Pentagon Fires Top Military Planner Amid Classified-Leak Investigation

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia from his post as director of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff amid allegations that he disclosed classified information to journalists.

Pentagon officials told several news organizations that Sylvia was under investigation over information concerning the Iran war, Russia’s war in Ukraine and other matters. An official also alleged that Sylvia met journalists outside the Pentagon and failed three polygraph examinations concerning unauthorized disclosures. The Washington Post reported that a colleague said Sylvia had denied leaking classified information while acknowledging contacts with members of the press.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell did not name Sylvia in a statement but said an Air Force Office of Special Investigations inquiry had led the department to take “necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information.” He said the matter, along with others, had been referred to the Justice Department for possible legal action. The Justice Department confirmed that it has ongoing investigations into potential leaks of classified information.

The Joint Staff initially issued a statement thanking Sylvia for 32 years of service, then withdrew it, saying it did not appropriately reflect the full circumstances. No immediate replacement was announced. Sylvia previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division and served as vice director of the Joint Staff office he later led.