US military to cut 20% of generals and admirals

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday that the U.S. military will reduce its number of generals and admirals by 20%, as he delivered his State of the Force address to junior officers and enlisted leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. This is the second year in a row that Hegseth has given this address.

Hegseth highlighted that the military is engaged in a seven-month-long war with Iran, has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and has conducted strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in Latin America. In his speech, Hegseth focused on his efforts to restructure the military, which include rolling back diversity programs, reviewing ground combat units with female troops, and implementing a new screening program for testosterone deficiency among male personnel.

The Pentagon had previously hinted at more cuts to the number of generals and admirals, with Hegseth directing all military services to double the 10% reduction he ordered last spring, totaling a 20% decrease by January 1, 2027. Hegseth claimed this move is "accountability and long overdue," while several senators perceived it as a purge of the military's top ranks that will take years to rebuild.

Senators Mark Kelly and Mike Rounds expressed concerns about the impact of Hegseth's decisions on the military's leadership and future.