Hegseth to Announce Military Position Reductions

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is set to reveal plans to cut the number of reserved positions for generals and admirals by 20%.

According to reports from Pentagon sources on Tuesday, Hegseth will make this announcement during his State of the Force address at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, scheduled for Wednesday.

During the address, he is expected to outline his priorities for the military for the upcoming year. Reports indicate that Hegseth has approved the reduction plans and aims for them to be fully in effect for the Army, Navy, and Air Force by January 1, 2027.

Last year, the Secretary initiated a 10% overall reduction in general and flag officer positions as part of an initiative to streamline the U.S. military’s senior ranks. He previously referred to this goal as “less generals, more GIs,” arguing that diminishing these senior roles would help direct resources and authority down the chain of command to the troops more engaged in combat situations, thereby alleviating unnecessary bureaucracy.

However, not all positions are being cut entirely; some will see demotions rather than eliminations. Earlier this month, Hegseth permitted colonels and Navy captains to occupy general and flag officer roles.

“This is not a slash-and-burn exercise meant to punish high-ranking officers,” Hegseth commented regarding the prior reductions back in May 2025. “This has been a deliberative process, working with the Joint Chiefs of Staff with one goal: maximizing strategic readiness and operational effectiveness by making prudent reductions in the general and flag officer ranks.”