Joint Chiefs Legal Adviser Brig. Gen. Eric Widmar Retires Nearly a Year Early

Brig. Gen. Eric Widmar, senior legal adviser to the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced his retirement nearly a year before the end of his term. He stated that he and his wife reflected on the demands of the role, which required him to live apart from his wife for the past two years.

After careful consideration, Widmar said he decided to place his family at the center of his life. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Widmar “is deeply respected and admired by all” and thanked him for his “remarkable” service.

Caine added that the Joint Chiefs will miss Widmar’s legal counsel, expertise and experience. Widmar’s departure follows those of Gen. ” Donahue, head of Army forces in Europe and Africa, earlier this month about halfway through his typical term; Army Chief of Staff Gen.

Randy George in April, about a year and a half short of the customary four-year term; and Admiral Alvin Holsey, who retired late last year with two years remaining in his term as leader of Southern Command. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the top lawyers for the Army, Air Force and Navy last year.

Widmar is a West Point graduate with more than 28 years of service who advised operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He previously served as staff judge advocate for Central Command. The Senate confirmed him as legal counsel to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2024.