Trump Nominates LaNeve to Replace Army Vice Chief Mingus Under Two Years

President Donald Trump has nominated Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve to replace Gen. James Mingus as the Army's vice chief of staff, a move reflecting ongoing high-level shifts within the military leadership. Mingus, who has served less than two years in the role typically held for about three years, has not publicly announced plans to step aside but continues to focus on his duties. LaNeve, currently Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's top military aide, is awaiting Senate confirmation for the promotion. This nomination is part of a broader pattern of unexplained firings, retirements, and reassignments under Trump and Hegseth, including recent early retirements by other senior military officers. Though officials have not provided details on the reasons behind these changes, they coincide with efforts to reshape the military's culture and priorities, as highlighted by Hegseth's push for a "less woke" force. Mingus has played a key role in the Army Transformation Initiative and modernization efforts during his tenure, underscoring the significance of this leadership transition.