A senior U.S. defense official revealed that about one-third of the Department of Defense (DOD) employees being let go are leaving voluntarily through the deferred resignation program.
During a media briefing, the official shared that over 20,000 employees, close to 21,000, have applied to be a part of the deferred resignation program. These departures will happen gradually over time, with approved employees currently being put on administrative leave.
The DOD’s goal is to realign its civilian workforce to match national security priorities. This involves a planned reduction of 5-8% of the civilian workforce to shift focus and resources towards essential mission functions.
The figure breaks down to about 50-60,000. Of them, up to 32,000 veterans could lose their DOD civilian jobs.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrives at the Pentagon, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
The seal of the Department of Defense is seen on the podium at the Pentagon, Sept. 27, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Along with the deferred resignation program, the department is removing certain probationary employees and instituting a hiring freeze. Each of the initiatives, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is focused on workforce mission criticality to promote lethality, readiness and warfighting.
“So the department is a steward of the US taxpayers money. We need to be good stewards and accountable for that money and also ensure that we accomplish the mission and have the right focus on the mission,” the official said.
