Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth removes Lt Gen Brett Sylvia from the Joint Staff’s strategy role as President Donald Trump weighs possible renewed military action against Iran.
WEB DESK: The United States has removed Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia from his position as director of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff, amid allegations that he disclosed classified information to journalists, according to US media reports.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the personnel change, according to reporting by CBS News and The Associated Press. A Pentagon official cited by CBS alleged that Sylvia had leaked sensitive information concerning the Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict. The allegations have not been independently established, and other Pentagon sources disputed the claims.
Allegations of classified information leaks
A Pentagon official alleged that Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations concerning the disclosure of classified information to the media. The official also said the matter had been referred to the US Department of Justice.
However, two other Pentagon sources cited by CBS disputed the accusations, saying the allegations were not true. The conflicting accounts mean the circumstances surrounding Sylvia’s removal remain contested.
The Pentagon has not publicly released a detailed account of the evidence behind the allegations. A spokesperson for the department said personnel action had been taken following an investigation but declined to provide further details to protect the integrity of the process.
Who is Brett Sylvia?
Sylvia served as director of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff, a senior position commonly known as the J5. The office helps coordinate military strategy and long-term planning between senior military leadership and civilian defence officials.
Before taking the position, Sylvia commanded the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division and held other senior military assignments, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
His removal follows a series of departures among senior US military officers during Hegseth’s tenure as defence secretary. The Joint Staff initially issued a statement thanking Sylvia for his 32 years of service before withdrawing it and declining further comment on the personnel process.
Pentagon leadership changes draw scrutiny
Hegseth has defended reductions in senior military leadership positions as necessary to improve accountability and align the armed forces with the administration’s priorities.
The changes have nevertheless drawn criticism from some Democratic lawmakers, who have raised concerns about the effect of repeated senior-level departures on military leadership and institutional continuity.
The latest removal adds to questions surrounding the administration’s approach to senior military appointments, particularly as the Pentagon faces multiple international security challenges.
Removal comes as Trump considers Iran options
Sylvia’s departure comes as President Donald Trump weighs the possibility of renewed military action against Iran following the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3.
Trump has publicly raised the prospect of additional strikes, although he has not announced a specific timetable. US officials have also reportedly discussed possible military scenarios with regional partners.
The situation remains sensitive because further US military action could prompt retaliation and increase pressure on regional security arrangements. However, there is no publicly established evidence that Sylvia’s removal was directly caused by disagreements over a particular Iran operation.
