Kateryna Hirnyk14:32, 05.04.25

This is a fifth of the number of active US military personnel.

The US Army is considering a massive reduction in its personnel by 90,000 troops, which could reduce the total number of soldiers to 360,000, Fox News reports , citing a report by Military.com .

It is noted that the potential cuts are consistent with the Pentagon’s goal of reorganizing the army into a more compact, faster and high-tech force better suited for future conflicts, especially in the Pacific region, where China is seen as a growing threat.

“We are increasing combat power while reducing personnel and overhead. The final strength may even increase,” Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith wrote in an email to Fox News Digital. “This will be a smaller, more lethal and more numerous army.”

Although official figures have not been confirmed, according to internal discussions from a Military.com report, the number of active duty troops could be reduced from 450,000 to 360,000-420,000.

However, as one official warned, such cuts could be a sensitive blow to the army if they are not managed carefully.

“If we reduce numbers without a clear retention strategy, we risk losing talented people who have other options,” he told Military.com.

It is noted that the cuts have already begun. Last year, the army cut about 24,000 positions related to the fight against terrorism, and these positions have mostly remained unfilled.

At the same time, despite recruitment difficulties in recent years, the Army has met its recruitment goal of 55,000 personnel by the end of the fiscal year in September 2024.

Pentagon reorganization – what is known

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum that would cut civilian staff at the Pentagon . The agency stressed that about 76,000 employees would lose their jobs.

Politico also wrote that Trump’s new tariffs will undermine the US arms industry , destroying global supply chains. As a result, many vital parts will either cost much more or simply not be available.

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