Removal came amid Iran war stalemate as Trump considers new operations
Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia has retired from the Joint Staff after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed him as director for Strategy, Plans and Policy, ABC News reported, citing two sources familiar with the situation.
CNN reported the firing, citing a spokesman for Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. ABC News, citing two sources familiar with the situation, said the firing occurred earlier this week.
“The chairman, the Joint Staff and the Joint Force extend our deepest gratitude to Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia and his family for their 32 years of distinguished service to our nation,” the Joint Staff spokesperson said. “We wish him and his family the best as they graduate to new opportunities and the next chapters of their lives.”
According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-5 proposes strategies, plans and policies to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, supporting his military advice to the president and other leaders.
Sylvia’s removal comes amid a stalemate in the U.S. war with Iran and as President Donald Trump has said he is considering a resumption of major military operations.
Sylvia is also the latest removal by Hegseth, who has overseen a sweeping overhaul of the department. Some two dozen generals, admirals and senior civilian officials have resigned, retired early or were fired, several following clashes with the former Fox News host.
Sylvia was appointed J-5 director after his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joe McGee, was forced into retirement in October 2025 following reported disagreements with Hegseth. Sylvia held the position for less than a year.
Among the previous departures was Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who submitted his resignation in late August following reported clashes with Hegseth over multiple issues. Driscoll’s resignation prompted calls for Hegseth to be fired, including from Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who said he had “never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country.”