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Pentagon to Cut 60,000 Civilian Jobs: What It Means for the US Workforce

 

The US Department of Defense is set to undergo a massive workforce reduction, with around 60,000 civilian jobs being eliminated through voluntary workforce reduction programs. According to reports from AP, at least 21,000 civilian employees have already opted for voluntary retirement plans and will be leaving in the coming months. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce and streamline government operations.

A 5%-8% Workforce Reduction

With the Defense Department employing over 900,000 civilians, the planned job cuts represent a 5% to 8% reduction in its workforce. The Pentagon intends to achieve this by cutting around 6,000 positions per month, primarily by not replacing workers who leave. Since courts have blocked many government firings, the department is relying on voluntary workforce reductions to meet its target.

Concerns Over Military Readiness

One of the primary concerns surrounding these cuts is that military personnel may be assigned to fill vacant civilian positions due to the hiring freeze. However, a senior official assured that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is committed to ensuring that these reductions do not compromise military readiness.

“The number sounds high, but I would focus on the percentage. A 5% to 8% reduction is not drastic,” the official told ABC News.

Strategies for Workforce Reduction

The Pentagon plans to execute the job cuts through:

  • A hiring freeze, where new positions will not be filled.
  • Termination of probationary workers who have served less than one or two years.
  • Voluntary resignations on full pay until the end of September.

Military veterans working as civilians in the Defense Department may also be affected, with officials acknowledging that thousands could be among those let go.

A Step Towards Government Downsizing?

These job cuts align with a larger initiative led by the Trump administration and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The goal is to reduce bureaucracy and optimize resource allocation.

While a 5%-8% cut may not seem drastic on paper, the impact on military operations, federal services, and the job market remains to be seen. With thousands of employees facing uncertainty, the Pentagon’s move signals a significant shift in how the US government manages its workforce.

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