Hegseth Announces Major Cuts to Military General and Admiral Ranks

Defense Secretary Hegseth plans to cut 20% of military general and admiral positions, aiming to streamline leadership and reduce bureaucracy.

Editorial Desk

September 30, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to announce a significant reduction in the number of generals and admirals within the U.S. military, according to Pentagon officials.

The plan involves doubling the previous 10% reduction in flag and general officer positions, resulting in a 20% total decrease by January 1, 2027. This move follows recent efforts to trim the ranks of senior military leaders, including the firing or retirement of over two dozen officers since Trump took office.

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Hegseth’s announcement comes amid ongoing tensions with Congress, as lawmakers express concerns about the impact of these cuts on military operations and leadership continuity. The move is part of broader efforts to streamline military structure and reduce bureaucratic layers, though critics argue it could strain an already overburdened force.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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