US Army Chief Randy George asked to step down by Pete Hegseth in major shakeup

Pete Hegseth has asked Randy George to step down as the US Army chief, in a move that marks the latest leadership change at the Pentagon.

According to CBS News, George will retire from his role as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army with immediate effect.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the decision, stating: "The Department of War is grateful for General George's decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement."

George, who was appointed in 2023 by former president Joe Biden, had been expected to serve a four-year term.

A career military officer, he previously served in the Gulf War as well as conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A senior defence official told CBS News: "We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army."

George will be replaced on an acting basis by Vice Chief of Staff Gen Christopher LaNeve.

Parnell described him as "a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience and is completely trusted by Secretary Hegseth to carry out the vision of this administration without fault".

The move comes amid broader changes within the military. Since taking office, Hegseth has removed more than a dozen senior officers.