The dismissal of a senior US military officer has drawn attention to growing concerns over the unauthorised disclosure of classified defence information within the Pentagon. Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, the former director of Strategy, Plans and Policy on the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, reportedly admitted to sharing classified information concerning the wars in Iran and Ukraine with journalists over a period of approximately one year, according to an internal investigation report reviewed by Axios.
Sylvia was removed from his position by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier this week following an investigation into alleged unauthorised communications with members of the media. According to the report, the general acknowledged sharing sensitive information with two journalists representing separate media organisations. A US official told Axios that Sylvia made the admissions during a recorded interview after failing multiple polygraph examinations conducted as part of the investigation.
The reported disclosures began as early as June 2025 and continued through different forms of communication, including the encrypted messaging platform Signal. Investigators also examined an in-person meeting between Sylvia and a journalist at a diner in Arlington, Virginia. During the meeting, Sylvia allegedly used notes prepared while reviewing a classified report to share information about US military assistance to Ukraine. The journalist was reportedly working on a book and had met the general on two occasions.
The investigation further raised questions about communications between Sylvia and another journalist concerning Iran. According to the report, Sylvia received a Signal message that he believed was related to Iran but later deleted the message and the associated conversation thread from his personal phone. Investigators reportedly suspected that the deletion may have been intentional, although Sylvia maintained that he believed he had accidentally erased the entire conversation.
The Pentagon’s investigation also examined whether Sylvia had properly followed established procedures for communicating with journalists. The report indicated that the meetings were not coordinated through the Pentagon’s Public Affairs Office and that the information shared had not been submitted for clearance before disclosure.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that Sylvia’s removal followed an extensive investigation conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He also stated that the matter had been referred to the Department of Justice for potential further legal action. The investigation reportedly covers unauthorised disclosures involving the Iran conflict, Russia’s war against Ukraine and other sensitive military matters.
Sylvia held a significant position within the Joint Staff, serving as director of the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate, commonly known as the J5. The office plays an important role in developing and coordinating military strategies and advising the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine. Before taking up the Pentagon assignment, Sylvia served as commander of the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division and had accumulated approximately 32 years of military service.
His removal comes amid a wider effort by the Hegseth-led Pentagon to identify and prevent unauthorised disclosures of sensitive military information. The department has increased scrutiny of senior officials, including the use of polygraph examinations, as part of investigations into potential leaks involving military operations, weapons inventories and national security matters.
The Joint Staff initially issued a statement acknowledging Sylvia’s long military career and expressing gratitude for his service. However, the statement was subsequently withdrawn after officials said it did not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding his departure.
US President Donald Trump also commented on the dismissal, indicating that his administration was actively pursuing individuals responsible for leaking sensitive government information. The case has emerged at a particularly sensitive time as Washington continues to assess its military posture in the Middle East and the possibility of renewed operations against Iran.
The investigation into Sylvia highlights the growing importance of information security within the US defence establishment, particularly as military planning increasingly involves sensitive intelligence, operational assessments and international security partnerships. Any unauthorised disclosure of such information can raise concerns about operational security and potentially affect ongoing military activities. Further developments are expected as the Justice Department considers the matter and the investigation progresses.