According to The Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon has begun to “quietly recall” high-ranking officers from positions in Africa and the Middle East as part of a broader strategy of relocating resources to prioritize countering China and Russia, and as congressional restrictions that determine the maximum number of generals and admirals.
The “rotation” includes the withdrawal of military attachés from several West African countries.
According to the WSJ, the position of Defense Attaché, the senior US military representative to the diplomatic mission, is being downgraded in eight key allied countries, including the UK and Saudi Arabia, following an order from Defense Secretary Mark Esper on August 24.
In many cases, this will lead to the replacement of generals or admirals with colonels or captains of the Navy, which will damage the relationship of the United States with allies, as they will have to interact with US military officers of lower rank than before.
By December 2022, 110 general / admiral positions will be reduced.
