The Pentagon plans to reduce its civilian workforce by 5% to 8%, equating to approximately 50,000 to 60,000 positions. This initiative aligns with broader federal efforts to streamline government operations and enhance efficiency.
As of now, fewer than 21,000 employees have accepted voluntary resignation packages. To achieve the targeted reductions, the Department of Defense (DoD) will implement a combination of strategies, including a hiring freeze and attrition, aiming to eliminate about 6,000 positions monthly by not replacing departing staff.
During a media briefing, a DoD official stated: “More than 20,000, nearing 21,000 of the applications from employees that volunteered to participate in deferred resignation program. So those will actually be achieved over time. We’re in the process of placing those employees that were approved on administrative leave.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasizes that these measures are designed to ensure resources are allocated effectively without compromising military readiness. The DoD’s civilian workforce currently comprises over 900,000 individuals, encompassing roles in administration, logistics, and technical support.
The reduction plan includes the termination of 5,400 probationary workers, a move that has encountered legal challenges, resulting in temporary halts to these actions. Despite these challenges, the DoD remains committed to its workforce optimization goals.
This workforce reduction is part of a broader initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by advisor Elon Musk, aiming to downsize the federal workforce and restructure certain U.S. agencies. While these efforts seek to enhance efficiency, concerns have been raised regarding potential impacts on essential government functions and national security.
The DoD acknowledges these concerns and is evaluating exemptions to the hiring freeze to protect critical national security roles. The department aims to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining operational effectiveness during this transition.
