Army plans to slash up to 90,000 troops amid budget cuts

The U.S. Army is reportedly contemplating a substantial reduction in its active-duty troop levels, potentially bringing the total down to as few as 360,000 soldiers. This consideration is linked to budgetary pressures resulting from instructions provided by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who has mandated each military branch to reduce its annual budget by 8%. The Army currently stands at approximately 450,000 active-duty personnel, and any significant troop cuts would mark the largest military reduction in years. Additionally, these considerations occur against the backdrop of changing U.S. military strategies, as the Pentagon is shifting focus away from traditional European defense and counterterrorism efforts towards preparing for potential conflicts in the Pacific region, particularly with China. The discussions surrounding this troop reduction have emerged as the Army has recently excelled in recruitment, achieving its highest enlistment levels in 15 years. However, some officials are raising concerns that these cuts could undermine recruitment efforts, as the Army risks losing talented service members who might seek other opportunities if their positions are eliminated. The Army's recruitment challenges are worsened by the need to reallocate funds towards specific imperative initiatives highlighted by the Trump administration, including reductions in areas such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which do not contribute to the required budget cuts. As the Army evaluates its personnel numbers, it also prepares to sustain its role in supporting NATO's efforts amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This operational strain is a factor, as the Army has been stretched thin across various global engagements, such as operations in Africa and NATO commitments. Critics of the proposed reductions argue that dwindling troop levels could limit the Army's effectiveness and agility in responding to emerging global threats, while Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith has suggested that these cuts are part of an overall strategy to enhance the Army's capabilities and combat readiness. The internal discussions within the Army indicate awareness of the potential consequences of reducing military staff amidst a growing global battlefield. As the organization aims to uphold its core capabilities with fewer personnel, how these cuts will ultimately shape the modern Army's structure, readiness, and recruitment landscape remains a critical consideration in ongoing military planning.