Pentagon trimming ranks of generals, admirals.

The Pentagon has eliminated 27 jobs for generals and admirals since March, according to a report by The Washington Post. The drawdown is the first of its kind since the Department of Defense downsized the military in the aftermath of the Cold War.

The cuts come as part of a larger plan to restore senior ranks to peace-time levels in the next five years, according to the report.

Former Defense Secretary, Robert M. Gates approved a plan in March to reduce the number of general and admiral billets from 952 to 850, the
report said.

The DOD also will downgrade 23 billets in rank, meaning two-star generals will be stepping up to what were formerly three-star slots, the
report said.

The changes will not save a large amount of money, according to the report. Instead, the cuts are symbolically important to adjusting the force in times of peace.