Defense Secretary Orders 20% Reduction in Military Leadership

Economy

Defense Secretary Orders 20% Reduction in Military Leadership

6 months ago

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Defense Secretary Orders 20% Reduction in Military Leadership

Credited from: SCMP

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth orders a 20% cut in four-star generals across military branches.
The directive also includes a 10% reduction in all general and flag officers.
Hegseth's memo aims to trim bureaucratic layers and enhance military effectiveness.

On Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced significant military restructuring by mandating a 20% reduction in the ranks of four-star generals and admirals. This directive is a part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to "streamline leadership" within the military, also affecting the National Guard in an equal proportion, according to HuffPost and South China Morning Post.

In a memo, Hegseth emphasized the necessity of reducing "redundant force structure" to optimize military leadership and operational effectiveness. Additionally, there will be a 10% cut across all general and flag officers overall. Hegseth stated that these reductions should remove "unnecessary bureaucratic layers" that impede military growth, reports CBS News and India Times.

Currently, about 900 general and flag officers exist within the Pentagon, with 44 holding the four-star title. Rep. Seth Moulton expressed concern that such reductions could politicize military leadership, eroding confidence within the ranks, according to Business Insider. Hegseth's approach comes amid a wave of firings within senior military ranks, reflecting a shift in the administration’s national security posture.