Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia was removed this week as the Joint Staff's director for strategy, plans and policy, ABC News and the Associated Press report. The office, known as the J-5, handles long-term military planning. ABC News reports he has now retired after 11 months in the job.

The AP, in a story carried by the New York Post, reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Sylvia. A defense official said no reason was given and no replacement has been named. ABC News reports one source said Sylvia was removed for a lack of confidence. A second source said it was unclear whether Hegseth or General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, ordered the move.

A Joint Staff spokesperson thanked Sylvia and his family "for their 32 years of distinguished service to our nation." The Joint Staff website now lists only the office's vice director, Major General Mark Slocum, ABC News reports.

Sylvia is the second J-5 chief to leave early under Hegseth. His predecessor, Lieutenant General Joseph McGee, retired last October. Before the Joint Staff, Sylvia led the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025, the AP reports.

The timing draws notice. President Trump has said new strikes on Iran are an option after next week's midterm elections. The J-5 helps shape military plans with the chairman and the president.

The AP counts nearly two dozen generals, admirals and other leaders fired or pushed out under Hegseth, almost none with a public reason. Hegseth said last month he wants a 20 percent cut in top officer jobs by January 1, 2027. Senator Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, has called the cuts a purge.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to the AP's request for comment.

What we know: Sylvia was removed as J-5 director and has retired, and no reason has been given in public.
What we don't: Who ordered the removal, and who will lead the planning office next.