"U.S. Defense Secretary Plans 20% Reduction of Generals, Aiming for Completion by Year's End"

"Stronger Than the Initial 10% Reduction Plan"
Debate Over Purging Anti-Trump Figures Ahead of the Midterm Elections

AFP Yonhap News

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is planning to reduce the number of generals in the U.S. military by 20% compared to the current level, and is aiming to implement the plan by the end of the year, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on September 29 (local time). Some within the U.S. military are increasingly expressing opposition, arguing that this plan is intended to exclude high-ranking officers who oppose President Donald Trump before or after the U.S. midterm elections.

Citing U.S. Department of Defense officials, the WSJ stated, "Secretary Hegseth plans to put forward the general reduction plan in a speech about the current status of the armed forces at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia on the 30th," and added, "He approved the reduction plan earlier this month and instructed all military branches to complete the reduction by January 1 of next year."

Previously, Secretary Hegseth announced last year that he aimed to reduce the number of generals by 10% for the sake of streamlining senior military leadership, but the current plan doubles the previous reduction target. It is reported that in his speech on the 30th, Secretary Hegseth will also unveil key policies for U.S. military operations for the coming year, including the general reduction plan.

There are growing concerns both within and outside the U.S. Department of Defense that the number of generals is already below the maximum authorized level, raising fears of weakened military capacity. According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, as of the third quarter of 2023, there were 809 active-duty generals and admirals in the U.S. military, which is 48 fewer than the maximum authorized number of 857.

There is also analysis suggesting that the 20% reduction will not mean a simultaneous mass dismissal of general officers. Citing sources within the Department of Defense, Fox News reported, "The reduction will apply to positions," and, "Some posts previously held by general officers will be downgraded to colonel-level positions."

Some observers allege that the true objective is to purge anti-Trump elements from the senior military leadership. The WSJ pointed out, "There are concerns that Secretary Hegseth's approach is excessively narrow and is, in fact, hindering military modernization," adding, "There are also warnings about using the military to advance the administration's political agenda."

Previously, Secretary Hegseth summoned all military commanders to Quantico Base last year, announcing the U.S. military's operating guidelines and warning those who did not comply with his reform direction to step down. At that time, he gave a speech lasting over an hour to all active-duty generals, focused on the theme of rooting out leftist ideology. President Trump was also present at the event.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.