Pentagon removes planner after third failed polygraph test
Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia is the second general to be fired from the J5 post under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
By Marta Gray ·
Three polygraph tests failed by Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia led to his removal as the Pentagon's top military planner, according to a Defense Department official.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that Sylvia was accused of misconduct for leaking classified information related to the Iran war to the press.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the firing late on Wednesday. The case has since been referred to the Department of Justice.
Sylvia served as the head of strategy, plans, and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position known in military circles as the J5. He is the second general to be removed from that specific post during Hegseth's tenure.
His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced to retire in October of last year. No replacement for Sylvia has been named as of Thursday.
The Joint Staff issued a statement thanking Sylvia and his family for their 32 years of distinguished service. The Chairman and the Joint Force said they wish him and his family the best.
Typically, the J5 director coordinates military plans with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the president. Sylvia's departure occurs while President Trump weighs renewed strikes on Iran.
The president launched the war with Israel eight months ago and has vowed to finish the job. He indicated that new strikes are an option following the midterm elections scheduled for next week.
U.S. officials have advised several Middle East countries and regional allies to prepare for potential Iranian retaliation after Tuesday's elections. A third U.S. aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are currently moving toward the region.
Before joining the Joint Staff, Sylvia commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. He also previously served as the vice director for the J5. His official biography has been taken offline.
Sylvia is the latest in a series of nearly two dozen high-ranking officers to depart under Hegseth. These moves include civilian secretaries for the Army and Navy, as well as top uniformed officers. The Pentagon has rarely provided public explanations for these departures.
Last month, Hegseth ordered the military to double its cuts to the number of top officers. The goal is a 20 percent decrease to be completed by January 1, 2027. There are currently roughly 800 flag and general officer positions in the force.
