Pentagon removes top military planner over leak investigation

The United States Department of Defense has dismissed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, the director of the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the removal for severe misconduct. This action follows reports that Washington notified allies of potential new strikes against Iran.

A Department of Defense official told Al Jazeera on Thursday that Sylvia met with journalists outside the Pentagon to share sensitive information. The official stated that Sylvia is currently under investigation for leaking details about the war in Iran and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Pentagon referred the case to the Department of Justice for further review.

The official clarified that while Sylvia served as the Defense Department’s chief military planner, he was not the primary strategist for the Iran campaign. That role belongs to Central Command and its leader, Admiral Brad Cooper. The department argued that urgent action was required to protect national security because Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations concerning the leaks.

Sylvia is the second individual to leave the J5 position under Hegseth. His predecessor was forced into retirement in October of last year. Before joining the Joint Chiefs, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, a post he held until May 2025. His official biography has since been removed from the department's website.

Sean Parnel, assistant to the defense secretary for public affairs, posted on X that the Department of War has no tolerance for intentional, unauthorized disclosure of classified information. Parnel did not name Sylvia in the post. This dismissal continues a pattern of Hegseth accusing senior officials of leaking information. The secretary fired three aides from his inner circle last year during a wider leak investigation that included polygraph tests.

No immediate replacement for Sylvia has been named. An official speaking to The Associated Press said the post remains vacant for now. Sylvia’s service record includes six Bronze Star Medals, one for valour, and a Purple Heart for combat wounds. His previous role included serving as vice director for the office he recently led.

President Donald Trump has spoken about starting new military operations against Iran. He promised to finish the job in the country after launching the war with Israel eight months ago. The president indicated this would occur after the midterm elections held on Tuesday.