The Pentagon has announced plans to cut its civilian workforce by 5-8% as part of a major reorganization of the U.S. military. As early as next week, some 5400 probationary employees will be laid off, and the Defense Department will impose a complete hiring freeze. The move is reportedly aimed at streamlining costs and improving the efficiency of what has traditionally been one of the most cumbersome departments in the U.S. government.

The cuts and hiring freeze mark a significant shift in the Pentagon’s personnel policy. The layoffs will primarily affect those who have not yet completed their probationary periods, allowing the agency to minimize legal and financial liabilities. But the drastic measures raise questions about how they will impact the department’s operations, especially given ongoing global challenges, including tensions with Russia and China. Pentagon leaders have not yet disclosed which departments or programs will be hit hardest, but it is clear that the changes will impact thousands of families across the country.

According to open sources, the Pentagon had about 2024 civilian employees in 750, making it one of the largest employers in the world. A 5-8% reduction means job losses for 37-60 people in the long term, although the first wave will affect only 5400. Experts attribute this reform to pressure from the White House, which seeks to redirect funds to priority projects, such as modernizing the armed forces and developing new technologies.