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US Army abruptly removes Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza from V Corps command
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The U.S. Army abruptly removed Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza from command of V Corps, the service confirmed on August 10, 2026. Costanza, a three-star general, had led V Corps since April 2024, overseeing ground forces in Europe including NATO's eastern flank. The Army did not provide a date or reason for his removal, stating only that the matter has been referred to the appropriate authority. Brig. Gen. John B. Mountford is serving as acting commanding general, while Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Feltey is set to assume permanent command. An Army official told Military Times the removal was not political and unrelated to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, though it comes amid mass leadership shakeups at the Pentagon. Costanza's removal follows the unexpected departure of U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Donahue from command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa in early July.
Source report
The U.S. Army has abruptly removed the three-star general leading its forces in Europe, the service confirmed Monday.
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, who commanded V Corps, was relieved of his duties. The Army did not specify the date of his removal or provide a reason for the decision. In a statement, the service confirmed that "the matter has been referred to the appropriate authority in accordance with Army regulations."
Brig. Gen. John B. Mountford, the deputy commanding general of readiness for V Corps, is currently serving as acting commanding general.
According to the Army, Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Feltey—who has been selected for promotion to lieutenant general—is expected to assume command of V Corps at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Background
Before taking command of V Corps in April 2024, Costanza served as the Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe-Africa. He also previously commanded the 3rd Infantry Division.
V Corps oversees ground forces in Europe, including those stationed along NATO's eastern flank. The Corps works alongside allied forces to integrate defense systems, counter-drone capabilities, and long-range fires in the region. Costanza was the Corps' second commanding general since its reactivation in October 2020.
Costanza commissioned as an armor officer from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1991.
Context
An Army official told Military Times that the removal was not political and was unrelated to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Costanza's removal comes amid widespread leadership changes at the Pentagon. Since assuming office, Hegseth has removed or replaced at least a dozen senior leaders.
In early July, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Donahue—who previously led the XVIII Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division—unexpectedly relinquished command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The Army did not provide a reason for his departure.
About the Author
Eve Sampson is a reporter and former Army officer. She has covered conflict around the world, writing for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Associated Press.
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U.S. Army Relieves Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza from V Corps Command in Europe