Senior Pentagon General Removed After Classified Information Inquiry
Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was removed from a senior Pentagon position after an inquiry found that he had allegedly shared classified information with the press. The information was said to involve the war with Iran, the war in Ukraine, and other matters.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Sylvia for what a senior Pentagon official described as “severe misconduct.” The official said the secretary acted right away. The ongoing investigation has been sent to the Justice Department for review and possible further action.
A Key Role in Military Planning
Sylvia had served for 11 months as Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy on the Joint Staff. The office is known within the military as the J-5. It helps plan the military’s long-term strategy and is considered one of the Joint Staff’s most important departments.
Another major department is the J-3, which is responsible for planning and carrying out military operations. Together, these offices help guide how the armed forces prepare for and respond to military challenges.
Investigation and Possible Legal Action
The Defense Department said an Air Force investigative unit conducted an extensive inquiry. The department took personnel action to protect sensitive information, and the matter was referred to the Justice Department for possible legal steps.
The Pentagon’s chief spokesperson said the department does not allow the intentional, unauthorized release of classified information. The spokesperson warned that exposing sensitive national security details can put service members in danger and weaken military operations that protect the country.
The public statement about the investigation did not name Sylvia. The Justice Department did not provide a response to a request for comment.
Joint Staff Changes Its Statement
A Joint Staff spokesperson first praised Sylvia’s service, calling it distinguished and expressing gratitude. The spokesperson also wished Sylvia and his family well.
The Joint Staff later withdrew that statement. It said the earlier message did not fully reflect the circumstances of the personnel matter. The staff said it would not comment further out of respect for Sylvia and the ongoing process.
Other Senior Officers Have Left Early
Sylvia is the latest senior military officer to be fired or moved aside during Hegseth’s time as defense secretary. Two Army generals who served on the Joint Staff also left their positions early.
One was Lt. Gen. Joseph “JP” McGee, who held the J-5 post before Sylvia. McGee retired after he was not put forward again for a different senior role. He had been nominated to become Director of the Joint Staff under the prior administration. Under the new administration, he was not nominated again. With no other position available to him at the three- or four-star level, he had to retire.
Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, who served as Director of the Joint Staff, also retired early. He had been widely expected to be in line for promotion to four-star general.
The inquiry into the alleged disclosures remains ongoing. The case has been referred for review, while the Joint Staff has declined to discuss further details of Sylvia’s personnel matter.