WASHINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to step down and take immediate retirement, multiple media outlets reported Thursday.
As the U.S. Army's most senior general, George is being removed amid the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, with no immediate explanation for the decision.
Hegseth wants someone in the role who will implement President Donald Trump and Hegseth's 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 typically have held the position until 2027.
The current vice chief of staff of the Army, Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who was formerly Hegseth's military aide, will be acting Army chief of staff, said CBS News. ■