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A major shake-up at the Pentagon has intensified scrutiny of the U.S. military’s senior leadership after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia from his position amid an investigation into alleged leaks of classified military information. The three-star Army general, a veteran of more than three decades of military service, was accused of sharing sensitive information with journalists about the U.S. war involving Iran, Russia’s war in Ukraine and other national security matters. The Pentagon has referred the case to the Department of Justice for possible further legal action, marking a significant development in Hegseth’s campaign to identify unauthorized disclosures within the military. Why Was Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia Fired? Sylvia served as director of the Joint Staff’s Directorate for Strategy, Plans and Policy, commonly known as the J5. The position plays an important role in developing military strategy and advising the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. According to a senior Pentagon official, Sylvia was investigated over allegations that he had disclosed classified information to reporters. The official claimed that he failed three polygraph examinations when questioned about the alleged disclosures. The official also accused Sylvia of meeting journalists outside the Pentagon after the department introduced stricter media-access rules. The Pentagon has not publicly released the complete investigative findings. Polygraph Tests and Allegations of Leaking The reported use of polygraph examinations has become a major part of the controversy. According to Pentagon officials, Sylvia was questioned about whether he had shared classified information with journalists and failed three tests. However, the allegations have been disputed. CBS News reported that two Pentagon sources said the accusations were not true. A colleague also told The Washington Post that Sylvia had repeatedly denied leaking classified information, although he acknowledged having professional interactions with journalists. A subsequent Axios report, based on an internal investigation reviewed by the outlet, alleged that Sylvia admitted sharing classified information with two reporters over approximately a year. The competing accounts have raised questions about the evidence and circumstances surrounding his removal. Case Referred to the Justice Department Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department had taken personnel action following an extensive investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He also confirmed that the matter had been referred to the Justice Department for potential legal action. The Justice Department acknowledged that it has ongoing investigations involving possible leaks of classified information. A referral does not mean criminal charges have been filed or that a court has established guilt. Any criminal case would require further investigation and legal proceedings. A Decorated General With 32 Years of Service Sylvia served in the U.S. Army for more than 32 years and held several senior military positions. He previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. His military decorations include the Bronze Star with Valor and the Purple Heart, which he received after being wounded in combat. His sudden removal has attracted attention within military circles, particularly because of his senior role in Pentagon strategy and planning. Hegseth’s Wider Pentagon Shake-Up Sylvia’s dismissal comes amid a broader series of leadership changes under Hegseth. Several senior generals, admirals and other military officials have been removed, pushed into retirement or departed their positions during his tenure. The defense secretary has made identifying unauthorized disclosures a priority, establishing efforts to investigate leaks and introducing tighter restrictions on journalists’ access to the Pentagon. Supporters of the policy argue that protecting classified military information is essential to national security. Critics, including press freedom advocates and some military observers, have raised concerns about the effects of expanded leak investigations and restrictions on communication with journalists. What Happens Next? The Justice Department will determine whether the evidence warrants further legal action. The Pentagon has not publicly disclosed a complete account of the allegations or announced a final legal outcome. For now, Sylvia’s removal represents a significant development in the administration’s efforts to control the disclosure of sensitive military information. The case also raises broader questions about military accountability, classified information, the use of polygraph examinations and the relationship between national security officials and the press. Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, CBS News, The Washington Post and The Guardian.