WASHINGTON, April 3 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- United States (US) Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to step down and retire immediately, according to multiple media outlets on Thursday, reported Xinhua.
As the US Army’s most senior general, George is being removed amid the US–Israeli conflict against Iran, with no immediate explanation for the decision.
Hegseth wants someone in the role who will implement President Donald Trump’s and his own vision for the Army, according to a report from CBS News.
"We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army," a senior Pentagon official was quoted as saying.
The Army Chief of Staff typically serves a four-year term. George was nominated for the position by former President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2023, meaning he would normally have held the role until 2027.
The current Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Christopher LaNeve – formerly Hegseth’s military aide – will serve as acting Army Chief of Staff, CBS News reported.
-- BERNAMA-XINHUA
