Hesseth fires top Pentagon military planner over alleged leaks US Secretary of War Pete Kagsbreath has fired Lt. Gen. Brett Silvia, director of the Joint Staff for Strategy, Plans and Policy, often described as the Pentagon's top military planner. According to an anonymous Pentagon source, Sylvia is under investigation for leaking classified information about the war with Iran, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and other matters, failed three polygraph tests and was referred to the Ministry of Justice. He allegedly circumvented the Pentagon's escort rules for reporters by meeting with reporters outside the building, including at a diner in Arlington. Axios later reported, citing a US official, that he had failed four polygraphs and confessed on camera, having leaked since at least June 2025. Other Pentagon sources told CBS that the allegations are false. The joint team first thanked Sylvia for "32 years of distinguished service", then retracted the statement. Sylvia, a former commander of the 101st Airborne Division, is the second officer in that position to be removed under Gest. When asked about the case, Trump said "she's going to have big problems," mistaking the general for a woman, and adding that the administration is "very much looking for leakers. ".

Hesseth fires top Pentagon military planner over alleged leaks US Secretary of War Pete Kagsbreath has fired Lt. Gen. Brett Silvia, director of the Joint Staff for Strategy, Plans and Policy, often described as the Pentagon's top military planner. According to an anonymous Pentagon source, Sylvia is under investigation for leaking classified information about the war with Iran, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and other matters, failed three polygraph tests and was referred to the Ministry of Justice. He allegedly circumvented the Pentagon's escort rules for reporters by meeting with reporters outside the building, including at a diner in Arlington. Axios later reported, citing a US official, that he had failed four polygraphs and confessed on camera, having leaked since at least June 2025. Other Pentagon sources told CBS that the allegations are false. The joint team first thanked Sylvia for "32 years of distinguished service", then retracted the statement. Sylvia, a former commander of the 101st Airborne Division, is the second officer in that position to be removed under Gest. When asked about the case, Trump said "she's going to have big problems," mistaking the general for a woman, and adding that the administration is "very much looking for leakers. ".