The Chief of Staff of the US Army, General Randy George, has stepped down with immediate effect after being asked to do so by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a sudden move that signals a widening shake-up within the Pentagon.

“General Randy A George will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said.

“The Department of Defence is grateful for his decades of service and wishes him well in retirement.” Senior US Army and Defence Department officials confirmed that Hegseth directly asked George to step down.

He has been replaced by Vice Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve, who will serve as acting Army chief until a successor is confirmed by the Senate.

George, who assumed the role in September 2023, still had around 18 months left in his typical four-year tenure. His exit makes him the latest senior military leader to leave since Hegseth took office.

The shake-up appears broader than a single leadership change. According to defence officials, at least two other Army generals have also been removed, including senior figures overseeing training and chaplaincy roles.

The development comes amid rising tensions within the US military establishment, coinciding with ongoing geopolitical strain linked to Iran.

Adding to the controversy, Hegseth recently intervened in an incident involving an Apache helicopter crew, lifting disciplinary action and stating on social media, “No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.”

The Pentagon has not publicly clarified the reasons behind George’s removal. Efforts to reach his representatives for comment were unsuccessful.

The US Army Chief of Staff is among the most senior uniformed roles in the country, overseeing training, readiness, and operations. Changes at this level are typically rare and follow extensive consultation and Senate oversight.