The Trump administration has directed the Pentagon to submit lists of probationary employees, with expectations that dismissals could begin as soon as this week, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The move, part of a broader federal workforce reduction, coincides with the arrival of personnel from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has already led cuts at other agencies.
With DOGE now roaming the Pentagon halls, here’s hoping they take a break from downsizing to tackle another inefficiency: fixing everyone’s computers. If you’ve ever had to wait months for a software update in a government office, you know that might be the real revolution.
Who’s Affected in the DoD?
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that this is an effort to eliminate bureaucracy and redirect funding to warfighters. Pentagon agencies had until Tuesday to identify which employees should be considered for dismissal, though it remains unclear whether any will be granted exemptions.
The cuts target defense civilians still within their probationary period—typically one to two years, but sometimes longer—while uniformed military personnel remain exempt. The Defense Department employs nearly 950,000 civilians in roles ranging from logistics and maintenance to high-level engineering and intelligence work. Some of these positions are filled by veterans transitioning to civilian roles, and others involve classified operations that require specialized clearances.
Similar cuts at the National Nuclear Security Administration led to confusion when essential employees were dismissed, then later reinstated. The same uncertainty now looms over the Pentagon, with some defense employees questioning whether their “mission-critical” status will protect them.
Although Trump initially positioned Musk as the architect of government efficiency efforts, lawsuits have challenged the legality of his role, prompting the administration to clarify that Musk is an adviser rather than an official decision-maker.
What’s Next?
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which oversees federal workforce restructuring, has not commented on the Pentagon cuts. Employees flagged for dismissal may receive notice within days, and those working with classified materials will need to be formally debriefed before leaving their positions.
Hegseth has assured that any reductions will be made in coordination with Pentagon leadership to avoid undermining operational readiness. Critics warn that the rapid pace of the cuts could lead to mission impacts—particularly in departments where the complexity of civilian roles isn’t always immediately clear.
