Pete Hegseth has announced a 20% reduction in general and flag officer positions across the US military, while using his State of the Force address to renew attacks on what he calls 'woke' culture and accuse some press coverage of being 'treason'. The changes were announced at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on 30 September.
The reduction is important because it does not simply mean one in five serving generals and admirals will be dismissed. Hegseth said the military had already reduced the number of senior officers by 10%, with another 10% reduction in general and flag officer positions bringing the overall target to 20%. Some positions can be downgraded rather than eliminated.
