Sharp decline in four-star generals of the US Army under Hagerty’s order
U.S.Defense Secretary Orders Reduction in Four-Star Generals to Improve Military Efficiency
The English section of the Webangah News Agency, citing Mehr news Agency and Al Jazeera, reports that U.S.Defense Secretary Pete Hagel has issued an order to drastically reduce the number of senior generals as part of efforts to enhance the military’s efficiency.
Hagel’s directive calls for a 20% reduction in four-star generals and admirals—the highest-ranking personnel in the U.S. military—as well as a 10% cut in lower-ranking generals and admirals. Additionally, he has ordered at least a 20% decrease in the number of National Guard generals. As of March 31 this year,the U.S. Army had 38 four-star generals.
In a video message on social media platform X, Hagel explained: “More generals and admirals do not equate to greater success. This is not about purging or punishing senior officers—far from it. this is a deliberate process aligned with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, aimed at maximizing strategic and operational readiness through smart reductions.”
Hagel’s decision follows a broader campaign initiated by former President Donald Trump’s management to downsize the federal government and eliminate potential political adversaries.
