U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to announce a 20% reduction in positions for generals and admirals, according to two U.S. officials cited by Reuters.

The plan would cover one- to four-star general and flag officer positions across the U.S. military. It would double the minimum 10% reduction Hegseth announced previously.

The changes are expected to be outlined during Hegseth's “State of the Force” address at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia on September 30. Officials said the plan would not necessarily mean immediate dismissals. Some future positions could be downgraded in rank, while others could be eliminated.

The Pentagon has described the broader restructuring as an effort to reduce redundant leadership layers and streamline the military command structure. The latest announcement comes as the U.S. military continues operations connected to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The Pentagon is also changing policies at U.S. military service academies. A separate memorandum signed by Hegseth directs the Defense Department to stop appointing civilians to tenured faculty positions at the academies, with the department saying the change is intended to place greater emphasis on military preparation.

The proposed leadership cuts are expected to become an important issue in discussions over U.S. military command structure, defense policy and military readiness.