Defense Secretary Plans 20% Reduction in Top Military Ranks

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to announce Wednesday a plan to reduce the number of general and admiral positions in the U.S. military by 20%, a move that doubles previously ordered cuts.

The reductions are mandated to be completed by Jan. 1, 2027, according to reports. Some positions may be downgraded rather than eliminated entirely.

Hegseth is expected to detail the new reductions in an address at the Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The announcement comes amid a period of significant leadership turnover within the Department of Defense, with at least 20 military and civilian leaders having been removed or resigned since Hegseth took office.

In 2025, Hegseth directed the military services to cut 20% of their four-star general officers and top National Guard officials. At the time, Hegseth stated the plan was intended to eliminate "redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership" and prevent "unnecessary bureaucratic layers." He described the process as "deliberative" and aimed at "maximizing strategic readiness and operational effectiveness."

The Defense Secretary has faced criticism for his management of the Pentagon. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth earlier in September. Separately, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina publicly criticized Hegseth's leadership following the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll amid reports of tension between the two.

"I have never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country," Tillis said in a social media post. "I urge the President to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it."