03 April,2026 10:16 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. File Pic/AFP
The Chief of Staff of the US Army, General Randy George, has stepped down and retired with immediate effect after reportedly being asked to do so by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The sudden move highlights a broader leadership shake-up within the Pentagon, reported the IANS.
A statement issued by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that General George would retire with immediate effect from his role as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, the news agency reported.
The US Department of Defense expressed gratitude for his decades of service and wished him well in retirement.
General George has been replaced on an interim basis by General Christopher LaNeve, who will serve as acting chief pending Senate confirmation of a permanent successor.
George, who assumed the post in September 2023, had approximately 18 months remaining in what is typically a four-year tenure.
The reshuffle extends beyond a single position. Reports indicate that two other Army generals, including senior officials overseeing training and chaplaincy roles, were also removed as part of the ongoing changes, according to the IANS.
General George is the latest senior military leader to exit since Hegseth assumed office, signalling a broader reorganisation within the defence establishment.
The development has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including Eugene Vindman, who described George as a "tremendous public servant and soldier".
Vindman expressed concern over the decision, suggesting that experienced leadership was being sidelined, and criticised Pentagon leadership over the move.
The leadership change comes amid wider tensions within the US military. Defence Secretary Hegseth recently drew attention after intervening in a case involving an Apache helicopter crew, lifting a suspension and stating publicly that no punishment or investigation would follow.
The position of Army Chief of Staff is one of the most senior uniformed roles in the United States, responsible for overseeing training, operational readiness, and overall functioning of the Army. Such high-level changes are typically subject to extensive consultation and Senate oversight, as per the IANS.
The Pentagon has not disclosed specific reasons behind General George's removal, and no immediate response has been issued on his behalf.
(with IANS inputs)
