Hegseth Announces Further Cuts to Senior Military Ranks
U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that the military will reduce its number of generals and admirals by 20 per cent by January 1, 2027. Speaking to junior officers and enlisted leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, he said the reduction doubles a 10 per cent cut ordered last spring. Hegseth described the move as “accountability and long overdue.”
The announcement was part of what Hegseth called his “state of the force” address. He also outlined plans for a new four-star command to oversee the deployment of autonomous and robotic military systems. The proposal follows questions from lawmakers about a recent decision to return a Europe-based army unit specializing in drone warfare to a traditional infantry role.
Hegseth discussed changes to military personnel policies, including the rollback of diversity programs, a review of ground combat units with female troops and a screening program for testosterone deficiency among male service members. He also highlighted administration efforts to increase weapons production as U.S. forces continue operations in the Middle East.
The speech comes amid the U.S. war with Iran and a continuing dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route. Hegseth repeated claims that U.S. strikes have severely damaged Iran’s military capabilities. Iran has nonetheless continued intermittent missile and drone attacks in the region. Experts cited in the report said replenishing heavily used U.S. weapons stockpiles could take at least three years.
The proposed leadership cuts have drawn differing responses in Congress. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly said the departures risk weakening military leadership for years. Republican Senator Mike Rounds said reducing an overly large senior command structure might be justified, but that he wanted to examine Hegseth’s reasoning. More than two dozen senior military leaders have already been fired or pushed to retire under President Donald Trump and Hegseth, according to the report.