US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff Randy George to step down from his post, according to CBS News, the BBC's US partner. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated on social media that George 'will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately'. The Army chief typically serves a four-year term; George, a career military officer and West Point graduate, was nominated for the role in 2023 by former President Joe Biden. This shakeup follows Trump's address stating that the US-Israel war with Iran 'is expected to conclude very shortly'. George, who served in the first Gulf War and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, has not been given a clear reason for his departure. 'We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army,' an unnamed senior defense official told CBS. Parnell expressed gratitude for General George's years of service and wished him well in retirement. George will be succeeded by Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen Christopher LaNeve, described by Parnell as a 'battle-tested leader' trusted to implement the administration's vision. Hegseth has made multiple changes in senior military positions since taking office.