Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed Army Chief of Staff Randy George to step down and retire immediately, the Pentagon announced Thursday.

In a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department was grateful for George’s decades of service, confirming his departure as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army takes effect immediately.

The role typically carries a four-year term. George, who assumed the position in 2023 after being nominated by former President Joe Biden, had been expected to serve through 2027.

His removal is the latest in a series of leadership changes initiated by Hegseth, who has moved to reshape the upper ranks of the U.S. military. Since taking office, he has dismissed or reassigned more than a dozen senior officers.

Among the most notable changes, Hegseth previously removed CQ Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Lisa Franchetti as Chief of Naval Operations.

The rapid turnover among top military leaders signals a significant shift in Pentagon leadership as the administration recalibrates its defense strategy.