The United States Army’s top officer, General Randy George, has been removed from his position by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in what officials describe as part of a wider shake-up within the Pentagon.
The decision, which was confirmed on Thursday, came as a surprise, especially given that George still had more than a year left in his tenure. No official reason was given for his removal.
In a brief statement, the Pentagon said George would be stepping down “effective immediately” and thanked him for his decades of service to the country.
The move is seen as highly unusual, particularly at a time when the U.S. military is increasing its presence in the Middle East amid rising tensions involving Iran.
Firing a serving Army chief during such a period is rare and has raised eyebrows in US.
Sources familiar with the development said the shake-up did not stop with George.
Other senior officers, including General David Hodne and Major General William Green, were also dismissed as part of the ongoing changes within the Army’s leadership.
Following George’s exit, General Christopher LaNeve is expected to step in as acting Army chief.
The U.S. Army, the largest branch of the military with about 450,000 active-duty personnel, is currently playing a key support role in the Middle East, particularly in air defense operations.
Troops from the elite 82nd Airborne Division have also begun arriving in the region, suggesting preparations for possible ground operations.
Although there had been no public signs of tension between Hegseth and George, the sudden nature of the decision has sparked speculation about internal disagreements or broader strategic shifts within the Pentagon.
George, a seasoned infantry officer, previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was appointed Army chief in 2023.
His removal adds to a growing list of leadership changes within the U.S. military over the past year, signaling a significant restructuring at the highest levels of defense leadership.
REUTERS.
