Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed the Pentagon’s top military planner, according to a defense official. This change comes amid ongoing discussions about potential strikes on Iran, even as the war drags on for eight months.
Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was let go from his role as head of strategy, plans, and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
He is the second military leader to be removed from this specific position, commonly referred to as the “J5,” during Hegseth’s time in office.
Sylvia’s predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was pushed into retirement last October.
The defense official, who preferred to remain unnamed due to the sensitivity of the situation, noted that there is currently no replacement for Sylvia, nor has a reason for his dismissal been provided. The Atlantic was the first to report on this firing.
A spokesperson from the Joint Staff expressed gratitude for Syliva’s 32 years of service and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Generally, the J5 director plays a crucial role in creating and coordinating military plans alongside both the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the president.
Sylvia’s termination comes at a time when Trump has suggested the possibility of initiating new military actions against Iran.
Trump has stated his intention to “finish the job” in Iran after beginning the war with Israel eight months ago and mentioned that further strikes are a possibility following the upcoming midterm elections.
U.S. officials have advised several Middle Eastern nations and regional allies to brace for possible renewed military action after the elections, as well as for potential Iranian retaliation, according to two diplomats informed on the situation.
As of now, it appears Trump has yet to make a definite decision regarding new strikes.
A third U.S. aircraft carrier along with thousands of additional troops is currently being deployed to the area.
Before joining the Joint Staff, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025, as stated in his official biography, which has since been removed. He had also previously served as the vice director of the J5.
Sylvia’s removal contributes to a pattern, as he is part of nearly two dozen military leaders—including generals and admirals—who have been either fired, retired, or otherwise left their positions during Hegseth’s tenure, with most of these changes remaining unexplained by the Pentagon.
This shakeup includes civilian secretaries for the Army and Navy as well as key leaders across various military branches.
Hegseth has announced plans to double the current cuts to the military’s upper officer ranks, aiming for a 20% reduction by January 1, 2027, which would impact around 800 flag and general officer positions.
“I call it accountability and long overdue,” Hegseth remarked to junior officers and enlisted members at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico on September 30.
Some congressional members have voiced concerns that the reductions among generals represent a “purge,” suggesting it will take years to rebuild the ranks. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a former Navy combat pilot, criticized Hegseth’s actions, saying, “He’s purging a generation of great leaders of the military, and it’s going to take a generation to recover from it.”
