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Pentagon Targets 60,000 Civilian Job Cuts in Workforce Reduction Plan

The Department of Defense is implementing voluntary resignations and a hiring freeze, but legal challenges have paused probationary employee terminations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responds to questions from reporters during a meeting with Britain's Defense Secretary John Healey at the Pentagon, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has assured that the reductions will not compromise military readiness.
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Overview

  • The Department of Defense plans to reduce its civilian workforce by 5% to 8%, cutting between 50,000 and 60,000 jobs in the coming months.
  • Nearly 21,000 employees have accepted voluntary resignation offers as part of the 'Fork in the Road' program, representing about one-third of the reduction goal.
  • A hiring freeze is expected to eliminate approximately 6,000 positions monthly through attrition, while plans to terminate 5,400 probationary employees are on hold due to legal challenges.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has assured that the cuts will not compromise military readiness, though concerns remain about administrative gaps and service members being reassigned to civilian roles.
  • Veterans, who make up a significant portion of the Pentagon's civilian workforce, are among those impacted by the reductions, but exact numbers remain unclear.