Hegseth orders Army overhaul to counter China, enhance missile defenses

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a sweeping restructuring of the U.S. Army to better position it for great power competition, with a particular emphasis on countering China and strengthening homeland defense. The directive mandates consolidating major Army commands, including merging Army Futures Command with Training and Doctrine Command, as well as restructuring other headquarters and trimming general officer positions to streamline command. The Army is instructed to divest outdated and redundant systems, prioritize rapid adoption of advanced technologies, and shift resources toward long-range precision fires, air and missile defense—highlighted by the development of the Golden Dome missile shield—cyber, electronic warfare, and counter-space capabilities. The reorganization also calls for reducing manned attack helicopter units in favor of deploying inexpensive drone swarms and expanding Army presence and exercises in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth's plan includes acquisition reform, elimination of wasteful spending, and a renewed focus on building a leaner, more lethal force aligned with the Administration's strategic priorities. The changes reflect lessons learned from recent conflicts and aim to restore deterrence and the Army's warrior ethos.