The US Army is initiating a major overhaul that will involve merging or closing headquarters, retiring outdated vehicles and aircraft, eliminating up to 1,000 Pentagon headquarters staff, and reallocating personnel to field units, according to a new memo and officials familiar with the plans.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a memo released Thursday, directed this transformation to create a more agile and combat-effective force. Discussions around these changes have been ongoing for weeks, including plans to consolidate several Army commands. Up to 40 general officer positions may be eliminated as part of the restructuring, according to U.S. officials who requested anonymity to discuss personnel matters. These changes are being driven by the Pentagon’s need to reduce expenses and workforce in line with broader federal budget cuts championed by President Donald Trump's administration and supported by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

In a memo, Hegseth emphasised that the Army must cut unnecessary spending and focus on enhancing air and missile defence, long-range strike capabilities, cyber operations, electronic warfare, and counter-space efforts. He specifically proposed merging the Army Futures Command with the Training and Doctrine Command into a single organisation, and consolidating Forces Command, Army North, and Army South into one headquarters focused on homeland defence and collaboration with Western Hemisphere allies. He also recommended streamlining units such as the Joint Munitions Command and Sustainment Command, along with operations at various depots and arsenals.

Officials clarified that although these mergers will reduce staff positions, the total size of the Army will remain unchanged, with personnel being reassigned to other roles instead. Legacy weapons and equipment programs—such as the Humvee, certain helicopter formations, and various armour and aviation units across the active duty, National Guard, and Reserve—are being considered for cuts, although the specific units have not been disclosed.

However, a major challenge remains Congress. For years, lawmakers have blocked Army and Pentagon attempts to cancel numerous programs, particularly those tied to their own districts. To secure congressional backing, the Defence Department and military services have historically distributed headquarters, depots, personnel, and facilities across the country. While this strategy helped build support, it has also complicated later efforts to eliminate well-entrenched programs. It is still uncertain whether Congress will approve all of the proposed reductions or reinstate funding to preserve some of them.