[By Guancha Observer Network, Liu Chenghui]

According to a memorandum issued by US Defense Secretary Higgenbotham on May 5 local time, he ordered a major reorganization of the military high command, including a plan that may significantly reduce the number of senior officers, such as cutting the number of four-star generals by at least 20%. Specific measures include reducing the number of four-star generals by at least 20%. Higgenbotham emphasized that this move is not "destructive layoffs," but rather achieving "peace through strength" by streamlining the structure.

According to reports from Politico and other media outlets, Higgenbotham stated in the memorandum and video explaining the reform measures that, according to adjustments to the unified command plan, more than 800 active-duty generals will be reduced by at least 10%. This order requires reducing the number of active-duty four-star generals by at least 20%, and also reducing the number of National Guard generals by 20%.

"This is not destructive layoffs," Higgenbotham explained in a video posted on the X platform, stating that this is not a reduction action aimed at punishing senior officers. He collaborated with the Joint Chiefs of Staff to achieve the goal of consolidating the United States' position as "the most lethal fighting force in the world," "achieving peace through strength, and maximizing America's strategic readiness."

On May 5, US Defense Secretary Higgenbotham held a meeting with Peruvian Defense Minister Walter Astudillo and others. Visual China

There is currently no timetable for when these changes will be implemented, but Higgenbotham said that the reforms will be carried out in two phases. He also stated that the work of reducing senior military officers will be carried out cautiously and prudently.

Since Trump took office, the Pentagon has been studying plans to significantly reduce the number of senior officers. Relevant measures include possibly merging some combat commands, such as integrating the European Command with the African Command.

An earlier briefing obtained by CNN showed that the Pentagon is considering significant cuts to its senior leadership, including merging the European and African Commands into one command, and the Northern and Southern Commands facing similar mergers. The U.S. may also stop the planned expansion of US forces in Japan, saving approximately $1.1 billion in costs.

However, the brief acknowledged that although these integration measures could save the Pentagon about $330 million over five years, they may also bring risks and "increase the control and scope of operations for combat commanders," and closing some commands would involve "political risks."

Last week, Higgenbotham also ordered the Army to reduce the number of generals, cutting projects, merging offices, commands, and headquarters.

In the face of incidents like the "group chat scandal" and large-scale layoffs, the Pentagon is experiencing an unprecedented chaotic situation.

The US Department of Defense dismissed three senior officials on April 18, who were accused of "unauthorized disclosure of national security information." These three officials subsequently issued a joint statement, firmly denying the charges and accusing the Pentagon of "baseless defamation" against them.

Politico reported that personnel changes have left Defense Secretary Higgenbotham without three important senior advisors. Another senior defense official said this means the situation within the Pentagon has spiraled out of control, "complete collapse is happening inside the building, which actually reflects the minister's leadership ability. Those around Higgenbotham are people who don't care about his interests."

The New York Times described on April 22 that Higgenbotham arrived at the Pentagon in January to take office, but lacking government experience, he harbors ambitious plans to reshape military management. This former Fox News Channel host created a series of chaos within just three months of taking office, unparalleled in recent history at the Department of Defense.

This article is an exclusive piece by the Guancha Observer Network and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7501206211824534027/

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