Pentagon fires Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia amid classified-information leak investigation

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from his Joint Staff strategy post amid allegations that he disclosed classified information to journalists about Iran, Ukraine and other matters. Accounts differ on what evidence investigators say Sylvia acknowledged; the investigation has been referred to the Justice Department and remains ongoing.

• Hegseth fired Sylvia, who led the Joint Staff’s Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate, known as the J-5. The Pentagon described the personnel action as responding to alleged severe misconduct.· 2 sources
• Officials said the inquiry concerned alleged disclosures about the Iran war, Russia’s war in Ukraine and other matters; the case was referred to the Justice Department.· 3 sources
• Reports citing an internal investigation say Sylvia admitted sharing information with two journalists over roughly a year, including through Signal and during an in-person meeting in Arlington.· 2 sources
• The investigation accounts cite failed polygraph tests, but reports vary between three and four; Sylvia’s alleged disclosures and the circumstances remain under investigation.· 3 sources
• The Pentagon said Sylvia was not a central planner for the Iran war, a responsibility it assigned to US Central Command. No immediate replacement was reported.· 2 sources