Hegseth to cut number of US general and admiral positions by 20%

What Happened

A Pentagon official told Al Jazeera that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will cut the number of positions reserved for generals and admirals by 20 percent, affecting leadership across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Hegseth is expected to announce the decision on Wednesday during a visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, where he will deliver his 'State of the Force' address. According to The Associated Press citing Pentagon officials, Hegseth will direct all military services to double the 10 percent reduction he ordered last year to the roughly 800 flag and general officer positions, making a 20 percent total decrease to be completed by January 1, 2027. Fox News reported the new reductions could include any one-star general or above or officer of equivalent Navy rank, while The Washington Post reported the cuts could affect the careers of 'hundreds of current and rising military leaders following scores of firings and denied promotions'. Since taking office in January 2025, President Donald Trump or Hegseth have fired, or pushed into retirement, more than two dozen military leaders, including Army General Randy George in April, and the only two women serving as four-star officers. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned this month after reported clashes with Hegseth.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The reduction targets the highest ranks of the US military at a time when, according to Senator Reed, the force is already under strain and conducting major operations around the world. Because the number of general officer positions is set by law but can be left unfilled if the administration does not submit nominees, the move could reshape command structures, delay promotions, and shift civilian control dynamics without direct congressional approval. It also reflects the administration's stated goal of eliminating 'redundant force structure' and 'unnecessary bureaucratic layers', but critics argue it risks hollowing out experienced leadership across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Watch For

Hegseth's Wednesday address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where he is expected to formally announce the cuts and possibly specify which one-star and above positions are targeted. Subsequent service-level implementation plans, congressional hearings or statements from the Senate Armed Services Committee, and any legislative response to the administration's failure to consult on promotion holds. The January 1, 2027 completion deadline will be a key milestone, and watch for whether vacancies are left unfilled or nominees are submitted for the remaining positions.