The Pentagon and the Army undersecretary informed congressional staff about their plans to cut Army special operations forces, emphasizing that a significant number of these cuts would target vacant roles, not existing soldiers. Recent discussions and reports highlighted that around 3,000 Army special operations positions might be cut, which represents about 10% of all Army special operations roles.
Key Points:
- Nature of Cuts: The proposed reductions in Army special operations will largely target vacant billets rather than existing soldiers.
- Scale of Reduction: Around 3,000 Army special operations positions, equating to 10% of all such roles, are reportedly under consideration for elimination.
- Reason for Cuts: The Army cites “over structure,” or having roles and units that are undermanned or “hollow”, as the primary reason behind these proposed cuts. Recruitment challenges in recent years further support this decision.
- Congressional Oversight: The proposed force structure reductions, first mentioned in May, have been met with concerns from Senate members. Congress ultimately has the final say on whether to approve the Defense Department and Army’s proposed cuts.
- Special Operations Growth: Army special operations expanded due to the Global War on Terror, but with a shift in operations focus, the Army is considering reducing support roles or “enablers”.
