US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia from the Joint Staff’s strategy, plans and policy directorate. The decision followed an investigation into alleged classified leaks, according to Pentagon officials. Other officials disputed the accusations. Sylvia’s post advises the chairman of the Joint Chiefs on military strategy; no replacement was announced.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia as the Joint Staff’s director for strategy, plans and policy. The directorate, known as J5, develops military strategy and advises the chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Pentagon officials linked the dismissal to an investigation into alleged disclosures of classified information. No replacement was announced for Sylvia, whose removal was confirmed late Wednesday.[1], [2]
A Pentagon official speaking anonymously to CBS News alleged that Sylvia leaked classified information concerning the Iran and Russia-Ukraine wars, citing three polygraph tests and a referral to the Justice Department. Two other Pentagon sources connected the dismissal to those tests but disputed the accusations. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said personnel action followed an Air Force Office of Special Investigations inquiry, without identifying Sylvia or detailing the circumstances.[1]
The Joint Staff initially thanked Sylvia for 32 years of service, then withdrew the statement because it did not reflect the full circumstances. Its revised response declined further comment during the personnel process. Sylvia previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division, a US Army formation, and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the second officer removed from J5 under Hegseth, following Joseph McGee’s forced retirement in October 2025.[1]
