Pentagon removes top planning general as Trump weighs Iran strikes

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed the Pentagon’s top military planner, a move that removes the second general from the Joint Staff’s J5 position under his leadership. Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was stripped of his role as director of strategy, plans and policy on Wednesday. The firing occurs while President Donald Trump evaluates options for renewed military strikes on Iran, marking eight months into the conflict.

Sylvia is the second officer to lose the J5 post since Hegseth took office. His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced to retire in October of last year. A defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters, stated that no immediate replacement has been named and the Pentagon has not provided a reason for Sylvia’s departure. The news was first reported by The Atlantic.

The J5 director and staff typically coordinate military plans with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the president. Sylvia’s removal comes as Trump has repeatedly suggested new operations against Iran. The president vowed to finish the job in the country after launching the war with Israel eight months ago. He indicated that new strikes are possible after the midterm elections scheduled for next week.

Two diplomats briefed on the matter said U.S. officials have urged several Middle East countries and regional allies to prepare for potential renewed military action following Tuesday’s elections. The officials also warned that Iran might attempt to retaliate against these nations. The diplomats noted that Trump has not yet made a final decision on launching new strikes. A third U.S. aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are currently en route to the region.

Before his assignment to the Joint Staff, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. His official biography, which is now offline, also listed him as a former vice director for the J5. He is the latest in nearly two dozen generals, admirals, and other leaders to depart under Hegseth. These departures include forced retirements and firings that have largely gone unexplained by the Pentagon. The group also includes civilian secretaries for the Army and Navy.

Hegseth announced last month that he ordered a 20% decrease in the total number of top officers to be completed by Jan. 1, 2027. The military currently holds roughly 800 flag and general officer positions. At a speech to junior officers and enlisted leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Sept. 30, Hegseth described the reduction as accountability and long overdue.

Some members of Congress have criticized the cuts, calling the changes a purge that will take years to rebuild. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a former Navy combat pilot, said last month that Hegseth holds a deep-seated grievance against military leadership. Kelly argued that the secretary is purging a generation of great leaders, noting that it will take a generation to recover from the loss. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment late Wednesday.