Defence Secretary Hegseth shakes up the Pentagon: away with the 20% of generals and admirals'
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently made an important decision for the reorganisation of the Pentagon, ordering the elimination of at least 20% of four-star general and admiral posts active in the armed forces, and the 10% of general and admiral positions throughout the Defence Department. The initiative comes in the wake of statements made by Hegseth during his Senate confirmation hearing in January 2025, in which he emphasised the excessive bureaucracy within the upper echelons of the military, stating that "we do not need more bureaucracy at the top, but more capable fighters at the bottom". Hegseth's order marks the first step in reducing the number of senior positions, which were deemed unnecessarily bloated, to focus on a leaner and more efficient structure.
According to the memorandum, the changes will also affect general positions in the National Guard, with a target of reducing general officer positions by 20%. Although no deadline is set for implementation, the manoeuvre is set to affect hundreds of positions, with significant impacts also on the civilian personnel supporting the top brass.
A step towards simplification or a risk to leadership?
Hegseth's decision to cut the highest command positions could appear as a response to demands for a more agile military structure focused on operational efficiency. However, these reductions raise questions about the ability to maintain strong and well-coordinated leadership in the armed forces. In past years, the presence of numerous general officers was justified by the need for strategic direction that could respond to increasingly complex and global military challenges.
Despite the reduction in the number of summits, some fear that a decrease in the number of generals may reduce the ability to effectively deal with crisis situations. Generals and admirals are tasked with ensuring that military operations are coordinated globally, especially at a time when defence against cyber, terrorist and geostrategic threats is increasingly critical. A decrease in posts could also reduce the ability to adapt quickly to new conflict or emergency situations.
Hegseth's vision and implications for the armed forces
Hegseth's memorandum comes in a context of extensive reforms within the Department of Defence, which is trying to respond to demands for a leaner and more effective defence. It compares with the World War II period, when only seven four-star generals were sufficient to run operations, reflects an idea that the modern armed forces have become overly bureaucratic and less efficient than in the past. Hegseth emphasised that the size of the command staff does not necessarily correspond to the ability to win on the battlefield, and referred to the need to reinvest these resources to improve 'lethality' and operational efficiency.
Despite concerns about downsizing, the Secretary of Defence seems to want to focus on a 'leaner' military force that can respond more dynamically to modern challenges. The decisions to reduce general positions are only the first step in a series of changes that could lead to a profound reorganisation of command structures. The implications of these changes, however, are still being assessed, and while the move promises a greater focus on field operations, it could also create strategic gaps in the leadership of the armed forces.
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
