Thousands of probationary employees will be the first released.
The Department of Defense (DOD) is beginning to reduce its civilian workforce this week, with 5,400 employees set to be laid off in the first phase of cuts. The layoffs will affect probationary employees, typically those hired or promoted within the past year who have fewer civil service protections. These cuts are part of a broader effort by President Trump’s administration to reduce the civilian workforce by five to eight percent.
“We believe in the goals of the program, and our leaders are carrying out that review carefully and smartly,” Defense Department personnel chief Darin Selnick stated.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that, following the initial layoffs, the Pentagon will implement a hiring freeze and conduct a comprehensive review of civilian staffing needs. The review is intended to identify redundancies and prioritize mission-critical roles.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Defense Secretary Hegseth and Pentagon leaders as they review the civilian workforce and conduct layoffs.
- For U.S. defense officials to be discerning about the necessary number of civilian employees and the redundancy of positions in the Pentagon.
Sources: Forbes, USA Today, Gov Exec
