The Pentagon announced the removal of Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, director of the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, following accusations of misconduct involving the unauthorized disclosure of classified material. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the decision, citing allegations that Sylvia met with members of the media outside the Pentagon to pass along sensitive information.
A Defense Department official stated that Sylvia faced investigation for leaking classified details related to Iran operations, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and other matters. The official noted that Sylvia held the position of chief military planner for the Defense Department but was not involved in central planning for Iran-related military actions, a responsibility attributed to Central Command and its leadership. The investigation into Sylvia remains active and has been referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution consideration.
According to Pentagon officials, Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations concerning unauthorized disclosure of classified information. The official emphasized that the severity of the breach necessitated immediate action to protect national security. The position, referred to as the J5 in military circles, has now lost its second director under Hegseth’s tenure, with his predecessor forced into retirement in October last year. Currently, no replacement has been identified for the role.
Prior to his assignment at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sylvia served as commander of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. His military record includes six Bronze Star Medals, one recognizing valor, and a Purple Heart signifying combat wounds. Sean Parnel, an assistant to the defense secretary, reiterated the department’s strict policies against unauthorized disclosure of classified information. Sylvia represents the latest senior Pentagon official dismissed by Hegseth on suspicion of media leaks, following the removal of three aides from the secretary’s immediate staff in a previous leak investigation.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI