United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the Pentagon to reduce the number of four-star generals and admirals by at least 20% across all branches of the military, according to a memo reported by CNN on Monday. The directive aims to streamline the chain of command and eliminate redundant leadership roles in an effort to increase military efficiency and operational effectiveness.

The signed memo described the cuts as a “critical” step in optimizing force structure, stating that the reduction of excess general and flag officer positions will help modernize and better align military leadership with current strategic needs. Hegseth emphasized the importance of this initiative during his Senate confirmation hearing, arguing that the U.S. military maintains an excessive number of high-ranking officers.

Alongside the reduction in four-star ranks, the directive includes a 20% decrease in general officer positions within the National Guard and a broader 10% reduction in general and flag officers military-wide. These changes are part of a larger effort to reform the military hierarchy and reallocate resources more effectively.

As of 2023, the U.S. military had 37 active-duty four-star generals and admirals. The mandated cuts signal a significant shift in defense leadership structure and reflect the Trump administration’s broader push for efficiency and modernization within federal agencies.

The Pentagon is expected to begin implementation of the order immediately, with each service branch required to identify positions for elimination and report back with proposed adjustments. The move is likely to spark debate over the balance between leadership capacity and streamlined command in future military operations.