Archive · 8 Aug 2026
US Army removes Europe commander Costanza months before term end
The US Army is like a big team that helps keep the country safe.
One of the team's important leaders was a general named Charles Costanza.
He was in charge of soldiers in Europe.
The Army decided to take away his job early, only about two months before he was supposed to leave anyway.
The Army said the matter was handed to the right people to look into.
Some people said he was let go because of how he behaved.
A former official said he had a problem with alcohol.
Other people said the decision was not about politics.
For now, another general named John Mountford will do the job.
A new general, Thomas Feltey, will start in October.
The US Army removed Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza from his role as commanding general of V Corps about two months before his term was supposed to end.
The Army confirmed the removal, saying the matter was 'referred to the appropriate authority in accordance with Army regulations.'
Brig. Gen. John B. Mountford will serve as acting commanding general, with Maj. Gen. Thomas Feltey expected to assume the role in October.
Two sources told The Hill the ouster was not political and not directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while a former defence official said Costanza had an alcohol problem.
Costanza's removal came as more than two dozen senior military officers have been removed or sidelined under the Pentagon leadership of Pete Hegseth.
- Who
- Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of the US Army's V Corps, removed by the US Army; Brig. Gen. John B. Mountford will serve as acting commander.
- What
- Costanza was removed from command about two months before his term was due to end, with the matter referred to the appropriate authority under Army regulations.
- When
- In recent days, reported on a Friday by The Hill.
- Where
- V Corps, headquartered at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Camp Kościuszko, Poland.
- Why
- The Army cited conduct referred to the appropriate authority; sources said it was not political, while a former defence official cited an alcohol problem.
Observers and skeptics
Pentagon and officials
Reason for Costanza's removal
Observers and skeptics
The removal comes amid an overhaul in which more than two dozen senior officers have been removed or sidelined under Hegseth, raising questions about whether this is part of that broader shakeup.
Pentagon and officials
Two sources told The Hill the ouster was not political and was not done at Hegseth's direction, describing conduct that would get a commander relieved at any level.
US troop deployment to Poland
Observers and skeptics
Rep. Don Bacon noted the US has not sent an Army brigade to Poland as of late July, saying 'they're trying to wait them out or something.'
Pentagon and officials
After the May cancellation of the 2nd Armoured Brigade deployment, President Trump announced 5,000 troops for Poland, and Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said their return would materialize in the 'coming weeks.'
- Removed officer
- Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza
- Command affected
- US Army V Corps, headquartered at Fort Knox, Ky., and Camp Kościuszko, Poland
- Acting commander
- Brig. Gen. John B. Mountford
- Incoming commander
- Maj. Gen. Thomas Feltey, assuming role in October
- Reported reason
- Conduct referred to appropriate authority; not political per sources; alcohol issue alleged by former official
- Broader context
- More than two dozen senior officers removed or sidelined under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- Related deployment
- Trump announced 5,000 US troops to Poland; 2nd Armoured Brigade deployment was cancelled in May
- Reported education
- Costanza holds a master's degree in military studies from American Military University