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Pentagon Orders Sweeping Cuts to Senior Military Ranks

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mandates a phased reduction of four-star generals and admirals, with Congress set to review the proposed changes.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrives for a meeting with Peru's Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer and Peru's Minister of Defense Walter Astudillo at the Pentagon, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday that he wanted to reduce the number of four-star positions in the active-duty military by at least 20%.
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Overview

  • Hegseth's directive calls for a 20% reduction in active-duty four-star officers and National Guard generals, along with a 10% cut across all general and flag officers.
  • The plan, dubbed 'Less Generals, More GIs,' aims to shift resources from headquarters to frontline forces, streamlining leadership structures.
  • The cuts will be implemented in two phases, with details on specific positions and timelines yet to be finalized by Pentagon leadership.
  • Democratic lawmakers and critics have raised concerns about potential politicization and the impact on military readiness, while Congress must approve the changes.
  • Hegseth compares current leadership ratios to World War II, arguing the military is top-heavy and in need of structural reform to enhance operational efficiency.