Defense Secretary Orders 20% Cut in Top Military Officer Ranks

Washington D.C. - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated a 20% reduction in the number of four-star generals and admirals across the U.S. military. The directive, outlined in a memo released earlier today, targets what Hegseth described as "excess general and flag officer positions."

The move is intended to streamline the command structure and potentially reallocate resources. While the specific details of how these reductions will be implemented remain unclear, the Defense Department is expected to release further guidance in the coming weeks.

"This is a necessary step to ensure we have the most efficient and effective military leadership possible," Hegseth stated in the memo. The impact of these reductions on various branches of the military is still being assessed. Critics argue that such a drastic cut could weaken the military's leadership pool, while supporters claim it will promote a more agile and responsive force.