Hegseth has previously argued that the military has too many senior officers.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to reduce its number of four-star generals and admirals by at least 20%, CNN reports. The directive, outlined in a memo dated Monday and confirmed by a defense official, marks a significant shift in military leadership structure.
Currently, the military has 37 four-star leaders. Hegseth also ordered a 20% reduction in National Guard general officers and a 10% cut in total general and flag officers, which number around 900.
The defense chief called the move “critical,” aimed at “removing redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership.” Hegseth has previously argued that the military has too many senior officers.