U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to announce a 20% reduction in positions designated for generals and admirals across the armed forces during a State of the Force address at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The measure would expand a restructuring effort that began with a 10% target announced in 2025.

The plan applies to authorized command positions rather than requiring the immediate removal of 20% of officers currently serving. Some posts could be eliminated, while others could be reclassified so they are held by lower-ranking officers, including colonels or Navy captains. The changes are expected to cover the military services and senior commands.

Plan focuses on command structure

Internal memorandums cited by media outlets say the military departments are expected to complete the reductions by January 1, 2027. The stated aim of the broader reorganization is to reduce layers of administration and bureaucracy and shift authority and resources closer to troops involved in operations.

Hegseth has defended the approach with the slogan “fewer generals, more soldiers,” arguing that a smaller command structure could improve military readiness and operational capacity. The Arab-language outlet El Balad, citing two U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters, reported that the planned cut would cover general and admiral ranks from one-star through four-star. Those officials were not identified.

Different accounts of earlier cuts

Accounts of the earlier policy differ in their description of its scope. Enikos and La Opinion describe the previous target as a 10% reduction in senior-officer positions. La Opinion also reports that the earlier strategy included a 20% reduction in active-duty four-star general posts and another 20% reduction in National Guard positions. The sources do not explain how those elements relate to the new overall target.

The announcement comes as Hegseth faces scrutiny over changes to the military’s senior leadership. La Opinion reported that Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed concern in July about the departure of senior officers and delays in promotions. The same outlet said Republican Representative Thomas Massie filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on September 15, including allegations related to U.S. operations against Iran without congressional authorization. The proceedings were left pending after the House recess was brought forward by Speaker Mike Johnson.

Wider Pentagon reorganization

Hegseth, who took office in January 2025, has also ordered an end to the appointment of permanent civilian faculty members at U.S. military academies. A memorandum described by El Balad said the change was intended to refocus the academies on combat and the training of future officers.

The planned reduction is part of a series of changes to the Pentagon’s leadership and personnel policies since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. The plan’s implementation will determine which positions disappear and which are reassigned to lower ranks.