US Cuts Generals, Admirals By 20% In Accountability Push: Hegseth

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that the United States has cut the number of its generals and admirals by 20 per cent, presenting the reductions as a step aimed at “accountability”.

Cuts described as an ‘accomplishment’

Hegseth, Trump’s defence chief, described the reductions as an “accomplishment” while speaking to troops at the Quantico military base.

“The number-crunchers say we fired 10 per cent of the generals and admirals across the force,” Hegseth told the troops.

He added: “We’ve also reduced the overall number of general officer slots by an additional 10 percent.”

Focus on war-fighting

Hegseth suggested the cuts targeted officers who, in his view, failed to get on board with his efforts to ensure the military was focused on war-fighting.

He contrasted that focus with what he called the “woke” policies of previous administrations.

The announcement placed the personnel reductions within Hegseth’s broader argument that senior military leadership should align with his stated priorities for the force.

His remarks linked the 20 per cent reduction in generals and admirals to both accountability and a shift away from policies he criticised.

Source: South China Morning Post