Lt Gen Charles Costanza, a senior US Army commander overseeing military operations in Europe, has been abruptly removed from his post, the Army confirmed Friday. The decision came nearly two months before he was expected to hand over command, while the circumstances behind his removal remain unclear.
Event Context
Costanza commanded the Army’s V Corps, a key formation responsible for overseeing US Army forces and coordinating operations across Europe.
Costanza is an armor officer who has led V Corps since April 2024. Before taking command of the corps, he served as commander of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
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V Corps has become particularly significant since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Partially based in Poland, the corps helps coordinate US support for Ukraine and manages the American military presence along NATO’s eastern flank.
The Army said Costanza was removed from command in recent days. Brig Gen John B Mountford, V Corps’ deputy commanding general for readiness, is currently serving as acting commanding general.
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The Army has not publicly disclosed the reason for Costanza’s removal.
With V Corps playing a central role in coordinating US Army activities in Europe and along NATO’s eastern flank, the sudden removal of its commander has drawn attention.
Team Analysis
His departure comes amid a wider shake-up of senior US military leadership under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. More than two dozen high-ranking officers have been removed or sidelined during Hegseth’s tenure, often without detailed public explanations.
The Pentagon downsized the US military footprint in Europe this year, including abruptly cancelling a planned deployment of the Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas, to Poland.
The decision drew criticism in Warsaw. President Donald Trump later announced that the US would position 5,000 troops in Poland.
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For now, however, the Army has not publicly explained why Costanza was removed nearly two months before his expected change of command.
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However, a source familiar with Costanza’s removal told ABC News that his case was unrelated to Hegseth’s broader effort to reshape the military’s senior leadership and was not driven by political considerations.
No further explanation was provided about what prompted Costanza’s early departure.
Maj Gen Thomas Feltey had already been Senate-confirmed to take over the V Corps command in October. Costanza’s removal therefore brings forward a leadership transition that had already been planned.
The Army has not indicated whether Feltey will now assume the position earlier than scheduled.
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Costanza’s removal comes as the US military continues to adjust its presence in Europe.
