Federal Drive with Tom Temin
DoD to fire 5,400 probationary employees next week, with hiring freeze to follow
Feb 24, 2025
Jared Serbu, a Federal News Network reporter and deputy editor, dives into the Pentagon's major workforce shakeup. He discusses the looming layoffs of 5,400 probationary employees, highlighting the impact on younger staff and veterans. Serbu explores concerns about the long-term consequences of these cuts and the potential for a hiring freeze, which could lead to a significant shift in federal hiring dynamics. The conversation touches on how these decisions contrast with approaches taken by other federal agencies.
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Quick takeaways
- The Defense Department plans to lay off 5,400 probationary employees as part of a larger strategic effort to cut its workforce by 5% to 8%.
- These layoffs, while significant, are designed to retain experienced personnel and minimize the impact on younger employees under 34 years old.
Deep dives
Workforce Reductions at the Defense Department
The Defense Department is poised to lay off approximately 5,400 probationary employees as part of a broader plan to reduce its civilian workforce by 5% to 8%. This decision represents a significant workforce reduction effort, which is expected to include long-term hiring freezes alongside dismissals. Notably, these cuts may disproportionately impact younger employees within the DOD, as nearly half of the 70,000 probationary staff members are under 34 years old. The uncertainty surrounding the specific department-level impact complicates predictions about the ramifications of these layoffs on the DOD's operations and staffing needs.
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