Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced plans to reduce the number of senior admirals and generals, focusing on transforming the Army to emphasize homeland defense and deter China. The goal includes eliminating redundant structures and streamlining leadership, though specific details are currently limited. The Army will focus on removing outdated programs and investing more in long-range missiles, missile defense, cyber, electronic warfare, and counter-space capabilities.
Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to decrease the number of four-star admirals and generals by at least 20 percent, including the same reduction for general officers in the National Guard. Hegseth stated these measures aim to maintain the military’s global superiority, ensuring efficiency and readiness for future challenges.
Currently, there are over 800 active duty generals and admirals, marking a 31 percent increase since 1965, as noted by a report from the Congressional Research Service. Greg Williams, director of the Center for Defense Information at POGO, commented on the lack of detail in Hegseth’s memo, expressing concern over the absence of a timeline.
POGO has been studying the increasing number of military officers since the 1980s. In 1939, there was one officer for every 11.7 enlisted men, compared to one officer for 5.9 enlisted men in 1986. The report also highlights debates on whether the growth of senior officers is wasteful or a necessary response to modern military challenges.
Williams warned against using the reductions as a “partisan litmus test” to filter military leadership based on perceived loyalty. Hegseth had previously dismissed Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown and Adm. Lisa Franchetti without explanation, raising concerns about motives behind personnel changes.
Senator Jack Reed expressed skepticism regarding the rationale for Hegseth’s plans, emphasizing the importance of decisions based on facts and analysis rather than arbitrary cuts. Reed cautioned that eliminating experienced officers without proper analysis could harm military effectiveness.
In a related initiative, Hegseth issued a memo for a comprehensive transformation of the Army. The directive includes streamlining force structure, eliminating wasteful spending, and modernizing defense contracts. An official mentioned that the plan was already being developed before Hegseth’s tenure.
The transformation plan aims to introduce long-range missiles by 2027, anticipating Chinese military capabilities by then. It also plans to integrate drones into every division by 2026, addressing enemy drone threats. This focus aligns with existing Army strategies to adapt to modern warfare, including countering drones and outdated equipment.
The Army will also divest outdated armor and aviation units across active and reserve forces, a move expected to face opposition from lawmakers due to the localized impact on states.