Defense Minister Pete HegSeth ordered a reduction in the highest US Army officers-Potentially created a clash with a congress that must approve such adjustments. On Monday on Monday, HegSeth called on 20% of four -star positions in the active army, 20% of all general officers in the National Guard and a further reduction of at least 10% of generals and admirals.
“More generals and admirals do not equal success,” HegSeth said in a video published on the social media on Monday afternoon, explaining that “this is not a slash and burning exercise aimed at punishing high -ranking officers.” He added that the proposed changes were the result of a “deliberative process” made in coordination with common chiefs of staff and their aim to maximize military readiness and effectiveness in potential conflict.
He described a gradual approach that would first deal with the current structure of the army, and then made a “strategic overview of the unified command plan” that helps organize military operations and obligations around the world.
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“It will be done carefully, but it will be done quickly,” HegSeth said of a review, which he predicted to compete with the reorganization of the Ministry of Defense in 1986. “We confront the developing threat environment.
HegSeth has long criticized what he considers redundancy and inefficiency at higher levels of the Pentagon.
As part of the wide overhaul of the army, the secretary ordered the service to stop buying certain aircraft and ground vehicles and consolidate several commands, which potentially cleaned the way to remove some four -star general positions.
In Monday’s video, HegSeth dubbed the political directive of “fewer generals, more GIS”, who said that the army must be “slim and mean” to face the challenges that faced us. Also read | “I run the country and the world”: Trump says Atlantic, a publication that has exposed a “signalgate” involving Pete Hegset
“We are going to move sources from the fluffy elements of the headquarters to our warriors,” HegSeth said, adding that in World War II, the US armed forces were 12 million soldiers led by 17 four and five stars.
“Today we have 2.1 million members of services, with 44 four -star” generals and admirals, he said.
According to the Congress Research Service report, according to a report of the Congress Research service, a total of 37 four -star officers were a total of 37 four -star officers.
Several higher officers hold more positions at the same time – for example, the head of the US European command is also the highest allied commander of NATO. One four -star officer also serves as commander of the UN command, command of combined forces and the American power of Korea.
HegSeth’s plan could face control in the congress.
“I have always advocated efficiency at the Ministry of Defense, but heavy staff decisions should be based on facts and analysis, not on arbitrary percentage,” said Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island on Monday evening. “Removing the positions of many of our most experienced and experienced officers without sound justification would not create” efficiency “in the military – it could paralyze.”
The Ministry of Defense did not answer Monday evening immediately at the request for comment.
(Tagstotranslate) Pete Hegset
