Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Pentagon's top military planner, several sources confirmed to CBS News late Wednesday.

Sylvia's firing comes as President Trump weighs resuming strikes against Iran after the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Sylvia was removed as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff, and was coordinating the Iran battle plan. Sylvia is the second general during Hegseth's tenure to be removed from what is known as a "J5" post, which is the lead on how the Iran war affects long-term planning.

Sylvia's predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced to retire in October 2025.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hegseth-fires-pentagons-top-military-planner/