Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is preparing to unveil a major reduction in the number of senior military officers, cutting 20% of the billets reserved for admirals and generals, according to a Pentagon official who confirmed the plan to The Hill on Tuesday.
The announcement is scheduled for Wednesday during Hegseth's State of the Force address at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The speech, aimed at junior officers and enlisted leaders, is expected to outline the secretary's priorities for the Pentagon, with the leadership reduction as a centerpiece.
This move builds on Hegseth's previous efforts to slim down the military's top ranks. In May 2025, he directed a 10% reduction in active-duty four-star generals and admirals, and a 20% cut in general officer positions within the National Guard. His earlier order emphasized a shift in focus, calling for "Less Generals, more GIs" and reallocating resources from "bloated headquarters elements to our warfighters."
The latest directive will affect all service branches, with implementation required by January 1. According to memos reviewed by Fox News Digital, some positions may be downgraded rather than eliminated outright. The cuts are part of Hegseth's broader campaign to streamline the Pentagon's command structure and reduce what he sees as redundant senior leadership.
The upcoming speech also comes with strict attendance requirements: troops must meet waist-to-height standards and maintain "impeccable" grooming to participate, a move that underscores the secretary's focus on discipline and physical readiness.
Hegseth's aggressive reshaping of military leadership has not been without controversy. Since taking office, he has dismissed or forced out more than two dozen senior officers, a pattern that has drawn bipartisan concern in Congress. In July, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voiced alarm over the removals and the blocking of promotions for lower-ranked personnel.
"I find this deeply troubling," Collins said during a hearing. "These are men and women who volunteered to serve our country and swore an oath to support and defend our Constitution."
Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, warned in April that the firing of Gen. Randy George, the Army's former chief of staff, would have a "chilling effect" on military operations. Hegseth has defended his actions, asserting that military leaders serve at the pleasure of the president.
The new cuts are likely to intensify scrutiny of Hegseth's leadership as he continues to navigate a politically charged environment. The Pentagon's overhaul comes amid broader debates over defense spending and force readiness, with some lawmakers questioning the impact of such sweeping changes on morale and operational effectiveness.
As the Pentagon implements these reductions, the focus will be on balancing efficiency with maintaining a capable and motivated officer corps. The coming months will test whether Hegseth's vision for a leaner military leadership can withstand pressure from both Congress and within the ranks.
