Military to See Major Reduction in General Officers Under Hegseth's Order

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday announced one of the most sweeping and long-overdue reforms in U.S. military leadership in decades a “historic” reduction in the number of general and flag officers across every branch of the Armed Forces.

“We’re going to shift resources from bloated headquarters elements to our warfighters,” Hegseth declared. “This is about peace through strength and that starts with cutting the fat.”

Under Hegseth’s new directive fully backed by President Donald Trump the Pentagon will reduce at least 20% of four-star generals and flag officers, followed by an additional 10% reduction in a second phase. This includes both the active-duty component and the National Guard.

The plan is part of Hegseth’s no-nonsense “less generals, more GIs” policy, a clear response to the bloated bureaucracy and ineffective leadership culture that has plagued the military for years.

Currently, the U.S. military has 44 four-star officers, with a top-heavy command structure that stands in stark contrast to America’s fighting forces in World War II. Back then, the ratio was one general for every 6,000 troops. Today? One general for every 1,400.

“We’ve got to be lean and mean,” Hegseth said in a video statement. “And in this case, that means general officer reductions.”

This isn’t just about numbers it’s about restoring combat effectiveness and warfighter morale. For too long, the Pentagon has been stacked with careerist generals more focused on PowerPoints, DEI initiatives, and climbing the ladder than on winning wars. Under Trump and Hegseth, that era is ending.

• Congress currently caps the number of general or flag officers at 625 across all services.

• Hegseth’s move would reduce that number by at least 30%, shifting resources directly to combat units and training pipelines.

• The changes will be implemented through a deliberative process with the Joint Chiefs, ensuring that readiness and operational integrity are maintained.

Hegseth emphasized this is not a “slash-and-burn” purge, but a necessary recalibration of priorities.

“This is not meant to punish high-ranking officers,” he said. “This is about maximizing strategic readiness and operational effectiveness.”

The reality is that after two decades of endless wars, disastrous withdrawals, and Pentagon bloat, America’s military has become more top-heavy and bureaucratic than ever before. At the same time, recruitment is in crisis, equipment is aging, and enemies like China and Iran are growing bolder.

Trump and Hegseth are putting an end to the era of detached, desk-bound leadership and getting back to warfighter-first principles. The brass has had its day now it’s time to arm the tip of the spear.

And while establishment defense elites may squirm, American troops and taxpayers alike are cheering.

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