Army may slash force by 90k as Pentagon faces budget cuts, shifted goals: report

The U.S. Army is currently contemplating a significant reduction in its active-duty troops, with plans to potentially slash up to 90,000 soldiers. This proposed cut could bring the total number of troops down to as few as 360,000, a drastic decrease from the current force size, as reported by Military.com.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is advocating for an 8% cut to the Pentagon’s budget, prompting the military to shift its focus away from Europe and counterterrorism missions. The aim is to reshape the Army into a smaller, more agile, and technologically advanced force that is better equipped to handle future conflicts, particularly in the Pacific region where China’s influence is growing.

Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith emphasized that despite the potential reduction in troop numbers, the goal is to enhance combat power while streamlining staff and overhead. The Army envisions becoming a leaner, more lethal, and larger force in the long run. While no specific figures have been officially confirmed, internal discussions suggest that the active-duty force could shrink from 450,000 troops to a range between 360,000 and 420,000.

One official cautioned that these cuts must be managed carefully to avoid losing talented personnel who may seek alternative opportunities. The U.S. Army has played a crucial role in supporting NATO during Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, a mission that has faced criticism from the Trump administration.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently urged European NATO members to increase their defense spending during a visit to Brussels. President Donald Trump’s administration is pushing for NATO to enhance its capabilities and fulfill its obligations more effectively.

Last year, the Army eliminated around 24,000 positions related to counterterrorism, most of which were vacant. Despite recruitment challenges, the Army successfully met its enlistment target of 55,000 by the end of the fiscal year in September.

As the military continues to adapt to evolving global threats and strategic priorities, these potential cuts reflect a broader effort to modernize and optimize the U.S. Army for future challenges. The discussions surrounding troop reductions underscore the ongoing transformation within the armed forces to ensure readiness and effectiveness in an ever-changing security landscape.