Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ousted Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon’s top strategic planner, amid a federal leak investigation. Sylvia allegedly failed polygraph tests and shared classified details regarding the wars in Iran and Ukraine with journalists over a period of roughly a year.
The firing of Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia removes the Pentagon’s director for strategy, plans and policy—known as the J5—during an active military conflict. Pentagon Press Secretary Sean Parnell stated that the personnel action followed an investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, adding that the matter has been referred to the Justice Department for potential further legal action.
The Department of War has zero tolerance for the intentional, unauthorized disclosure of classified information. Anyone who compromises sensitive national security information puts the lives of our Warriors at risk and undermines every military operation that keeps our country…
Investigators Catch Sylvia Communicating via Signal
An internal investigation report reviewed by Axios indicates that Sylvia acknowledged sharing classified information with reporters over approximately one year. Investigators found that Sylvia communicated with journalists using the encrypted messaging application Signal and met a journalist in person.
According to the reporting, the meetings took place after the journalist’s Pentagon access had been revoked. Sylvia reportedly relied on notes made while reviewing a classified report to orally share information regarding U.S. assistance to Ukraine. Defense officials told Fox News that Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations concerning the alleged disclosures.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth recently removed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a senior general responsible for military strategy planning, amid claims he had leaked classified military information.A Pentagon official, who confirmed Sylvia’s removal to The Epoch Times on Oct. 29, said… pic.twitter.com/ZL7db0Mdn6
Before his assignment as the head of strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. Major General JP McGee previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division and served as Sylvia’s predecessor at the J5 before being forced into retirement in October 2025. Sylvia’s military career includes service as a special assistant to the Army Chief of Staff under Gen. George, and he has served more than three decades in the Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and was wounded in combat.
The internal review also noted that Sylvia received a Signal message in June or July concerning Iran. Pentagon officials stated that Sylvia began meeting journalists outside the building due to strict department press rules requiring escorts on grounds. The Justice Department declined to comment specifically on Sylvia while confirming ongoing investigations into unauthorized disclosures in coordination with the Department of War. Senior administration officials and defense sources noted that the Pentagon’s general counsel has prioritized prosecuting unauthorized releases.
Hegseth Purges Top Pentagon Leadership
Sylvia’s departure marks the latest high-level exit under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has carried out extensive turnover among senior military leadership. Sylvia is the second officer leading the J5 directorate to be removed during Hegseth’s tenure, following the retirement of Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee in October 2025. Earlier leadership shifts under Hegseth also included the removal of Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, who served as director of the Joint Staff.
During a speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico in September, Hegseth defended the department’s personnel reductions, pointing to prior cuts of 10 percent among top brass and announcing plans for additional reductions reserved for generals and admirals. President Donald Trump addressed reporters regarding the firing, stating that the administration was very much looking for leakers.
Read @nancyayoussef on Hegseth's latest military purge just as the war is about to intensify https://t.co/hUOUXkP1FY
Sylvia is going to have ‘big problems, long term problems’.
President Donald Trump, via Fox News
Military Planners Lose Their Lead Strategist
The ouster leaves the president’s top military advisors without a lead strategic planner during an active conflict, as the administration weighs potential military actions following the midterm elections. While the J5 directorate shapes long-term military strategy and matches department policy with the operational force, a Pentagon official insisted Sylvia was not a central planner for the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The Joint Staff initially released a statement expressing gratitude for Sylvia and his family for their 32 years of distinguished service. However, that statement was subsequently withdrawn after officials reviewed the full circumstances surrounding his departure.
We are rapidly diminishing our national security over Hairgel Pete Hegseth’s insecurities. The only saving grace is that Xi has been purging his military of experienced officers, too.But that’s only a temporary reprieve. Until we have new Pentagon leadership that isn’t focused…
More on Brett Sylvia
The United States has fired its top military planner, The Atlantic reported Wednesday, in a surprise shake-up as President Donald Trump appears to be preparing to resume large-scale strikes against Iran.https://t.co/ukpNIQKhbT pic.twitter.com/pCaeUlKszh
Exclusive: Fired general admitted to leaking classified Iran and Ukraine info to two different reporters at two different outlets, report shared with @Axios showsBonus question: guess the Arlington diner where it happened?w/@TomNovelly https://t.co/VXy8oVcKvs