Hegseth Fires Joint Staff J5 General Over Alleged Classified Leaks
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia as the Joint Staff J5 director for strategy, plans and policy on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, citing alleged leaks and failed polygraph exams.[1]
A Pentagon official said Sylvia failed three polygraph exams and the case was referred to the Justice Department.[1] Sylvia is the second consecutive Joint Staff J5 to be ousted under Hegseth, who has removed nearly two dozen senior officers.[1] Hegseth has ordered a 20% cut in flag and general officer positions to take effect by January 1, 2027.[1]
The polygraph examinations concerned alleged leaks of classified information on the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war.[1] The shakeup comes as President Trump considers renewed military strikes on Iran and deploys a third aircraft carrier and additional forces to the region.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia as Joint Staff J5 director for strategy, plans and policy.
- A Pentagon official said Sylvia failed three polygraph exams concerning alleged leaks of classified information on the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war, and the matter was referred to the DOJ.
- Sylvia is the second consecutive J5 to be ousted under Hegseth, who has removed nearly two dozen senior officers while ordering a 20% cut in flag and general officer positions by January 1, 2027.
- The shakeup occurs as President Trump considers renewed military strikes on Iran and deploys a third aircraft carrier and additional forces to the region.
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