Hegseth removes Joint Chiefs strategy chief as Iran strikes loom

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the Pentagon's top military planner on Wednesday, leaving a key strategic role empty as the United States prepares for potential new strikes on Iran. Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was removed from his position as head of strategy, plans, and policy at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the firing and stated that no immediate replacement has been named. The official also noted that no specific reason for Sylvia's departure was given.

Sylvia is the second general to lose the J5 post, a role often referred to in military circles, since Hegseth took office. His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced to retire in October of last year. The move was first reported by The Atlantic. A spokesperson for the Joint Staff said the Chairman, the Joint Staff, and the Joint Force extend their deepest gratitude to Sylvia and his family for their 32 years of distinguished service. The spokesperson added that they wish him and his family the best.

The timing of the dismissal coincides with President Donald Trump's repeated suggestions of new military operations against Iran. Trump vowed to finish the job in the eight-month-long war and indicated that new strikes are an option after the midterm elections next week. U.S. officials have briefed several Middle East countries and regional allies to prepare for potential renewed military action. They also warned that Iran may attempt to retaliate against those nations. Officials said Trump has not made a final decision on launching new strikes.

Military assets are shifting toward the region in anticipation of these moves. A third U.S. aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are currently en route. Before joining the Joint Staff, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. He previously served as the vice director for the J5. His official biography, which detailed these roles, has been taken offline.

Sylvia is the latest in a series of nearly two dozen military leaders to depart under Hegseth's tenure. These departures include firings, forced retirements, and other exits among generals, admirals, and civilian secretaries. The Pentagon has not publicly explained almost all of these moves. Hegseth ordered the military to double cuts to the number of top officers, aiming for a 20% decrease by January 1, 2027. There are currently roughly 800 flag and general officer positions.

Hegseth described the reduction as accountability and long overdue when speaking to junior officers and enlisted leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on September 30. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a former Navy combat pilot, criticized the cuts as a purge. Kelly said last month that Hegseth has a deep-seated grievance about military leadership and is purging a generation of great leaders. Kelly argued that it will take a generation to recover from these changes. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment late Wednesday.