Ousted army chief says US soldier deserves 'courageous leaders of character' in retirement letter

ISTANBUL

Now-former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George said in a farewell email to Pentagon officials that US troops deserve brave, principled leadership, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked him to resign and retire immediately.

CBS News previously reported that George was removed from his post, with one source saying Hegseth was seeking a replacement who would carry out his and President Trump’s agenda for the army.

The farewell message, which CBS News verified Saturday as genuine, was shared online following his dismissal.

A US official said George sent it to Army Undersecretary Daniel Driscoll, the assistant secretary of the army, senior generals and officers on his staff.

"It has been the greatest privilege to serve beside you and lead soldiers in support of our country," he said. "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."

"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," he added.

Before becoming army chief of staff in 2023, a role that is usually held for four years, George served as senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin from 2021 to 2022 during the Biden administration.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said George would retire immediately as the 41st chief of staff of the army, and that the Department of Defense appreciated his many years of service, and wished him well in retirement.