Hegseth to cut Pentagon posts reserved for Generals, Admirals by 20%

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth intends to reduce by 20% the number of senior positions reserved for generals and admirals, according to a Pentagon official. This move will enable the filling of some roles with lower-ranking officers like Army colonels or Navy captains instead of generals and admirals. Specifically, 23 positions on the Joint Staff, which supports the top military officer, will have their required rank lowered, as per a source familiar with the matter.

Hegseth's "State of the Force" address, set for Wednesday at Marine Corps Base Quantico, will unveil these plans, which were first reported by Fox News. The speech occurs a year after Hegseth's previous address at Quantico, where he shared his vision for a physically strong force, changes to disciplinary processes, and the removal of "woke" personnel and policies.

The address follows several senior officer firings and a directive in May 2025 to cut the number of generals and admirals across the military. Hegseth has also dismissed or blocked promotions for several female and non-White generals and senior officers. The audience for this year's address will consist of more junior service members chosen based on body shape and grooming standards, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Congress sets the total number of troops in the military services, including both active and reserve components, but it is unclear whether lawmakers would oppose Hegseth's plans.