The US Army Chief of Staff, Randy George, was fired on Thursday by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to two defense officials and a source familiar with the matter. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has been restructuring the department by removing top generals and admirals to align with President Donald Trump’s national security objectives.
The Pentagon confirmed George’s departure, stating that he would be retiring immediately from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army. While no reason was given for his removal, it comes as the US military increases its presence in the Middle East, particularly against Iran. The Pentagon acknowledged George’s years of service and wished him well in his retirement.
The Army, with approximately 450,000 active-duty soldiers, plays a significant role in the US military. Elite soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division have also been deployed to the Middle East, potentially for ground operations in Iran.
The recent shake-up at the Pentagon includes Hegseth overturning an Army decision to investigate pilots flying near musician Kid Rock’s residence. General Christopher LaNeve is set to temporarily replace George as the Army vice chief of staff. George, an infantry officer with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, was appointed to the role in 2023.
His removal marks another change in the leadership at the Pentagon, following the dismissal of the previous chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, as well as the chief of naval operations and Air Force vice chief of staff. George’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
