Major General Joseph Lestorti Received Verbal Counseling After Being Removed From Command

In a significant development within the U.S. Army last year, Major General Joseph M. Lestorti was removed from his position as Director of Operations at U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) following concerns about his leadership, resulting in verbal counseling and reassignment to a less prominent role.

Loss of Trust: What Led to Lestorti’s Removal?

Regarding his firing, General Glen D. VanHerck, the NORTHCOM commander, cited a “loss of trust and confidence” in Lestorti’s leadership as the reason for his removal. The incident followed allegations of what Army investigators later referred to as “counterproductive leadership.”

Though details of the allegations remain largely undisclosed, the Army opted not to pursue criminal charges or issue a formal reprimand. Instead, Lestorti received verbal counseling. Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith emphasized, “Appropriate action was taken, and we consider the matter closed.”

But, if you read between the lines, the Army “opted” not to pursue criminal charges. This would leave a reasonable person to believe they could have pursued the charges if they wanted to. To warrant pursuing criminal charges, one has to do something, well, criminal. What exactly did Lestori do? We don’t know, as is usual in these matters, no one is saying.

A Singular Misstep or a Pattern?

Lestorti himself addressed the situation publicly in November 2023. He described the findings as stemming from a “single disputed issue” in the investigation report, which he believes was resolved. “It is my greatest honor to continue to serve and lead our soldiers,” he said, expressing gratitude for the trust Army leadership continues to place in him.

The Army’s decision to avoid a harsher punishment, despite the high-profile nature of the incident, sparked a broader conversation about how leadership failings are addressed within the military. While some viewed the response as lenient, others saw it as appropriate given the absence of criminal behavior or misconduct beyond the scope of leadership concerns.

Current Role: Special Assistant in Washington, D.C.

Following his removal, Major General Lestorti was reassigned to a less prominent role. Since July 2023, he has served as the Special Assistant to the Director of the Army Staff in Washington, D.C., a position often used for officers under administrative scrutiny or transition.

Despite the controversy, Lestorti has not been sidelined entirely. He remains active in the Army Reserve and has been selected for a follow-on assignment. This indicates a level of trust in his ability to contribute to the Army in a meaningful capacity, though perhaps not in a role as critical as his former post.

A Distinguished Career: From the 78th Training Division to Joint Staff

Major General Joseph M. Lestorti built an impressive military career spanning over three decades, starting in 1992 when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant Infantry Officer through the ROTC program at the State University of New York at Brockport. Over the years, he held a variety of leadership roles, demonstrating a breadth of experience across operational and strategic assignments. His early positions included serving as an Airborne Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader with the 82nd Airborne Division, Executive Officer of the 18th Airborne Corps Long Range Surveillance Company, and Company Commander in the 10th Mountain Division.

He later expanded his expertise as a Plans Officer at Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), Operations Officer for an Army Reserve Counterterrorism Unit, and Officer in Charge of a Special Operations Command and Control Element during a deployment to Iraq.

Lestorti’s experience in special operations and irregular warfare continued with roles such as J5 Operations Officer at the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Battalion Commander of the 3/318 Military Police in the 98th Division, and Branch Chief for Irregular Warfare on the Joint Staff. He also commanded the 3rd Brigade of the Atlantic Training Division.

Promoted to Brigadier General on July 16, 2018, and later to Major General on September 29, 2022, Lestorti took on increasingly significant responsibilities. His general officer assignments included serving as the Commanding General of the 78th Training Division (Operations) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, from July 2018 to October 2019.

He then became the Deputy Director for Global Integration and Current Operations, J-3, on the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., from October 2019 to May 2022. His final assignment was as the Director of Operations, J-3, for U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, a role he held from May 2022 until his removal in July 2023.

Lestorti’s military education included the Infantry Officer Basic Course, the Ranger Course, and the Army War College, among other professional development programs. His service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, such as the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Ranger Tab.

Leadership Lessons: Holding the Line on Accountability

The incident surrounding Lestorti underscores the Army’s commitment to holding its leaders accountable, even at the highest levels. In a profession that relies heavily on trust and discipline, any breach of leadership standards can ripple through the ranks, eroding confidence.

While verbal counseling may seem mild compared to harsher disciplinary measures, it reflects a deliberate choice by the Army to address the situation without ending Lestorti’s career outright. The decision also serves as a reminder that leadership in the military is as much about maintaining relationships as it is about operational effectiveness.

Looking Ahead: A Future Still in Uniform

Despite the setbacks, Major General Lestorti remains optimistic about his future in the Army. The episode serves as a case study of how the military balances accountability with the preservation of talent. For Lestorti, it is a chance to rebuild trust and continue contributing to the organization he has served for over 30 years. For the Army, it is a reminder of the delicate act of maintaining high standards while fostering resilience and second chances within its leadership ranks.