Pentagon to cut 20% of general and admiral billets in sweeping reform

During Wednesday's State of the Force briefing, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to unveil a new directive that will reduce by 20% the number of billets designated for generals and admirals across all services, with a deadline of Jan. 1 2027. The plan, authorized in memos earlier this month, builds on a prior 10% cut and expands the earlier 20% reduction of four-star and National Guard general officer slots. Rather than removing officers outright, many positions will be reclassified so colonels and Navy captains can fill them.

Hegseth argues the reform will eliminate excess bureaucracy and channel resources to troops closer to the front lines. The announcement coincides with the one-year anniversary of a large gathering of senior officers at Quantico, Virginia, where he warned dissenters to step aside. Selected service members attending the event must meet strict fitness and grooming standards and may take part in a workout with Hegseth.