WASHINGTON U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has unveiled a sweeping plan to restructure the nation’s military leadership, marking one of the most significant rank reductions in modern Pentagon history.
The reforms will cut 20% of four-star general and admiral positions, reduce other general and flag officer roles by 10%, and eliminate 20% of National Guard generals nationwide. The goal is to streamline command structures, reduce bureaucratic layers, and improve the military’s agility in responding to modern threats.
Pentagon officials say the move comes after internal reviews showed top-heavy leadership slowed decision-making and drained resources from frontline readiness. “This is about fighting wars, not managing empires,” Hegseth said during a press briefing.
The cuts will be phased in over the next 18 months and could reshape U.S. military culture, especially in branches where rank progression has long been tied to organizational stability and funding streams.
Critics warn the shake-up could damage morale and delay promotions, while supporters say it’s a long-overdue modernization that will redirect leadership toward operational effectiveness.
