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A new Wall Street Journal report suggests the Pentagon is preparing to cut 10% of its Army special operations forces. That’s a reduction of about 3,000 troops.

The reduction is being done in an effort to rebalance toward more conventional troops and help alleviate recruiting struggles. The new proposal would cut the number of highly trained covert operatives, those who undertake dangerous missions around the world.

According to the Daily Caller, most of the reductions will occur in so-called “enabler” ranks, including intelligence, communications, logistics, psychological warfare, and other branches. Senior special ops officials are speaking out against the cuts, saying a reduction in highly trained operatives could put the U.S. at a disadvantage against China.

Despite their misgivings, officials say Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to sign off on the proposal soon.