U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the immediate retirement of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and dismissed two other senior Army leaders, according to U.S. officials, in a move that comes as military operations related to Iran continue.
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that Gen. George would step down effective immediately, expressing appreciation for his long military service. Two additional officers — Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., the Army’s chief of chaplains, and Gen. David Hodne, who led Army Transformation and Training Command — were also removed from their positions on Thursday, officials said.
The leadership changes follow a national address by President Donald Trump, in which he indicated that U.S. military action against Iran could intensify. The announcement marked a shift in tone after earlier suggestions that the conflict might conclude within a matter of weeks.
According to officials familiar with the situation, Gen. George was informed of his retirement during a phone call with Hegseth while attending a meeting. He later relayed the news to his staff. One official described the internal reaction as restrained.
Gen. George had served as Army chief of staff since September 2023 and played a key role in advising senior defense leadership on operational matters, including air and missile defense capabilities. His tenure coincided with active U.S. military deployments tied to the Iran situation.
Some officials indicated that the abrupt nature of the decision left limited opportunity for internal deliberation, particularly given the Army’s operational responsibilities during an ongoing conflict. One U.S. official characterized the move as unexpected and questioned its timing.
George, a career infantry officer and West Point graduate, previously held senior command roles, including leading I Corps, and served as a senior military aide to former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. While such advisory roles are typically considered nonpartisan, his prior proximity to Austin was viewed unfavorably by some within Hegseth’s circle, according to officials.
Attention has now turned to Gen. Chris LaNeve, recently nominated as Army vice chief of staff, who is expected to assume the role of acting chief. LaNeve has held several leadership positions, including commanding the 8th Army in South Korea and the 82nd Airborne Division in North Carolina.
LaNeve also drew notice from President Trump shortly after the president’s inauguration, when he participated in a video call with troops during a ceremonial event. Trump publicly commended him during the exchange.
The broader implications of the leadership shake-up remain unclear, particularly as U.S. military operations tied to Iran continue to evolve.
