Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed during a speech at Marine Base Quantico that 10% of the military's generals and admirals have been fired as part of a broader leadership overhaul. To achieve a total 20% reduction across the force, Hegseth added that another 10% of general officer positions have been eliminated entirely. He described the moves as "accountability" and a necessary step to change a culture he claimed was enabled by leaders who "clung to the woke department."

The total reduction in top officer roles doubles a 10% cut ordered last year, with all changes expected to be completed by Jan. 1, 2027. The overhaul targets leadership slots rather than only personnel, meaning some senior roles will be downgraded to the rank of colonel or Navy captain. The program aims to restructure leadership across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.