Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George was expected to remain in his role at least until summer, according to four officials. Hegseth asked him to retire immediately.

With George’s dismissal, Hegseth has “removed most of the leaders of the military services,” The Wall Street Journal said. He has “moved quickly” to reshape the Pentagon, Reuters said, but “firing a general during wartime is nearly without precedent.”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has reportedly asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to retire immediately amid ongoing conflict with Iran, sources reveal

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked George to step down, a Pentagon official confirmed Thursday. “Nothing further to provide at the moment,” said the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Hegset has blocked promotions of four Army officers - two Black men and two women - to the rank of brigadier general, the New York Times reported Friday.