Hegseth removes top Pentagon planner as Iran strike debate intensifies
The Joint Chiefs lost its J5 director, a role previously held by a general forced to retire, just days before midterm elections and potential new military operations.
By Andrew Bennett ·
The U.S. military lost its senior strategic planner on Wednesday as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from his post as the director of strategy, plans, and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A defense official confirmed the removal to the Associated Press, noting that no immediate successor has been named and no official reason was provided for the decision.
Sylvia is the second general to lose the position, known within the military as the J5, under Hegseth’s watch. His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was compelled to retire in October of last year. The J5 director is traditionally responsible for coordinating military planning between the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the president. A spokesperson for the Joint Staff expressed gratitude for Sylvia’s 32 years of service, wishing him and his family the best.
The dismissal occurs during a critical eight-month period in the war with Iran. President Donald Trump has indicated that renewed strikes are an option following the midterm elections scheduled for next week. He has publicly vowed to finish the job in Iran, a conflict that began with Israel eight months ago. Two diplomats briefed on the matter stated that U.S. officials have told several Middle East nations and regional allies to prepare for potential new military actions after Tuesday’s elections. They also warned that Iran might attempt to retaliate against those countries, though Trump has not yet made a final decision on launching new strikes.
Military assets are moving into the region in anticipation of these developments. A third U.S. aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are currently en route. Hegseth has also directed a major reduction in senior military ranks. Last month, he ordered the military to double planned cuts to the number of top officers, targeting a 20 percent decrease to be completed by January 1, 2027. The Pentagon currently holds roughly 800 flag and general officer positions.
Sylvia’s departure is part of a wider trend of personnel changes in the Department of Defense. Nearly two dozen generals, admirals, and other military leaders have been fired, forced to retire, or have departed under Hegseth. Most of these departures have not been publicly explained. The changes have included civilian secretaries of the Army and Navy as well as top uniformed officers. Before joining the Joint Staff, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. He also served as the vice director for the J5. His official biography has since been removed from the Pentagon website.
Hegseth defended the cuts as necessary for accountability. Speaking to junior officers and enlisted leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on September 30, he called the reductions long overdue. Some members of Congress have criticized the cuts as a purge that will take years to fix. Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and former Navy combat pilot, said last month that Hegseth is purging a generation of great leaders. Kelly argued that the move stems from a deep-seated grievance about military leadership and that recovery will take a generation.
The Pentagon did not respond to messages seeking comment late Wednesday. The move was first reported by The Atlantic. Sylvia’s removal leaves the J5 position vacant with no announced plan for filling it immediately.
The timing of the firing coincides with heightened diplomatic activity and military buildup in the Middle East. U.S. officials continue to weigh the risks of new operations against the backdrop of upcoming elections and regional tensions.
