US Defense Secretary Pít Hegset announced a major reduction in the high command structure of the country’s armed forces, which has caused significant interest and concern among military and political circles
This decision marks another step in a strategic reform aimed at increasing combat readiness and reducing administrative overhead to ensure more efficient use of resources in future conflicts and military operations. According to an official directive issued last Monday, May 5th, the Secretary of Defense has initiated substantial changes to the structure of the U.S. armed forces’ command. The plan involves reducing the number of four-star generals by 20 percent across both the regular military and the National Guard, thereby decreasing their integrated presence within the military hierarchy. Additionally, it is planned to cut the total number of all generals and admirals holding senior command positions in all branches of the U.S. armed forces by at least 10 percent. Hegset emphasized that this is not a "personnel purge" but a vital strategic reform designed to make the American military more prepared for upcoming challenges. He highlighted that increasing the number of high-ranking officials does not automatically enhance efficiency. On the contrary, he believes that instead of bloated structures, resources should be focused on personnel support, training, and weaponry. “We must move toward a more effective army capable of responding to modern threats,” Hegset stated in a video message circulated through social networks. In his speech, he stressed that the goal of the reform is not to dismantle the current structure but to improve it, making it more flexible and adaptable to new challenges. All changes should proceed gradually and be based on comprehensive analysis to avoid potential negative consequences. Depending on the scale and depth of the necessary transformations, Hegset suggested that this reform could become the most significant since the Department of Defense’s transformation initiatives in 1986, which were initiated by the U.S. Congress. The broader strategy includes halting certain weapon procurement programs and consolidating specific commands, which will help eliminate some senior posts with white stars and optimize leadership structures. Historical context shows that during World War II, the U.S. Army, numbering about 12 million soldiers, was commanded by 17 generals with stars, including 5 five-star generals. Today, with troop levels reduced to approximately 2.1 million, there are only 44 four-star generals and admirals remaining in the leadership. As of September 2023, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. armed forces had 37 officers holding four-star ranks. However, Hegset’s initiative has not received unanimous support. Members of Congress and military communities express concerns about the possible negative consequences of such cuts. For example, Senator Jack Reed, the leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasized that personnel decisions should be based on objective data and thorough analysis, not solely on percentage reductions. Unconsidered or unjustified changes could harm the army’s combat capability and reduce its ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats. Against the backdrop of a complex global geopolitical situation, rising competition, and potential conflicts, this step in the near future undoubtedly raises questions about the balance of power and command structures in the U.S. military. Whether the U.S. can reduce personnel and reorganize its command system without compromising national security remains a matter of ongoing debate and analysis.