Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from the Pentagon’s top military planning post, leaving the job without a named successor as President Donald Trump weighs a return to major military operations against Iran.
Sylvia served as director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff, a role known as J-5. CNN reported his removal on Oct. 28, citing a spokesperson for Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, UPI reported.
“The chairman, the Joint Staff and the Joint Force extend our deepest gratitude to Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia and his family for their 32 years of distinguished service to our nation,” a Joint Staff spokesperson said. “We wish him and his family the best as they graduate to new opportunities.”
No official reason given for Brett Sylvia’s exit
The Pentagon has not given a reason for the move. One source told ABC News that Sylvia was removed for a lack of confidence and has since retired. The source said it was unclear whether the decision came from Hegseth or Caine.
Sylvia had held the J-5 post for less than a year. The directorate helps develop military strategy and plans for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the president. He earlier commanded the Army’s 101st Airborne Division.
The Joint Staff website now lists only the directorate’s vice director, Maj. Gen. Mark H. Slocum, ABC News reported.
Sylvia is the second officer pushed out of the J-5 job under Hegseth. His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joe McGee, was forced into retirement in October 2025 after reported disagreements with Hegseth.
Hegseth has removed or sidelined a number of senior officers, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.
The removal comes amid a stalemate in the U.S. war with Iran, with Trump saying he is considering resuming major military operations, according to UPI.