General Randy George: The US military deserves courageous and principled leaders

The fired Chief of Staff of the US ground forces, General Randy George, whose Pentagon has announced his immediate retirement, said in his farewell message that the military deserves courageous and principled leaders.

The Hill and CBS News reported on Saturday evening that in his farewell message, General George expressed his full thanks to the members of the US military.

George said he believes the military will continue to operate with a mission-focused spirit and will overcome bureaucratic hurdles to meet the needs of US soldiers.

“They deserve intensive training and courageous leaders with principles,” he added.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced on April 2 that George would retire immediately.

Earlier, US media reported, citing unnamed sources, that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth asked George to submit his resignation and retire.

Hegseth would like to appoint someone who can implement President Donald Trump’s vision for the military.

George took office in 2023 and previously served as senior military adviser to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during former President Joe Biden’s administration between 2021 and 2022.

George began his career as an infantry officer and took part in the first Gulf War, as well as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The US Army chief of staff is typically appointed for a four-year term, and George was expected to remain in office until 2027 after being appointed in 2023 following his nomination by Biden and Senate confirmation.