As of September 2, 2026, CBS counts at least 20 generals, admirals and senior civilian defense leaders who have been fired or departed since Hegseth became Defense Secretary. Other reporting has put the number of senior military officers forced out at around 24, depending on what is counted.
More than a dozen senior generals/admirals have been directly fired or pushed into early retirement.
Among those removed have been:
- Gen. C.Q. Brown — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- Adm. Lisa Franchetti — Chief of Naval Operations
- Gen. Jim Slife — Air Force vice chief
- Gen. Randy George — Army Chief of Staff
- Gen. David Hodne
- Maj. Gen. William Green Jr.
- numerous other senior flag officers and commanders.
Historically, only four generals had been removed by the Pentagon since WW2. This is not normal.