Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team are compiling a list of military personnel who may be dismissed, potentially including members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to two sources. This move could represent an unprecedented overhaul at the Pentagon.

The planning for these dismissals is still in its initial stages following Trump’s election victory on November 5, and the details may evolve as his administration develops, the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter openly, indicated.

It remains uncertain whether Trump will support this initiative, although he has previously criticized defense leaders who have opposed him. During his campaign, Trump also mentioned the idea of “firing ‘woke’ generals” and those involved in the controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

The Trump campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The second source indicated that the new administration is expected to target U.S. military officers associated with Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump.

Milley was referenced in Bob Woodward’s recently published book, “War,” where he described Trump as “fascist to the core.” Consequently, Trump’s supporters have criticized Milley for what they perceive as disloyalty to the former president. The source stated, “Every individual who was promoted and appointed by Milley will be removed.”

“There exists a comprehensive list of all those connected to Milley, and they will all be dismissed.”

The Joint Chiefs of Staff consist of the highest-ranking officers in the U.S. military, including the leaders of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard, and Space Force.

The announcement regarding the potential dismissal of senior military leaders follows Trump’s recent selection of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and veteran, as his defense secretary. Hegseth has expressed a readiness to implement significant changes at the Pentagon.

“The next president of the United States must fundamentally reform the senior leadership at the Pentagon to ensure our readiness to protect the nation and confront our adversaries. Many individuals need to be let go,” Hegseth stated in his 2024 book, “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.” It remains uncertain whether Hegseth’s limited management experience might hinder his Senate confirmation or if a more conventional candidate for the role would pursue such extensive firings.

GENERAL BROWN TO BE AMONG THE FIRST DISMISSED

Hegseth has also directed criticism at Milley’s successor, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, questioning whether his race played a role in his appointment.

“Was it due to his race? Or his qualifications? We may never know, which casts doubt—an unfair burden on CQ. However, given that he has prominently utilized the race issue in his career, it may not matter much,” he stated.

A source familiar with the transition planning indicated that Brown would be one of several officers to be dismissed.

“The chiefs of the Joint Chiefs and all vice chiefs will be let go immediately,” the source mentioned, adding that this is still in the preliminary stages of planning.

Some current and former U.S. officials have downplayed the likelihood of such a significant overhaul, arguing that it would be unnecessary and disruptive amid ongoing global conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

One source indicated that it would be administratively challenging to dismiss and replace a significant number of senior U.S. military officials, implying that the planning might be more about show and posturing from Trump’s allies.

Conversely, a second source pointed out that the Trump team felt the Joint Chiefs of Staff should be reduced due to concerns over excessive bureaucracy.

The source noted that such reductions could be manageable within an organization as large as the U.S. military.

“These individuals are not irreplaceable. They can be easily replaced. Additionally, there is no lack of candidates willing to take on these roles,” the source stated.

“During World War II, we quickly appointed individuals in their 30s or those capable of serving as generals. And as history shows, we emerged victorious.”