Hegseth confirms large cuts to positions reserved for generals and admirals

War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced during his State of the Force address on Wednesday plans to cut the number of positions reserved for generals and admirals by 20%. 

Hegseth approved the reductions, which target the Army, Navy, Air Force and the military's joint pool, earlier this month, Fox News reported, citing memos circulated among Pentagon staff. The memos direct the branches to carry out the reductions by Jan. 1. 

Hegseth's address in Quantico, Virginia, outlined the secretary's priorities for the coming year, and the reductions in leadership positions is one of the major changes that were announced. 

The 20% reduction doubles the overall reduction in general and flag officer positions that Hegseth ordered last year as part of an effort to streamline the military's senior ranks. 

The number of general officer positions in the military is set by federal law, according to the Associated Press, but it is possible for positions to remain unfilled by not submitting replacements to Congress.