Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, a senior official within the United States military, has been dismissed from his position following an investigation that revealed his involvement in the unauthorized disclosure of classified information. Sylvia, who previously served as the head of the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate—often referred to as the J5—under the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was terminated on Wednesday due to what the Pentagon described as severe professional misconduct.
According to an internal investigation report reviewed by Axios, the leaks occurred over a period of approximately one year. During this time, Sylvia allegedly shared sensitive details concerning the ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine with two journalists from separate news organizations. The disclosures reportedly began in June 2025, a timeframe during which the Pentagon had implemented stricter protocols regarding media access to high-level military information.
The investigation into the leaks involved multiple polygraph tests, which Sylvia reportedly failed. A U.S. official confirmed that following these failed tests, the general admitted to the security breaches on video. The findings suggest that the communications often bypassed standard channels, as Sylvia did not seek clearance from the Pentagon’s public affairs office before engaging with members of the press.
Evidence outlined in the report details the methods used to exchange this sensitive material. Sylvia reportedly utilized the encrypted messaging platform Signal to maintain contact with journalists. In at least one instance, he met a journalist in person at a diner in Arlington, Virginia. During this encounter, he allegedly reviewed a classified report and used the contents to orally provide information regarding U.S. assistance provided to Ukraine. That specific journalist, who was researching a book at the time, met with the general twice.
The investigation also uncovered discrepancies regarding Sylvia’s handling of his digital communications. When questioned about messages he received between June and July concerning Iran, the general claimed he could not recall the precise details and suggested he had accidentally deleted the conversation thread. However, U.S. officials familiar with the case have expressed skepticism, noting that they suspect the erasure of these communications was a deliberate act to obscure his activities.
While the investigation into his actions remains active, the matter has been officially referred to the Department of Justice for potential further legal proceedings. Despite his high-ranking position, officials indicated that Sylvia was not responsible for the central planning of operations related to the conflict in Iran; those strategic responsibilities were held by the U.S. Central Command under Admiral Brad Cooper.
The dismissal of Lieutenant General Sylvia comes as Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth continues a broader initiative to address and curb unauthorized disclosures within the Department of Defense. In July, the Pentagon launched a dedicated joint task force in collaboration with the Justice Department specifically designed to identify individuals responsible for leaking classified material and to prioritize the prosecution of such cases.
Addressing the fallout of the incident on Thursday, President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating that the general faced significant problems and emphasizing that his administration remains actively focused on identifying and addressing those who leak classified information. As the legal process against Sylvia unfolds, the Pentagon maintains that the unauthorized release of the data compromised national security, leaving the former general to face the consequences of his actions under a strengthened regime of internal oversight.
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