Hegseth's wartime firing of top generals stuns officials: "It's insane"

An Army officer in camouflage uniform and cap with stars, wearing dark sunglasses, rests his chin on his hand while looking at papers on a table outdoors.

U.S. Army Gen. Randy George at Fort Polk, La., on March 20. Photo: Colin Demarest/Axios

The ousters of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Army Gen. David Hodne blindsided military leaders and have generated concern among defense officials about the implications for the war in Iran and the longer-term adoption of new tech and tactics.

Why it matters: George and Hodne join a growing list of generals and flag officers booted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. These abrupt exits have reshaped the Joint Chiefs of Staff, intel-collecting agencies and combatant commands.

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