Lt Gen Brett Sylvia is accused of disclosing sensitive information to journalists about the Iran and Ukraine wars.
By Catholics for Catholics
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired a high-ranking Army general this week after accusing him of revealing to the press classified information linked to Russia and Iran.
An amply deemed officer and combat veteran, Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was serving on the Joint Staff as the director of strategy when he was done away with. His firing is part of an extensive push to use polygraph tests to find and punish leakers.
According to a story by Fox News, an official said to the news outlet that Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations connected to supposed disclosures of classified information. The probe has been sent to the Justice Department.
In addition, Sylvia is also accused of getting together with journalists outside the Pentagon with the alleged purpose of revealing classified material after Hegseth enforced new media restrictions requiring reporters to be escorted inside the building.
Fox News Digital requested information from Sylvia for comment but did not hear back by deadline time. Also, the Justice Department refused to comment expressly on Sylvia but said it has “ongoing investigations related to possible leaks of classified information” and works closely with the Department of War.
IRAN BATTLE PLAN DYNAMICS: In a significant military leadership change, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia from his role as head of Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Joint Staff known as the J5. The Pentagon cited allegations of severe misconduct involving leaked classified information regarding operations in Iran and Ukraine, noting the investigation has been referred to the Department of Justice. The leadership shift occurs as civilian and military leaders assess strategic options and force posture in the Middle East. @JenGriffinFNC details the latest in the shifts.
— Special Report (@SpecialReport) October 29, 2026
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman said the personnel action followed “an extensive Air Force OSI investigation,” though he did not identify Sylvia by name in his statement or provide further details about the investigation.
According to Fox News, The Atlantic first reported Sylvia’s removal Wednesday night, quoting sources who said Hegseth had lost faith in the three-star general amid apprehensions with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby.
Besides, Sylvia, who is the second officer leading the J5 to be removed under Hegseth, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee and Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, then director of the Joint Staff, were ousted by Hegseth earlier this year.
President Donald Trump told reporters Sylvia is going to have “big problems, long term problems” on Thursday.
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