The Pentagon fired one of its own three-star generals this week over an alleged leak of classified information — and in explaining why, officials may have broken a different federal law altogether.

Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, director of strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Staff, was removed from his post after what a Pentagon official described as "severe misconduct." The official alleged Sylvia had repeatedly disclosed classified information to journalists, including after the Pentagon began requiring reporters to be escorted inside the building, and said the matter had been referred to the Justice Department. A separate Pentagon statement said Sylvia had failed three polygraph examinations during the leak investigation, according to CBS News, though the network said it could not independently verify the claim and the official provided no supporting evidence.

Sylvia is no junior officer. He holds a Purple Heart and six Bronze Star Medals from a long combat career, and was photographed as recently as last year presiding over a change-of-command ceremony at Fort Campbell. Two Pentagon sources told CBS the firing was tied to the polygraph results but disputed that Sylvia had actually leaked classified material. Axios has reported Sylvia admitted leaking information about Ukraine and Iran to two reporters over roughly a year, citing an internal report; The New York Times, citing unnamed officials, reported Sylvia acknowledged speaking with at least one journalist but denied sharing anything classified or sensitive.

A Privacy Act problem

Here's where it gets complicated for the Pentagon itself. Attorneys say the public statement naming Sylvia and detailing his alleged polygraph failures may have violated the Privacy Act of 1974, which generally bars federal agencies from disclosing protected personnel records — including polygraph and counterintelligence files — without consent or specific legal authorization. Attorney Brad Moss told CBS the law covers verbal disclosures too, not just paper records. Cody Harnish, a former Army JAG officer, went further, arguing the statement also revealed a pending counterintelligence probe and a DOJ referral that could amount to unlawful command influence if Sylvia ever faces a court-martial. Not everyone agrees: Frank Rosenblatt of the National Institute of Military Justice said he doesn't see a Privacy Act violation, and noted polygraph results aren't admissible in court anyway, calling their reliability the more interesting question.

"ZERO TOLERANCE" FOR UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION — PENTAGON SPOKESMAN SEAN PARNELL

The Pentagon did not answer CBS's questions about the Privacy Act concerns. Chief spokesperson Sean Parnell posted on X that the department has "zero tolerance" for unauthorized disclosures, but notably didn't name Sylvia or repeat the specific allegations in that later statement, saying only that the firing followed an "extensive investigation" by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Sylvia's removal is the latest in a string of senior firings under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — more than 20 generals, admirals and civilian defense leaders have been pushed out or departed since he took over. Last year, three other officials were fired over leak accusations; none were ultimately charged with a crime, and one later returned to government in a different role. No charges have been filed against Sylvia, and he has not publicly responded to the allegations.