Pentagon Dismisses Senior General Over Alleged Classified Leaks Concerning Iran and Ukraine
The United States Department of Defense has dismissed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia following allegations that he disclosed classified military details to journalists.
Key points
- Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia fired from Joint Chiefs of Staff role.
- Investigation referred to Department of Justice over unauthorized disclosures.
- Pentagon officials cite failed polygraph tests and severe national security risks.
The United States Department of Defense has dismissed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, who served as the director of the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A defence official stated on Thursday that the general was removed due to severe misconduct involving meetings with journalists outside the Pentagon to transmit classified information.
According to the Pentagon, Sylvia was under active investigation for unauthorized disclosures regarding military operations concerning Iran, as well as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The matter has now been formally referred to the Department of Justice for further examination. Officials alleged that Sylvia failed three separate polygraph examinations pertaining to the leaks, which the department argued placed national security at risk and necessitated immediate intervention.
While holding the role of the military's chief strategic planner, the official clarified that Sylvia was not the primary coordinator for the conflict with Iran, noting that such operational responsibilities belong to US Central Command and its commander, Admiral Brad Cooper. Sylvia represents the second official to leave the J5 post under the current leadership, following the retirement of his predecessor in October of the previous year.
Sean Parnell, assistant to the defence secretary for public affairs, issued a statement on social media emphasizing that the department maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding the intentional and unauthorized release of classified material. No immediate successor has been named to fill the vacant position following Sylvia's removal.
Before stepping into his most recent leadership role at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell until May 2025. His military decorations include a Purple Heart and six Bronze Star Medals, including one awarded for valour. The dismissal occurs against a backdrop of ongoing discussions surrounding potential military operations in the Middle East.