Pentagon chief Hegseth plans to cut 20% of general and admiral positions — The Hill

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to announce a 20% reduction in positions designated for generals and admirals at the Pentagon. The changes will affect leadership positions in the US Army, Navy and Air Force, The Hill reports, citing a Pentagon official.

The announcement is scheduled for Wednesday during Hegseth's State of the Force address at the US Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia. There, the defense chief is also expected to outline his priorities for the Pentagon in the coming months before junior officers and enlisted and non-commissioned personnel.

Previous cuts

The new initiative continues Hegseth's previous decisions regarding senior command personnel. In May 2025, he ordered a reduction of at least 20% in the number of generals in the National Guard, and a 10% reduction in the overall number of generals and flag officers — military personnel holding ranks of one star or higher.

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At the time, Hegseth said he sought to redirect resources from “bloated” staff structures to service members. According to him, the cuts were intended to eliminate redundant elements of the force structure and optimize the leadership system.

Implementation timeline

Fox News Digital was the first to report on the upcoming decision. According to the outlet, which reviewed the memorandums, the branches of the armed forces must implement the cuts by January 1, while some positions will not be eliminated but downgraded.

The Hill also notes that since taking office as Pentagon chief, Hegseth has dismissed or secured the resignations of more than two dozen military leaders across different branches of the armed forces. These personnel decisions have raised concerns among lawmakers from both parties in the US Congress. In addition, the secretary blocked the promotions of officers planned for appointment to one- and two-star general positions, stating that military leaders serve at the president's pleasure.