Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon’s chief of strategy, plans and policy, was relieved of duty by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday. The dismissal came in a flurry of new personnel actions, with Hegseth giving no public reason.
According to a Pentagon official, Sylvia is under investigation for sharing classified details about the Iran war and the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, citing three failed polygraph tests. The official did not authorize public comment and was quoted on condition of anonymity.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell posted that the department had taken necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information, and the matter has been forwarded to the Justice Department for potential criminal charges.
Trump mistakenly called the general a woman during a briefing, and the Joint Staff retracted an earlier statement wishing Sylvia well, citing misrepresentation. The withdrawal underscored the uncertainty surrounding the allegations.
Sylvia’s 32‑year career includes command of the 101st Airborne Division until May 2025, six Bronze Star Medals and a Purple Heart, underscoring the gravity of the allegations for a decorated officer.
The DOJ is expected to decide whether to file a federal indictment, while the Pentagon reviews its internal procedures for preventing leaks.