Pentagon Drops Top Planner as Trump Weighs Iran Strikes

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed the Pentagon's chief military planner on Wednesday.

Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was fired from the J5 position on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This is the second general to lose that seat under Hegseth. His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced to retire in October of last year.

A defense official said no reason was given for the dismissal. The official also stated there is no immediate replacement for Sylvia. The move was first reported by The Atlantic. A spokesperson for the Joint Staff thanked Sylvia and his family for 32 years of service.

Sylvania's departure happens as President Donald Trump considers new military action against Iran. The conflict has lasted eight months. Trump has said he wants to finish the job in Iran. He noted that new strikes are an option following the midterm elections scheduled for next week.

Two diplomats briefed on the matter said U.S. officials told several Middle East countries to prepare for renewed action. The officials also warned that Iran might retaliate against those allies. The diplomats noted that Trump has not made a final decision on new strikes yet.

A third U.S. aircraft carrier is currently moving into the region. Thousands of additional troops are also being deployed. This buildup coincides with the leadership change at the top of military planning.

Sylvia previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He held that post until May 2025. He also served as the vice director for the J5 before his recent firing. His official biography has been taken offline.

Hegseth has overseen the departure of nearly two dozen military leaders since taking office. This group includes civilian secretaries of the Army and Navy as well as top uniformed officers. Most departures have not been publicly explained. Hegseth ordered a 20% cut to the number of top officers by January 1, 2027. There are currently about 800 flag and general officer positions. Some members of Congress have called the cuts a purge that will take years to reverse.