Hegseth Orders 20% Reduction in Military General Officers

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a historic reduction in the number of senior military leaders, directing a minimum 20% cut in four-star generals and admirals, as well as a 20% reduction in general officers in the National Guard. Additionally, the memo mandates at least a 10% reduction in general and flag officers across all military branches. The move is intended to streamline leadership, eliminate redundant bureaucratic layers, and shift resources from headquarters to frontline warfighters, in line with President Trump's 'peace through strength' doctrine. Hegseth emphasized that these cuts are not punitive but aim to enhance efficiency, innovation, and strategic readiness by reducing top-heavy command structures. The reductions follow a significant increase in senior officer ranks since the 1960s and are part of broader Pentagon personnel realignment efforts. Details on the implementation timeline and specific positions to be cut have not yet been released.