Pentagon’s civilian staff on chopping block

Feb. 24, 2025, 11:14 AM UTC

Pentagon Set to Fire 5,400 Staffers as 55,000 Are at Risk

The Pentagon said it expects to cut 5,400 civilian probationary employees this week and freeze hiring as part of an initial effort to trim what could total tens of thousands of positions.

The hiring freeze will be maintained until the department conducts an analysis of its personnel needs, the Friday statement said. Between 5% to 8% of the Pentagon’s workforce is expected to be cut overall, the statement said. An 8% cut would total about 76,000 people. The Defense Department employs about 950,000 civilians.

It remains to be seen ...

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