Hegseth announces drastic reduction in number of generals and admirals in the Armed Forces
The Secretary of War kept his word and stated that this measure is due to a commitment to "accountability."
Pete Hegseth during the State of the Armed Forces address. September 2026
Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, announced that the Pentagon has reduced the number of generals and admirals by 20%. This measure has affected every branch of the Armed Forces and will take effect on January 1, 2027.
The goal, according to Hegseth, is "accountability."
"We have removed 10% of the generals and admirals from the entire force," said the Secretary of War from the Quantico military base (Virginia), where he delivered the State of the Armed Forces address.
"We have also reduced the total number of general officer positions by an additional 10 percent. So yes, a 20 percent reduction overall," he added.
In May 2025, Hegseth announced that the Armed Forces would soon undergo a drastic reduction in the number of officers and generals in each of its branches. In a memorandum, the Secretary of War explained that this measure represented a "historic" step toward fulfilling the commitment outlined by President Donald Trump to achieve "peace through strength."
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