Chicago – April 02, 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to step down, the Pentagon confirmed Thursday, as the U.S.-led war against Iran continues into its fifth week. An official said George was asked to take early retirement, and Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell later said his retirement was effective immediately.
The move marks another major shake-up in the U.S. military leadership under Hegseth, who has dismissed more than a dozen generals and admirals since taking office. It comes as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, with attacks and threats continuing between Iran, the United States and Israel, while nations discuss ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
George had served as Army chief of staff since August 2023, and it remains unclear who will replace him. The decision adds uncertainty to Pentagon leadership at a time when the war is reshaping U.S. military priorities and drawing growing international concern.
