Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth announced a 20% reduction in the number of U.S. military generals and admirals, calling it an 'accountability' measure. The cuts, part of a broader effort to reshape the military, have drawn bipartisan criticism for targeting officers perceived as out of step with his 'war-fighting' vision. Hegseth emphasized a 'color-blind' approach, focusing on merit and combat readiness over diversity initiatives.
Hegseth, speaking at a Quantico base event, accused past leadership of 'woke' policies and called for a cultural shift in the military. He cited a 10% reduction in flag-officer slots since 2025, with a 20% cut planned by 2027. The moves include firing dozens of senior officers, many of whom are Black or female, without public explanation despite strong service records. Critics warn the purges could harm military readiness and recovery timelines.
The cuts come amid a stalemate with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, where U.S. forces have faced repeated drone and missile attacks. Hegseth defended the military's focus on 'lethality' and technological innovation, including new drone-focused commands. However, lawmakers and experts question the long-term impact of the cuts, with some calling them a 'purge' that risks destabilizing the military's leadership structure.
Hegseth has faced criticism for his partisan approach, including a 2025 firing of the Army's top officer and a 2026 reduction in Navy leadership. Despite his claims of a 'color-blind' system, the cuts have raised concerns about politicizing the military. The Pentagon has not provided further details on the 20% reduction, leaving the full scope of the changes and their implications unclear.