Major Pentagon shake-up: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces 20% cut to general and admiral positions in Pentagon overhaul

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is preparing another major change to the Pentagon’s senior leadership structure. He is set to announce a 20% reduction in positions designated for generals and admirals as part of his broader effort to reshape the military’s leadership.

The cuts will affect senior leadership positions across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Hegseth is expected to discuss the changes during his State of the Force address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, according to The Hill and Fox News Digital.

The new target is part of a larger series of changes Hegseth has pursued since taking over at the Pentagon.

What is Pete Hegseth changing at the Pentagon?

The latest plan is focused on billets, meaning positions set aside for general and flag officers. Fox News Digital reported that the change does not mean an automatic removal of 20% of the officers currently serving in those ranks. Some positions can instead be downgraded rather than eliminated.

The service branches have been asked to carry out the reductions by Jan. 1, according to memos reviewed by Fox News Digital.

Hegseth had already pushed for reductions in senior military ranks. In May 2025, he directed Pentagon leadership to cut the number of general officers in the National Guard by at least 20% and reduce the total number of general and flag officer positions by 10%.

At the time, Hegseth said the goal was “Less Generals, more GIs” and to “shift resources from bloated headquarters elements to our warfighters.”

He also argued that the reductions would remove “redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership by reducing excess general and flag officer positions.”

Why are the leadership cuts happening now?

The latest move comes after a period of significant turnover among senior military leaders.

Hegseth has fired or pushed out more than two dozen military leaders across the branches since taking the Pentagon’s top role, according to the information provided. The personnel changes have drawn concern from lawmakers in both parties.

In July, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned the removal of senior officers and the blocking of promotions for lower-ranked personnel.

“I find this deeply troubling,” Collins said during a hearing. “These are men and women who volunteered to serve our country and swore an oath to support and defend our Constitution.”

Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, also raised concerns during an April hearing. He said Hegseth’s firing of Gen. Randy George, the former Army chief of staff, would have a “chilling effect” on how the armed services operate.

Hegseth has also blocked some promotions to one- and two-star general positions, saying military leaders serve at the pleasure of the president.

The Pentagon’s leadership overhaul is therefore continuing on several fronts, from reducing senior positions to changing how officers are promoted and evaluated. The latest 20% reduction adds another major step to Hegseth’s effort to reshape the military’s top ranks.

FAQs

What is Pete Hegseth cutting?
The plan targets 20% of positions designated for generals and admirals.

When must the cuts be made?
The service branches have been asked to implement them by Jan. 1.