Reuters reports that members of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team are compiling a list of military officers to be transferred, potentially including members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in an unprecedented reshuffle at the Pentagon.
A major reshuffle is likely to occur at the Pentagon when Trump officially returns to the White House. (Photo: TNS)
According to anonymous sources, the reform plan is in its early stages following Trump's election victory and may change as his administration takes shape.
It is unclear whether Trump himself approves of the plan, having previously criticized many defense leaders who have criticized him.
During his campaign, Trump mentioned firing "wise" generals and those responsible for the troubled 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Trump's campaign has not commented on the information.
Another source told Reuters that the new administration would likely focus on U.S. military officers deemed to be linked to Mark Milley, Trump's former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In Bob Woodward's book "War," published last month, he quotes General Milley as calling Trump a "fascist" and states that Trump's allies targeted him for perceived disloyalty to the former president.
"There is a very detailed list of everyone connected to Mr. Milley. Every individual promoted and appointed by Mr. Milley will be leaving," the source said.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff comprises the highest-ranking officers in the U.S. military and the leaders of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, National Guard, and Space Force.
Information about plans to fire senior leaders of the U.S. armed forces emerged a day after Trump announced his selection of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and veteran, as Secretary of Defense. Hegseth has expressed his willingness to reform the Pentagon.
Hegseth is also reportedly targeting Air Force General CQ Brown, Milley's successor. A source told Reuters that Brown would be among several officers who would be leaving.
However, some current and former U.S. officials downplay the likelihood of such a major overhaul, arguing that it is unnecessary and disruptive at a time of global turmoil with ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
One source indicated that it would be administratively difficult to dismiss and replace such a large number of high-ranking U.S. military officials, suggesting the plan might simply be a threat and a show of force from Trump's allies.
Meanwhile, another source indicated that Trump's team believes the Joint Chiefs of Staff needs to be downsized due to perceived excessive bureaucracy. This source suggested that such cuts could be implemented within an organization the size of the U.S. military.
"These people are not irreplaceable. They are easily replaceable and there is no shortage of people who could succeed them," the source said.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/nhom-ong-trump-lap-danh-list-of-long-serving-military-officers-who-need-to-transfer-ar907270.html
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