Hegseth to cut number of US general and admiral positions by 20%

What the report says

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to announce a plan to reduce the number of positions reserved for generals and admirals by 20%, according to a Pentagon official cited by Al Jazeera. The announcement is expected Wednesday at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, where Hegseth will deliver a “State of the Force” address to junior officers and enlisted personnel.

Al Jazeera reported that the change would affect senior leadership across the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Associated Press, citing Pentagon officials, said the move would build on a 10% reduction ordered last year and would target roughly 800 flag and general officer billets, with completion expected by January 1, 2027. Other reports cited by Al Jazeera suggested the reductions could reach one-star generals and equivalent Navy ranks.

The planned cuts come amid a broader reshaping of military leadership under Hegseth and President Donald Trump. Al Jazeera noted that more than two dozen senior military leaders have been removed, retired or pushed out since January 2025, including several top officers and the military’s highest-ranking women. Hegseth has previously said the effort is meant to streamline leadership and remove bureaucratic layers.

The proposal has drawn criticism from Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Jack Reed, who said senior officer removals should be handled in consultation with Congress. As background, the number of general officer positions is set by law, but vacancies can remain unfilled if the administration does not submit nominees.