Pentagon chief Hegseth forces US Army chief of staff to step down
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to step down from his position and retire immediately, according to multiple defense officials.
The move represents a significant leadership change at the Pentagon and marks the latest in a series of high-level personnel adjustments under the current administration.
The Pentagon confirmed the decision in an official statement, noting that General George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, would retire effective immediately.
A senior US Defense Department official described the action as necessary for a leadership transition within the Army.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Pentagon chief Hegseth seeks an officer who will fully align with President Donald Trump and his own strategic vision for the Army.
General George, a West Point graduate and career infantry officer, assumed the role in 2023 following confirmation by the Senate. He previously served as vice chief of staff of the Army and as senior military assistant to then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
This development forms part of a broader restructuring of senior military leadership at the Pentagon. Secretary Hegseth has overseen the removal or sidelining of more than a dozen high-ranking officers since taking office, including previous members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
On the same day, two additional Army generals—David Hodne, commanding general of the Army’s Transformation and Training Command, and Major General William Green, head of the Army Chaplain Corps—were also relieved of their duties.
The timing coincides with ongoing US military operations against Iran, now in their fifth week. While Navy and Air Force assets have conducted the majority of strikes, the Army has deployed personnel for air defense support and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East in preparation for potential ground operations.
Observers note that dismissing a service chief during active conflict is highly unusual and nearly without precedent.
General Christopher LaNeve, the current Army vice chief of staff and a former military aide to Secretary Hegseth, has been designated to serve in an acting capacity as chief of staff.
