Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced sweeping reductions to the military's highest-ranking officer positions on Monday, ordering a 20% cut in four-star generals and admirals across active-duty forces.
The Pentagon chief signed a memo titled "General/Flag Officer Reductions" that will eliminate approximately eight to nine four-star positions from the current total of around 40 such roles. The plan also mandates a 20% reduction in general officers within the National Guard and an additional 10% cut across all general and flag officer positions.
"We won World War II with seven four-star generals. Today we have 44 four-star generals," Hegseth stated during his January confirmation hearing, highlighting what he sees as top-heavy military leadership. "There is an inverse relationship between the size of staffs and victory on the battlefield."
The cuts will affect positions across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. Currently, twelve four-star officers serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while others lead major regional commands like U.S. Central Command and specialized units such as U.S. Special Operations Command.
In a video message, Hegseth emphasized this is not meant to punish senior leadership. "This is not a slash and burn exercise," he said. "It's gonna be done carefully. But it's gonna be done expeditiously."
The reduction aligns with broader military reforms, including the Army's plans to streamline its acquisition workforce and command structures. The Pentagon aims to eliminate redundant force structures while maintaining military effectiveness.
"Through these measures, we will uphold our position as the most lethal fighting force in the world," Hegseth wrote in the memo, emphasizing the focus on operational excellence and innovation.
The Pentagon has not yet released specific details about which positions will be eliminated or the timeline for implementing these changes.