Military Leadership Removal Transparency Act of 2026

This legislation establishes new requirements for congressional notification regarding the early departure or relief of certain senior military officers. It mandates that the Secretary of Defense inform the House and Senate Armed Services Committees within five days if a general, admiral, lieutenant general, or vice admiral departs their position before the expected completion of service. The initial notice must include crucial details such as the officer's name, the nature of the action (e.g., relief, resignation, retirement), who initiated it, and the stated basis for the departure. Within 30 days of this initial notification, a more comprehensive detailed report is required. This report must include a signed statement from the Secretary of Defense explaining the basis for the action, findings from any related investigations, and a certification that the action was not principally taken in retaliation for good-faith assessments provided by the officer. The bill defines "early departure" broadly, covering situations where an officer leaves before a publicly announced date, a successor is scheduled, or within 24 months if no other date is set. While this act does not limit the President's or Secretary of Defense's authority to assign or relieve officers, it ensures these actions are subject to the new transparency and reporting requirements for congressional oversight.