Washington: Now-former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George stated in a farewell email to Pentagon officials that US troops deserve brave, principled leadership, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's request for his immediate resignation and retirement.

According to Anadolu Agency, CBS News had previously reported on George's removal, with a source indicating that Hegseth was searching for a successor who would align with his and President Trump's army agenda. The farewell message, verified by CBS News as genuine, was circulated online after his dismissal. A US official mentioned that George sent the letter to Army Undersecretary Daniel Driscoll, the assistant secretary of the army, and senior generals and officers on his staff.

In his message, George expressed his privilege to have served alongside his colleagues and lead soldiers in support of the country. He urged them to remain focused on their mission, continue innovating, and eliminate bureaucratic obstacles to provide warfighters with essential resources for success on modern battlefields. He emphasized that soldiers deserve rigorous training and leaders with courage and character, expressing confidence in their continued leadership with these qualities.

Before his appointment as army chief of staff in 2023, a position typically 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 announced that George would retire immediately as the 41st chief of staff of the army, with the Department of Defense expressing gratitude for his many years of service and extending best wishes for his retirement.