Gen Christopher LaNeve is set to become the acting chief of staff of the US Army, following the resignation of Randy George, who had held the post since 2023. The role is the most senior position in the Army, typically serving a four-year term.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell described LaNeve, formerly vice-chief of staff, as a “battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience” and fully trusted by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to implement the administration’s vision.
LaNeve’s promotion comes amid ongoing US military operations against Iran and a broader shake-up of senior military leadership led by Hegseth. Over the past year, more than a dozen top officials have been replaced, giving LaNeve the opportunity to move into more senior roles.
LaNeve was appointed vice-chief of staff in February 2026 after James Mingus retired early. Defence Secretary Hegseth called him a “generational leader” tasked with restoring the warrior ethos, preparing the Army for modern conflicts, and deterring global threats.
Previously, LaNeve served as senior military assistant to Hegseth starting in April 2025, replacing Lt Gen Jennifer Short, who was dismissed shortly after Hegseth joined the Pentagon.
LaNeve has served in the US Army since graduating from the University of Arizona in 1990. Over his 36-year career, he has commanded units including the Eighth Army in South Korea and the 82nd Airborne Division, and participated in multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.
