US Defense Secretary Hegseth Directs 20% Reduction in Senior Military Leadership

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has announced major structural changes aimed at streamlining the US military by reducing its top leadership. In a memo issued on Monday, Hegseth ordered a 20 percent cut in the number of four-star generals and admirals, the highest-ranking officers in the US military. Additionally, he mandated a 10 percent reduction in the broader pool of general and flag officers. A specific 20 percent reduction was also ordered for general officers in the National Guard. These directives are part of Hegseth’s initiative to improve military efficiency and strategic readiness.

As of March 31, 2025, the US military had 38 serving four-star generals or admirals, according to data from the Department of Defense. These top-ranking officers include the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chief of staff of the Army, the chief of naval operations, and the chief of staff of the Air Force, along with the heads of major strategic commands such as US Africa Command, US European Command, and US Forces Korea.

Hegseth elaborated on the reasoning behind these cuts in a video released on X, outlining his “Less Generals More GIs Policy.” He highlighted the current disproportionate ratio of generals to troops, noting that today there is one general for every 1,400 soldiers, in contrast to one for every 6,000 troops during World War II. He argued that an excess of high-ranking officers does not necessarily lead to greater military success. The intent behind the reductions, according to Hegseth, is not to penalize senior officers but to enhance overall strategic and operational effectiveness. The policy has reportedly been developed in consultation with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, though no specific positions slated for elimination have yet been disclosed.

This restructuring move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader campaign to downsize the federal government and eliminate individuals viewed as political opponents. Since Trump’s return to the White House in January for a second term, his administration has undertaken a series of purges across various branches of government, including the military. Notably, several high-profile dismissals have already occurred, such as that of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q. Brown and Navy chief Admiral Lisa Franchetti.

The announced cuts are intended to mark a shift in military culture and leadership strategy, aiming for a leaner chain of command and more focused use of leadership resources. Hegseth emphasized that the changes are part of a deliberate, strategic effort to prioritize combat readiness and effectiveness over bureaucratic management.

The broader implications of this policy may affect command dynamics across branches of the military and signal an evolution in how the US plans to structure and deploy its armed forces in a more agile and responsive manner. As the Department of Defense begins implementing these cuts, attention will turn to how these changes impact military operations, morale, and future strategic planning.