Pentagon fires top military planner over alleged leaks, official says

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the head of strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, following allegations that he leaked classified details about the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. A Pentagon official, speaking anonymously, said Sylvia failed three polygraph tests concerning the alleged disclosures and that the matter has been referred to the Department of Justice.

Sylvia, who had previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division and served as vice director for the J5, was the second J5 director dismissed under Hegseth; his predecessor Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee retired last October. No successor has been announced.

A Joint Staff spokesperson expressed gratitude for Sylvia’s 32 years of service and wished his family well. The firing occurs as President Trump considers additional strikes on Iran amid ongoing tensions in the region.

The J5 office typically coordinates military planning with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the president. Recent U.S. moves include deploying a third aircraft carrier and additional troops to the Middle East, while officials have warned regional allies to prepare for possible renewed action after upcoming elections.

Hegseth has also directed a 20% reduction in senior officer positions by January 1, 2027, a plan some members of Congress have criticized as a "purge" of military leadership.