Hegseth signs memo to reduce Pentagon civilian workforce by 5-8%

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a memorandum aimed at reducing the Department of Defense's civilian workforce as part of broader government spending cuts. The memo indicates that the reduction will enhance efficiency and allow for resource realignment to critical areas, potentially impacting up to 76,000 of the 950,000 civilian employees. Hegseth has reactivated the deferred resignation program and introduced voluntary early retirement options for eligible employees, emphasizing that exemptions to these measures should be rare. While the specifics of the cuts remain unclear, the Pentagon previously indicated plans to reduce its civilian workforce by 5 to 8%. This initiative aligns with the Trump administration's goal to streamline federal operations and reduce expenses. The memorandum also highlights a push towards automation to eliminate duplicative efforts and bureaucracy within the Department of Defense.