Randy George says US troops deserve ‘courageous leaders of character’ in farewell email
WASHINGTON, DC: General Randy George, who was removed as Army Chief of Staff, said in a farewell email to Pentagon officials that US troops deserve “courageous leaders of character.”
His message followed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s request for him to step down and retire immediately. The email, dated Saturday, April 4, began circulating online soon after it was sent.
Reports indicate that Hegseth wanted a new Army leader who would closely follow both his priorities and President Donald Trump’s broader vision for the force.
In the meantime, Vice Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve, who previously served as Hegseth’s military aide, is set to take over as acting Army Chief of Staff. Hegseth has also dismissed more than a dozen senior military officers as part of leadership changes.
Randy George farewell email after Pentagon removal
After being removed from his post, General George sent an email to senior Pentagon leadership, including Pete Hegseth, top Army officials, and high-ranking generals, according to a US official who spoke to CBS News.
In the message, George reflected on his time in service and expressed pride in those he worked with. “It has been the greatest privilege to serve beside you and lead Soldiers in support of our country,” he wrote.
“I know you'll all continue to stay laser-focused on the mission, continue innovating, and relentlessly cut through the bureaucracy to get our warfighters what they need to win on the modern battlefield.”
He also emphasized the standards he believes soldiers deserve from their leaders. “Our soldiers are truly the best in the world - they deserve tough training and courageous leaders of character. I have no doubt you will all continue to lead with courage, character, and grit.”
His email, sent shortly after he was asked to step down, has since circulated more widely, drawing attention to his final message and leadership views.
Pentagon leadership shake-up as Randy George exits
George earlier served as senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin from 2021 to 2022 during the Biden administration. He went on to become Army Chief of Staff in 2023, a position typically held for four years.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed his exit in a statement, saying George “will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately. The Department of War is grateful for General George's decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement.”
Following his departure, Vice Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve, who previously worked as Pete Hegseth’s military aide, will step in as acting Army Chief of Staff.
George’s exit is part of a larger wave of leadership changes. Pete Hegseth has removed several senior military officials, including Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Navy’s top uniformed officer, and General Jim Slife, the Air Force’s second-highest-ranking leader.
