Pete Hegseth orders deeper cuts to generals and admirals in US military

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to announce plans to cut 20 percent of military positions reserved for generals and admirals as part of a major overhaul of senior leadership.

According to memos seen by Fox News, Hegseth approved reduction plans for the Army, Navy, Air Force and the military’s joint pool earlier this month.

The reductions are expected to be completed by January 1, 2027.

The new target doubles the 10 percent overall reduction in general and flag officer positions ordered by Hegseth last year.

A War Department source told Fox News that the cuts apply to positions designated for generals and admirals rather than removing 20 percent of officers currently holding those ranks.

Some positions will be downgraded instead of eliminated, allowing colonels and Navy captains to take over roles previously reserved for higher-ranking officers.

Hegseth has argued that reducing senior leadership would remove unnecessary bureaucracy and shift more authority towards troops closer to military operations.

"This is not a slash-and-burn exercise meant to punish high-ranking officers," Hegseth said when announcing earlier cuts in May 2025.

Hegseth is expected to outline the changes during his State of the Force address on Wednesday.