Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of Defense, announced a major military restructuring, establishing a four-star command to oversee drone and automation technology, while also cutting general and senior officer positions by 20% by early 2027. Additionally, plans include building a new military base and launching a future warfare study program involving Elon Musk.
Pete Hegseth revealed the major changes to the US military during his annual State of the Force speech at the Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on 30 September. Key measures include creating a new command focused on drone warfare, a 20% reduction in general and senior officer roles, and studying future warfare models.
Hegseth stated that the Department of Defense will establish a new four-star command to oversee the development and deployment of automation, robotics, and drones in military operations. He described this change as "the fastest transition in modern military history during a time of peace."
He noted that the nature of warfare is evolving faster than the military's current adaptation processes. He cited Iran's use of inexpensive drones and lessons from Ukraine's extensive drone warfare against Russia. Hegseth emphasized that while no single drone type will win wars, the military must have systems designed for rapid adaptability.
However, this announcement comes amid debates over the US military's drone technology direction. The US Army's drone warfare unit in Europe was ordered to end its mission and return to traditional infantry roles. Congressional members from both parties have demanded explanations, noting the rapidly changing global battlefield and the increasing role of unmanned systems in combat.
The drone command's creation coincides with heightened US-Iran tensions over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial energy transit route. The US military has launched numerous missile intercepts to counter Iranian missile and drone attacks, which have reportedly caused US casualties.
Hegseth claimed the US military has destroyed Iran's navy, air force, air defense systems, multiple leaders, and industrial bases. Nonetheless, reports indicate Iran continues to launch drones and missiles against US and allied bases periodically, retaining the capability to attack commercial and military vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Hegseth announced he has ordered the military branches to increase their reduction of general and senior officer positions from the previously announced 10% in spring to 20%, targeting about 800 leadership roles, with completion aimed for 1 January 2027.
He described this measure as a matter of "responsibility and something long overdue," though some legislators have questioned the wisdom of cutting senior leadership while the US military is engaged in multiple global operations.
Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat and former US Navy fighter pilot, criticized the cuts, warning that reducing many senior military leaders could delay the development of new leadership. Senator Mike Rounds, a Republican and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he wants to understand the rationale before assessing the impact.
Hegseth also announced the establishment of a future warfare research program involving Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX; Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the US House of Representatives; and Palmer Luckey, co-founder of Anduril Industries.
He said this program will focus on researching, developing, and deploying new weapons and systems to prepare for combat scenarios future generations will face, ranging from underground operations to outer space. Hegseth also noted that the US confirmed for the first time this month the deployment of weapons in space, amid international concerns about militarizing space.
Furthermore, the US Department of Defense plans to build a new military base for the first time in 40 years, inviting all 50 states to propose locations. The base is expected to accommodate approximately 15,000 to 25,000 personnel.
Hegseth encouraged state governors to submit proposals explaining why their state is suitable for the new base. He also announced plans to enable all US military bases to generate or procure their own energy independently, reducing reliance on civilian power grids and enhancing energy security.
These announcements come as the US military faces multiple global operations while accelerating efforts to restructure for warfare that increasingly relies on unmanned technology, artificial intelligence, automation, and new weapon systems.