No Chief of Staff for Months: Hegseth's Decapitation Campaign - and the US Army in Trouble

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is firing senior military officials one after another, in what appears to be a deliberate policy. The US Army has been without a Chief of Staff for months, with no replacement in sight. The upheaval occurs during the military's busiest period since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, with involvement in the Middle East and Ukraine. The nomination of General Christopher LaNeve as Chief of Staff faces political opposition in the Senate.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is firing senior military officials one after another, in what appears to be a deliberate policy of purging the command echelon. The US Army has been without a Chief of Staff for months, with no replacement in sight. The upheaval occurs during the military's busiest period since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars: air defense troops protect forces in the Middle East from sophisticated Iranian missiles, and the European Command provides intelligence and support to Ukraine. Congressman Pat Ryan (Democrat from New York, former intelligence officer) warned that emptying the ranks of the most experienced leaders during wartime endangers troops and reduces the chances of victory. Hegseth is trying to promote General Christopher LaNeve to Chief of Staff, but his nomination faces Republican opposition in the Senate. Senator Joni Ernst was furious over the firing of General Randy George contrary to promises, and personally complained to President Trump, who responded that the decision is solely up to the Defense Secretary. LaNeve is simultaneously filling two demanding roles and warns that shortcuts in training will be "paid in blood."