US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to step down and proceed with immediate retirement, a move that has stirred concern within military leadership during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
According to US media reports, Hegseth plans to appoint a new leader aligned with President Donald Trump’s defense strategy and policy direction.
A senior defense official acknowledged General George’s distinguished service but indicated that a leadership change was now necessary.
General George, an experienced infantry officer and graduate of the US Military Academy, has served in major conflicts including the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was nominated by former President Joe Biden in 2023, with his term originally set to continue until 2027.
In the interim, Vice Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeau will take over as acting Army Chief. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell described him as a reliable and capable leader suited to implement the administration’s vision.
This decision follows the removal of several high-ranking military officials, including Joint Chiefs Chairman C.Q. Brown and Naval Operations Chief Lisa Franchetti. Officials emphasized that General George’s departure is part of a wider leadership overhaul, not linked to any recent incident, signaling broader changes within the US military structure.
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