WEBDESK: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced major changes to the military’s leadership structure. In a bold move, Pete Hegseth has ordered the Pentagon to reduce the number of four-star generals and admirals by at least 20%. He also called for a 20% cut in National Guard general officers and a 10% cut in all generals and admirals ranked one star or higher.
As of 2023, there were 37 active four-star officers across the military.
Hegseth’s directive also includes a 20% cut in National Guard general officers and a 10% reduction in total general and flag officers – approximately 900 individuals ranked one star or higher.
The memo describes the cuts as essential to “removing redundant force structure” and improving strategic readiness.
Hegseth argues that a bloated top brass hampers battlefield effectiveness and leadership efficiency.
This decision follows other changes made by Pete Hegseth since joining the Trump administration. He has already removed several top military officials, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Navy’s top admiral. The move is seen as part of a larger plan to shake up federal agencies and reduce what he sees as unnecessary bureaucracy.
He has already removed several top officials, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Navy’s top admiral.
Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the plan, calling the cuts arbitrary and potentially damaging to military readiness.
Further restructuring may include merging combatant commands like US European Command and US African Command to eliminate additional four-star posts.
Pete Hegseth insists the changes will be implemented “carefully but expeditiously,” though specific positions targeted for elimination remain undisclosed.
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