• US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to cut 20% of general and admiral positions.
• The overhaul affects roughly 800 positions across one- to four-star ranks.
• Cuts may be aimed at sidelining experienced commanders and appointing loyal officers.
• Congress sets statutory limits on the number of generals and admirals.

Hegseth's plan may indicate a shift in the US military's leadership structure, potentially leading to a more politicized chain of command. The cuts could suggest an effort to reduce bureaucracy, but may also raise concerns about the impact on military effectiveness and morale, which could have long-term consequences for the Department of Defense.