Reggie Jackson Slams Hegseth for Ousting Army Leaders During Iran Operation Secretary of War Pete Hegseth ordered the immediate retirement of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George on Thursday, sparking criticism from former New York Yankees star Reggie Jackson, who accused the administration of undermining military leadership during an ongoing operation in Iran. Hegseth’s decision to replace George, along with other high-ranking officials, has drawn scrutiny over its timing and impact on the Army’s operational readiness. According to a senior War Department official, Hegseth called George and requested his immediate retirement, citing the need for a “leadership change in the Army.” The move followed Hegseth’s recent overhaul of military “faith codes” and restructuring of the Pentagon chaplain corps, which he has vowed to continue. General David Hodne, who led the U.S. Army’s Transformation and Training Command, and Maj. Gen. William Green, head of the Army’s Chaplain Corps, were also removed from their positions, as reported by Reuters. Jackson, a Hall of Fame baseball player and current War Department advisor, expressed frustration with the decision on social media, questioning how the military could “get rid of all that experience” during a critical conflict. “What’s happening with our Sec of Defense. How do we get rid of all that experience at this time? Help me I don’t get it. Getting rid of The Chaplin (sic) leader?” he wrote, referencing the ousting of chaplain leaders. Jackson’s comments highlight concerns about the abrupt nature of the changes, which some argue could disrupt the Army’s ability to manage complex operations. The former Yankees star emphasized the importance of retaining seasoned leaders, particularly as the military faces challenges in the Iran operation.#pete_hegseth #army_chief_of_staff #general_randy_george #reggie_jackson #war_department
Ousted Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George Sends Outgoing Email on Leadership General Randy George, the former Army Chief of Staff, sent an outgoing email to Pentagon officials following his abrupt dismissal by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The email, confirmed as authentic by CBS News, emphasized the need for "courageous leaders of character" to support U.S. soldiers. Hegseth had ordered George to step down and retire immediately, citing the need for a leader aligned with his and President Donald Trump’s vision for the Army. CBS News reported earlier in the week on George’s ousting, with sources indicating that Hegseth sought someone capable of implementing his strategic priorities. The outgoing email, which circulated online after his removal, was addressed to Undersecretary of the Army and Assistant Secretary of the Army Driscoll, as well as senior generals and officers on his staff. In the message, George acknowledged the honor of serving alongside his colleagues and pledged their continued dedication to the mission. He wrote, "I know you'll all continue to stay laser-focused on the mission, continue innovating, and relentlessly cut through the bureaucracy to get our warfighters what they need to win on the modern battlefield." George also highlighted the exceptional qualities of U.S. soldiers, stating, "Our soldiers are truly the best in the world – they deserve tough training and courageous leaders of character. I have no doubt you will all continue to lead with courage, character, and grit." His remarks underscored his belief in the resilience of the military and the necessity of leadership that prioritizes the needs of troops.#pentagon #defense_secretary_pete_hegseth #army_chief_of_staff #general_randy_george #general_christopher_laneve
Army Chief of Staff Fired by Hegseth, Sources Say U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Randy George was dismissed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday, according to three U.S. defense officials. The Pentagon confirmed George’s immediate retirement from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, citing gratitude for his decades of service and well-wishes for his future. The department did not disclose the reason for his removal, which occurs as the U.S. military intensifies its presence in the Middle East amid operations against Iran. George, who had over a year remaining in his term, was abruptly replaced despite no public indication of conflict with Hegseth. The firing follows a pattern of high-level Pentagon purges, including the dismissal of General David Hodne, head of the Army’s Transformation and Training Command, and Major General William Green, leader of the Army’s Chaplain Corps. Hegseth’s actions have included controversial moves such as firing the Army’s top lawyer and orchestrating a military parade to mark the Army’s 250th birthday, coinciding with former President Trump’s birthday. The U.S. military’s focus in the Middle East involves Navy and Air Force strikes against Iran, with Army units deployed for air defense and potential ground operations. The Army, the largest branch with approximately 450,000 active-duty soldiers, has begun sending thousands of troops from its elite 82nd Airborne Division to the region. The Pentagon’s decision to remove George comes amid ongoing tensions, though officials noted the dismissal was unrelated to a recent reversal of an Army investigation into pilots flying near singer Kid Rock’s home, which Hegseth had previously supported. George, an infantry officer with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, was confirmed to his role in 2023.#middle_east #pentagon #pete_hegseth #randy_george #army_chief_of_staff
