Same ole same ole. When I joined the Navy in 1987, we had around 606,000. When I left, we had 325,000 (give or take). Throughout the entire time, they would bring a bunch in and then say, “Whoops...too many...need to cut”...then they would say, “Whoops...cut too many....need to strengthen the numbers...”. People who do personnel numbers must be the dumbest people on Earth.
That was over a 24-year period.
Not exactly.
The president determine what size military he wants to do what he considers "essential." That is what shapes his defense budget and personnel request, not some personnel guy somewhere.
Politicians change and along with that change comes a shift on national security posture and defense needs. . .hence fluctuating force numbers.
With the Big Zero, The Messiah, as long as one guy remains on active duty that is one too many for him.