US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Announces 20% Reduction in General and Admiral Ranks

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to slash the number of positions designated for generals and admirals by 20 percent, impacting leadership across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, according to a Pentagon official speaking to Al Jazeera.

The announcement is anticipated on Wednesday during Hegseth's visit to the Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, where he will deliver his "State of the Force" address to junior officers and enlisted personnel, the official stated.

The Associated Press reported that Pentagon officials confirmed Hegseth will direct all military services to double the 10 percent reduction previously ordered last year for the roughly 800 flag and general officer positions. This adjustment brings the total decrease to 20 percent, slated for completion by January 1, 2027.

Fox News indicated that these reductions could target any one-star general or higher, as well as equivalent Navy ranks. Meanwhile, The Washington Post noted that the cuts threaten the careers of numerous current and rising military leaders following a wave of prior firings and blocked promotions.

Since taking office in January 2025, US President Donald Trump and Hegseth have dismissed or forced the retirement of over two dozen military leaders, including the Army’s top uniformed officer, General Randy George, in April. The administration also removed the only two women serving as four-star officers, alongside several other senior female leaders.

Additional high-level departures include Army secretary Dan Driscoll, who resigned this month following recurring disputes with Hegseth. When first introducing the downsizing initiative, the defense secretary argued it would eliminate redundant structures to optimize leadership and strip away unnecessary bureaucratic layers, as outlined in a May 2025 memo.

Previously, Hegseth also moved to dismantle diversity initiatives and established new fitness guidelines requiring gender-neutral or male-level physical standards for troops.

Senator Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the move in a statement, warning that cutting senior leadership without proper consultation with Congress should concern the public. He emphasized that the military is currently managing extensive global operations while under significant strain.

While the total number of general officer positions is established by law, the administration can leave these roles vacant by withholding nominations from Congress.