Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired his director of the Joint Staff after only two months in the job, according to sources. The Pentagon boss flip-flopped on the appointment of Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, whom he had appointed on Dec. 10. He has now sent him back to work with the U.S. Navy, Reuters first reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter. The director of the Joint Staff is responsible for assisting with overseeing the armed forces and strategic planning. Kacher’s exit comes as the U.S. military conducts a major buildup of its forces in the Middle East, amid escalating tensions with Iran. Read more at The Daily Beast.