Pentagon Leadership: Top Planner Removed Amid Iran Strategy Review

Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, removed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia from his post this week. Sylvia served as the head of J5, the division within the Joint Chiefs of Staff responsible for long-term military strategy. His departure happens at a sensitive time, with President Donald Trump weighing a potential resumption of attacks against Iran following the midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

The dismissal came during an active investigation into alleged leaks of classified information to the press. According to reporting by CBS News, a Pentagon official stated that Sylvia was suspected of divulging sensitive details regarding the conflict with Iran and the war between Russia and Ukraine. The official claimed Sylvia failed three polygraph tests, which led to the case being referred to the Department of Justice.

However, the narrative is contested within the department. Two other Pentagon sources told the same network that while the firing was linked to those polygraph results, the underlying accusations were not accurate. To date, the department has not released a public finding that definitively proves Sylvia leaked classified material.

President Trump stepped in to defend his secretary during the controversy. "He is doing a great job. I think he is the best in his job in many, many years," Trump said. This endorsement follows a period where Hegseth intensified efforts to identify those he believes are responsible for leaks. Last month, high-ranking military officials were subjected to polygraph exams. Additionally, three employees in Hegseth's office were escorted off duty a year ago during a separate investigation whose results remained unpublished by the Department of Defense.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that personnel actions were taken following an investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He noted the case went to the Department of Justice but did not name Sylvia publicly in his remarks.

Sylvia is the second general to leave the J5 position under Hegseth's tenure. His predecessor, Lieutenant General Joseph McGee, retired in October 2025. The Pentagon has not yet announced who will fill the vacancy. Sylvia had 32 years of service, previously commanding the 101st Airborne Division. He participated in deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat.