Pentagon Staffing: Hegseth Ousts Joint Chiefs Planner as Iran Strike Weighs on Decision
Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was removed from his role as J5 director on Wednesday, the second general to leave the post under the current defense secretary.
By Luca Harrison ·
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia as the top military planner at the Pentagon on Wednesday.
Sylvia held the position of director for strategy, plans, and policy, a role known in military circles as the J5. A defense official familiar with the matter said the departure was abrupt and that no immediate replacement has been named. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters.
This is the second time a general has been removed from the J5 post under Hegseth. Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee was forced to retire from the same role in October of last year. According to the defense official, the Pentagon has not provided a specific reason for Sylvia’s firing, which was first reported by The Atlantic.
Sylvia’s removal occurs while President Donald Trump considers new military strikes against Iran. The conflict began eight months ago when the United States launched a war alongside Israel. Trump has stated he intends to finish the job and indicated that renewed attacks are an option following the midterm elections scheduled for Tuesday.
U.S. officials have briefed several Middle East countries and regional allies to prepare for potential renewed action after the elections. They were also warned that Iran may attempt to retaliate against them. Two diplomats briefed on the matter said Trump has not yet made a final decision on new strikes. A third U.S. aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are currently moving toward the region.
Before joining the Joint Staff, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. He also previously served as the vice director for the J5. His official biography has been taken offline.
Sylvia is part of a group of nearly two dozen generals, admirals, and other leaders who have departed or been removed under Hegseth. Most of these departures have not been publicly explained. The group includes civilian secretaries of the Army and Navy as well as top uniformed officers from the military services.
Hegseth ordered the military to cut the number of top officers by 20% by January 1, 2027. There are currently about 800 flag and general officer positions. Hegseth called the move accountability and long overdue in a speech to Marines on September 30. Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and former Navy pilot, criticized the cuts as a purge. He said the loss of experienced leaders will take a generation to recover.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment late Wednesday. A spokesperson for the Joint Staff thanked Sylvia and his family for 32 years of service and wished them the best.
