Summary

The Pentagon plans to cut 50,000 to 60,000 civilian employees—5% to 8% of its workforce—primarily through voluntary measures.

The reduction includes resignations under the Deferred Resignation Program, a hiring freeze, and the dismissal of 5,400 underperforming probationary employees. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the probationary terminations.

If voluntary cuts fall short, additional measures may follow. Officials stress that military readiness will not be affected, though some veterans are among those leaving.

The Pentagon has not disclosed whether forced layoffs will be necessary.