Defense Secretary Hegseth Fires Army Chief Randy George Amid Iran War
Key Takeaways
- Hegseth ousted Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and ordered immediate retirement.
- Two other generals were fired in the same shake-up amid Iran war.
- Pentagon confirmed George’s immediate retirement as 41st Army Chief amid Iran war.
Top Army Leadership Overhauled
Hegseth fired Army Chief George and two other generals while the US waged war in Iran.
“Hegseth ousts Army Chief of Staff Gen”
Senior Army leadership was caught off guard, learning of the firing along with the rest of the Defense Department.
George had been serving since August 2023 after being nominated by Biden.
The move is the latest in a series of more than a dozen firings by Hegseth.
Rising Aide LaNeve to Replace George
Hegseth plans to install LaNeve as acting Army chief of staff.
LaNeve was serving as Hegseth's top military aide when Trump nominated him last October.
George had worked closely with Army Secretary Driscoll, whom Hegseth perceived as a threat.
The abrupt and public nature of George's retirement contrasts with typical transitions.
No Public Reason Given
The Pentagon provided no public explanation for the firings.
“WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ousted the Army’s top uniformed officer and two other generals, the Pentagon said Thursday without giving a reason for the departures while the United States is waging a war against Iran”
The ouster comes nearly five weeks into US-Israeli attacks on Iran with no clear timeline.
The Atlantic Council had described the Iran campaign as a high-risk gamble.
The leadership purge has sparked concern within military ranks and Congress.
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