During a confirmation hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee, President Donald Trump's nominee for deputy secretary of defense, Stephen Feinberg, emphasized the necessity of cuts to the civilian workforce at the Defense Department to enhance the military's efficiency. Feinberg stated that the majority of the anticipated cuts would likely come from individuals opting for retirement or early resignation, considering the current size of over 900,000 civilians in the Department of Defense.
The Pentagon recently announced its intention to reduce its 950,000-person civilian workforce by 5-8%, with an initial focus on letting go of 5,400 probationary employees. These probationary employees, typically in their positions for less than a year, are among those targeted for potential dismissal.
When questioned about his assertion that most of those affected would be individuals looking to retire, Feinberg clarified his stance by highlighting his experience in restructuring companies and addressing workforce challenges. He expressed confidence in his ability to contribute value to the process if confirmed, working alongside the Secretary of Defense to manage the reductions effectively and fairly.
The proposed workforce cuts at the Pentagon have sparked discussions among lawmakers, with concerns raised about the impact on newly hired employees undergoing training. Democrat Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii pointed out that probationary employees are individuals in the early stages of their service, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in implementing any reductions.
Feinberg's nomination and the proposed civilian workforce cuts are part of broader efforts to streamline operations within the Defense Department and optimize its organizational structure. The outcome of these deliberations will shape the future composition of the Pentagon's civilian workforce and its operational effectiveness.
