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US Army abruptly removes Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza from command of V Corps in Europe
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The U.S. Army abruptly removed Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza from command of V Corps in Europe, effective as of August 10, 2026. The Army confirmed the removal but did not provide a date or reason, stating the matter has been referred to appropriate authorities. Brig. Gen. John B. Mountford is serving as acting commander, while Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Feltey is set to assume permanent command. Costanza, a West Point graduate and former 3rd Infantry Division commander, had led V Corps since April 2024. An Army official stated the removal was not political and unrelated to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The event follows a series of senior leader removals at the Pentagon, including the unexpected departure of Gen. Christopher Donahue from U.S. Army Europe and Africa in early July.
Source report
The U.S. Army has abruptly removed the three-star general commanding its forces in Europe, the service confirmed Monday.
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, who was leading V Corps, has been relieved of command. The Army did not specify the date of his removal or provide a reason for his departure. 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 was selected for promotion to lieutenant general—is set to assume command of V Corps at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Background
Before taking command of V Corps in April 2024, Costanza served as Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe-Africa. He also previously commanded the 3rd Infantry Division.
V Corps oversees U.S. ground forces in Europe, including those stationed along NATO’s eastern flank. The Corps works with 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.
He 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 had nothing to do with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Costanza’s removal comes amid widespread leadership shakeups at the Pentagon. Since taking 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 across the world, writing for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Associated Press.
Source
Army TimesWestern
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U.S. Army Relieves Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza from V Corps Command in Europe