WASHINGTON: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to announce plans to cut the number of positions for generals and admirals by 20%, doubling the minimum reduction he outlined last year, US officials said, according to Reuters.
The cuts will apply to billets for one- to four-star generals and admirals. Some positions are expected to be downgraded in rank, while others will be eliminated rather than resulting in the immediate dismissal of officers.
Hegseth is expected to announce the plan during a speech to junior officers and enlisted personnel at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia on Wednesday, according to two US officials cited by Reuters.
The move would further reshape the Pentagon’s senior military leadership. Last year, Hegseth ordered a 20% reduction in four-star general and admiral positions and set a minimum 10% reduction in general and flag officer positions.
Pentagon leadership changes continue amid Iran war
Hegseth has removed several senior military commanders since taking office, including Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown Jr and Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti were also dismissed shortly before the war with Iran began on February 28.
Other senior Pentagon officials have departed, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who resigned earlier this month after reported tensions with Hegseth. President Donald Trump subsequently appointed Adam Telle as acting Army secretary.
The planned reductions come as the United States remains engaged in its war with Iran and as the Pentagon faces scrutiny over damage to US military bases and weapons losses during the conflict.
It remains unclear how the new reductions will be implemented or whether cutting senior military positions during an ongoing war could affect day-to-day military operations, ABC News reported.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.