US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan plan to reduce positions for generals and admirals by 20% has created panic in the US military circles.
Hegseth is expected to reveal the plan during a speech to junior officers and enlisted personnel at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia on Wednesday, according to two US officials cited by Reuters.
The proposed reduction would cover positions for one- through four-star generals and admirals. Officials said the changes would not necessarily involve immediate dismissals. Instead, some vacant or future positions could be downgraded, while others would be eliminated.
The move would expand Hegseth’s efforts to restructure the Pentagon’s senior leadership. Last year, he ordered a 20% reduction in four-star general and admiral positions and established a minimum 10% cut across general and flag officer posts.
Several senior military leaders have departed since Hegseth took office. Army Chief of Staff General Randy George was removed in April, while Joint Chiefs Chairman General Charles Brown Jr and Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti were dismissed shortly before the US conflict with Iran began on February 28.
Other Pentagon officials have also left, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who resigned earlier this month following reported tensions with Hegseth. President Donald Trump later appointed Adam Telle as acting Army secretary.
The planned reductions come as the United States remains involved in the conflict with Iran. The Pentagon has also faced scrutiny over damage to American military facilities and weapons losses during the fighting.
Hegseth previously criticised senior military leadership and diversity initiatives during his Quantico speech last year.
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