U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed the Pentagon’s chief planner, Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia. Sylvia had dedicated 32 years of distinguished military service to the armed forces before this removal. His predecessor, Joseph McGee, had also been forced into retirement by the defense secretary. In the wake of the decision, a Joint Staff spokesperson formally thanked Sylvia and his family on behalf of the Chairman and the Joint Force.
Key points
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ousted two consecutive leaders from the Pentagon's chi…: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ousted two consecutive leaders from the Pentagon's chief planner position.
Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia's dismissal concludes more than three decades of service…: Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia's dismissal concludes more than three decades of service with the armed forces.
The Chairman and the Joint Force publicly offered their deepest gratitude to Sylvia follo…: The Chairman and the Joint Force publicly offered their deepest gratitude to Sylvia following his abrupt exit.
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Hegseth fires Pentagon’s chief planner Sylvia
29 October 2026 06:49 GMT
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Pentagon’s chief planner, Brett Sylvia.
Sylvia's predecessor, Joseph McGee, was similarly forced to retire by the defence secretary.
"The Chairman, the Joint Staff, and the Joint Force extend our deepest gratitude to Lieutenant Gen. Brett Sylvia and his family for their 32 years of distinguished service to our nation," a Joint Staff spokesperson told Al Jazeera.
"We wish him and his family the best as they graduate to new opportunities and the next chapters of their lives."
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