Defense Chief Orders Military Communications Official’s Removal

The nation’s defense chief has reportedly ordered the removal of a senior military communications official from his position, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move comes as part of broader personnel changes that have reportedly created uncertainty within the country’s military leadership.

Col. Dave Butler, who served as the chief of public affairs for the army and as chief advisor to the army secretary, has been ordered to be removed from his current position. The army secretary, who is currently in Geneva as part of negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine, had reportedly resisted pressure to dismiss Butler for several months, according to military officials.

Butler, described by sources as one of the army’s most effective communicators, had been slated to receive a promotion that has been held up for nearly four months. Military officials say the defense chief has expressed concerns about several officers selected for promotion, though legal constraints prevent their removal from the promotion list. In an apparent gesture, Butler reportedly volunteered to withdraw his name from the promotion list if it would facilitate other promotions.

The army secretary, described as a close ally of the vice president and a fellow alumnus of a prestigious law school, praised Butler’s service in a statement. “We greatly appreciate COL Dave Butler’s lifetime of service in the nation’s army,” the statement read, noting his role in institutional transformation efforts and his upcoming retirement after 28 years of service.

Observers note that Butler traveled with the army secretary to Ukraine in late 2025 to assist with diplomatic efforts. The demand for his removal came Thursday, according to sources.

Since taking office in 2025, the defense chief has reportedly implemented sweeping personnel changes, removing or forcing the early retirement of numerous senior military leaders without providing public explanations. Those affected allegedly include the chief of naval operations, the chairman of the joint military leadership, senior army officials, air force leadership, and the director of the national security agency, among others.

Military sources suggest these unexplained personnel actions have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among senior officers, with many reportedly reluctant to voice concerns or opposition.

Butler’s military career included extensive overseas deployments with elite special operations units and service in conflict zones. He served as communications officer for joint special operations from 2015 to 2018 and later worked in Afghanistan, where he served as chief spokesman for all domestic and international forces during a critical period.

A former senior commander who worked with Butler described him as “the consummate professional” and “the most competent public affairs officer” in their experience. During the army’s anniversary celebrations in 2025, the head of state reportedly recognized Butler by name for his role in organizing ceremonial events in the capital.

The personnel changes come as the country’s military faces ongoing operational challenges and diplomatic responsibilities, including participation in international negotiations to resolve regional conflicts.