Hegseth removes Pentagon’s top military planner amid leak allegations
publishers 32articles 32first reported 29 Oct, 03:15 UTCdeveloping since 29 Oct · 3 editionstop 25 #19
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from his position as the Joint Staff’s director for strategy, plans and policy, according to multiple news organizations. The three-star general, who led the directorate known as J5, has retired after 32 years of service, ABC News reported.
CBS News and Fox News, citing Pentagon officials, reported that Sylvia’s removal followed allegations involving disclosures of classified information about Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war. Fox reported that an Air Force Office of Special Investigations inquiry had been referred to the Justice Department and that Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations. Those allegations have not been publicly substantiated in detail, and Sylvia did not respond to Fox’s request for comment. The Justice Department declined to address Sylvia specifically but said it has ongoing investigations into possible classified-information leaks.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said an unspecified personnel action followed an extensive Air Force investigation but did not name Sylvia or provide details. No replacement has been announced.
A Joint Staff spokesperson thanked Sylvia and his family for his “32 years of distinguished service” and wished them well. Sylvia is the second officer leading J5 to be forced out under Hegseth, following Lt. Gen. McGee.
The dismissal comes as U.S. officials have reportedly advised some Middle Eastern countries to prepare for possible renewed U.S. military action against Iran and potential Iranian retaliation after the midterm elections.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 12 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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- Source articles
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- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
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- This version written
- 12 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
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WHAT THE EDITOR DID
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