Pentagon chief strikes six Army officers from general promotion slate
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed at least six Army officers from a list for promotion to two-star general, following a similar action against four officers last week. The move comes amid tensions with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who resigned Monday after a turf war with Hegseth. Hegseth has previously blocked promotions citing the need for leadership changes, drawing criticism from lawmakers.
The latest removals target officers slated for major general rank, following last week's action against four colonels selected for brigadier general. Several of those affected reportedly served as logisticians overseeing supply chains, fuel distribution, and equipment maintenance. The New York Times reported seven officers were targeted, including two Black service members and two women.
The shakeup follows Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's Monday resignation after months of friction with Hegseth. Hegseth has previously told Congress that officers serve at the president's pleasure and that he will act when leadership changes are needed. Lawmakers remain divided, with Senator Susan Collins warning against eroding military meritocracy while Representative Rich McCormick defended the removals.
This pattern of promotion blocks could reshape military leadership culture, signaling that senior officers may face heightened scrutiny over perceived political alignment rather than performance alone. Service members and career officers may feel increased uncertainty about advancement prospects, potentially affecting morale and retention. Congressional oversight battles may intensify, and the precedent could influence how future administrations approach military personnel decisions, though the full institutional impact remains unclear.