U.S. War Secretary Confirms 20% Reduction in Top Military Ranks
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegset has officially confirmed a 20% reduction in the number of generals and admirals within the U.S. armed forces. Speaking at a gathering for junior officers and senior enlisted personnel at Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia, Hegset stated that this measure was long overdue and a minimal action required. He referred to the move, which some media outlets had termed a ‘purge,’ as ‘accountability.’
Hegset also claimed a decrease in sexual assault and suicide rates among U.S. Army personnel, noting a simultaneous increase in recruitment among Black individuals and women. Dismissing Iran’s defensive capabilities, he asserted, “We destroyed Iran’s navy, air force, and air defense systems.” He further alleged that Washington inflicted damage on Iran’s conventional capabilities and industrial infrastructure during recent strikes, stating, “Iran’s conventional defensive shield has taken a hard blow.” The U.S. War Secretary described the military operations against Iran as “brave and historic.”
In a separate segment of his address, Hegset sharply criticized American journalists, accusing them of jeopardizing U.S. operations by revealing classified information, troop movements, and base locations to adversaries. While acknowledging the importance of a free press, he contended that partisan political activity deliberately undermining military forces and their historic missions is fundamentally anti-American. Addressing U.S. service members, Hegset declared that media falsehoods regarding ammunition stockpiles constitute treason and endanger lives. He emphasized the need for increased U.S. military strength, stating that Washington requires a substantial number of drones and low-cost automated systems to exert continuous pressure on its rivals. He also urged the U.S. Congress to approve a $350 billion budget package for the armed forces.
Hegset also referenced the U.S. action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, stating, “Maduro said, ‘I’m right here, come and get me,’ so we did.” Without detailing casualties among U.S. forces in the conflict against Iran, he claimed, “We are unleashed and operate without restriction in whatever is necessary; our forces return home, but our enemy does not.” Previously, two U.S. officials had announced Hegset’s intention to disclose the 20% reduction in generals and admirals during his speech at Quantico. This reduction targets one- to four-star generals and admirals, a more significant decrease than the minimum 10% reduction Hegset announced last year. However, according to one U.S. official, the decision does not necessarily mean the dismissal of generals and admirals, but rather a future restructuring of some positions and the complete elimination of others.
