Summary

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

So far, 21,000 employees have been approved to resign under the Deferred Resignation Program, which allows them to remain on payroll until September 30.

The reduction also includes a hiring freeze and the dismissal of 5,400 probationary (new) employees, though a federal judge has temporarily blocked the terminations.

Officials stress military readiness will not be affected, but the Pentagon has not ruled out forced layoffs if voluntary cuts fall short.