The Pentagon is ready to cut 10% of the Army’s special operations forces as recruiting struggles continue and the Pentagon shifts focus from counterterrorism operations to the rising threat from China. The Army is planning to cut 3,000 troops from the ranks of the special operations forces, which could include troops from the Green Berets, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Word of potential cuts is already spreading and receiving criticism from current and former special operators, including Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Green Beret, who said he is “stunned and appalled” by the move.
“The secretary of the Army is trying to claim she is only cutting support troops like intelligence analysts, psychological operations troops, and logistics personnel,” Waltz said in a release. “In reality, these support troops are critical to our special operators’ success in remote locations in 60-70 countries on any given day all over the world.”
Special operations forces, like the Green Berets, have played a crucial role in the U.S. fight against terrorism in the Middle East and in training allied fighters.
Special operations units are currently providing training assistance to Ukrainian forces in their efforts against Russia and to Taiwanese soldiers in defense against potential attacks from China.
While the Army’s recruiting pitfall plays a role in the cuts, the Pentagon’s shift in focus from counterterrorism to large-scale combat operations is also a driving factor.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth described the situation as a “moment of transformation” for the Army as it pivots from counterinsurgency and counterterrorism to a new force structure for larger operational concerns.
This news comes as more than 700 special operations troops were reallocated from U.S. military branches last year.
While these reductions are expected to be pushed through, nothing is signed yet, and the cuts could be overturned by Congress, where at least one member, Rep. Waltz, has already voiced opposition.