President Donald Trump weighs the possibility of fresh strikes against Iran amid an eight-month-long conflict.
Sylvia served as director of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff, a position commonly known as the J5. A defence official said no immediate replacement had been selected and no reason had been provided for his removal.
Second General Removed From the Pentagon Planning Role
Sylvia is the second general to leave the J5 position under Hegseth. His predecessor, Lieutenant General Joseph McGee, was forced to retire in October last year.
The J5 director and staff typically coordinate military strategy and operational planning in consultation with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President.
Before taking the position, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He had also previously served as vice director of the J5.
A Joint Staff spokesperson thanked Sylvia and his family for his 32 years of military service, wishing them well in their future.
Senior Military Departures Draw Political Scrutiny
Sylvia’s removal comes amid a broader series of departures involving generals, admirals and other senior military officials during Hegseth’s tenure as defence secretary. The Pentagon has offered limited public explanations for many of these personnel changes.
Last month, Hegseth said he had ordered the military to double planned cuts to its highest-ranking officer positions, targeting a 20 per cent reduction by January 1, 2027.
He described the move as an accountability measure during an address to service members at Marine Corps Base Quantico.
Some members of Congress have criticised the administration’s reductions in senior military ranks, describing the changes as a purge and warning that rebuilding leadership capacity could take years.
Trump Keeps Fresh Iran Strikes on the Table
Sylvia’s departure coincides with Trump’s repeated statements about the possibility of renewed military operations against Iran.
The President has vowed to “finish the job” in Iran and said fresh strikes remain an option after the upcoming US midterm elections.
The timing has drawn attention to the Pentagon’s leadership changes as the administration weighs its military options. However, no direct connection between Sylvia’s removal and Iran policy was established in the information provided.
The absence of an announced replacement also leaves the J5 position awaiting new leadership at a time when strategic planning remains central to US military decision-making.
Relevant Link: US Department of Defense
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