Brett Sylvia fired over leak of classified information

US officials announced on Thursday that Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff of the US military, was fired for leaking classified information. The news follows DIAR's earlier report on his dismissal on Pete Hegseth's orders; at that time no reason had been given.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the decision was taken after an investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the case has been referred to the US Justice Department for possible legal action. A senior Pentagon official, who was not named, said Sylvia failed three polygraph tests about the leaks and that Hegseth acted immediately to protect national security. Donald Trump also said Sylvia has a "problem" and that the Pentagon is seriously pursuing leakers.

Joint Staff withdraws its statement

A Joint Staff spokesman withdrew the body's earlier statement praising Sylvia's 32 years of service, saying it did not fully reflect the situation. Out of respect for the ongoing administrative process, he declined to comment further. Sylvia himself has not yet responded publicly, and US officials have not said what information was leaked or to whom.

During the months of war with the Islamic Republic, the Pentagon was angered by leaks about military planning and munitions use, and in August–September it sent about 50 Joint Staff employees for polygraph tests while searching for the source of reports on munitions stockpiles.

Background

Sylvia was an adviser to Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his dismissal came as Trump weighs the option of a new attack on the Islamic Republic. He is at least the fifth general removed this year; since Hegseth took office, at least 26 generals and admirals have stepped down or been pushed out.

The Pentagon attributed the dismissal of Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia to the leaking of classified information and handed his case to the Justice Department.