Pentagon to Cut Civilian Workforce by 5-8%
The US Defense Department has announced plans to cut its civilian workforce by at least 5-8% starting next week, as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to slash the government payroll. This move is expected to affect over 45,000 jobs, with approximately 5,400 probationary workers being released beginning next week.
Focus on Recently Hired Employees
The cuts will also focus on recently hired employees, with the goal of producing efficiencies and refocusing the department on the president’s priorities and restoring readiness in the force. "We anticipate reducing the department’s civilian workforce by 5-8 percent to produce efficiencies and refocus the department on the president’s priorities and restoring readiness in the force," said Darin Selnick, who is performing the duties of under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness.
Promoting the "Best and Brightest"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the need to prioritize the "best and brightest" employees, stating, "Common sense would tell us where we should start, right — we start with poor performers amongst our probationary employees." He also highlighted the need to promote employees based on merit, saying, "When you look at head count, we’re going to be thoughtful, but we’re also going to be aggressive, up and down the chain, to find the places where we can ensure the best and brightest are promoted based on merit."
Efforts to Root Out "Woke" Programs
Hegseth also announced that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, would have "broad access" to root out programs that are not core to the mission of the Defense Department. This includes initiatives such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as climate change efforts.
Legal Challenges
Musk’s efforts to fire federal workers and access agency data have sparked various legal challenges. A US judge declined a request to temporarily block Musk and DOGE from firing federal employees and accessing agency data, and another judge denied a union bid to temporarily halt the sacking of federal workers.
FAQs
- How many jobs will be affected by the cuts?
Over 45,000 jobs will be affected by the cuts, with approximately 5,400 probationary workers being released beginning next week. - What is the goal of the cuts?
The goal is to produce efficiencies and refocus the department on the president’s priorities and restoring readiness in the force. - Who will be affected by the cuts?
The cuts will focus on recently hired employees, as well as those who are not meeting performance standards. - What is the role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)?
DOGE will work to root out programs that are not core to the mission of the Defense Department, including initiatives such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and climate change efforts.