The Department of Defense’s workforce realignment efforts are gaining momentum. According to a senior defense official, roughly 21,000 civilian employees have volunteered for the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) since it launched in January. The program offers full pay and benefits through September 30, giving eligible DoD civilians an exit ramp as the department aims to strategically downsize by 5-8%—about 50,000 to 60,000 positions.
The DRP is part of a three-pronged approach to streamline DoD’s massive civilian workforce, which includes a broad hiring freeze and the removal of thousands of underperforming probationary employees. Officials stressed that applications for DRP are being carefully vetted to avoid negatively impacting readiness, ensuring key mission areas remain staffed.
Meanwhile, the hiring freeze is showing no signs of thawing. In a memo issued last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered further clarification: hiring exemptions will only be granted for mission-essential positions, particularly at “readiness-centric” locations like shipyards, depots, and medical facilities. Any exemption requests must be reviewed and approved at the highest levels, reinforcing the administration’s push to curb inefficiencies and redirect resources toward national security priorities.
With thousands already departing and thousands more hires frozen, the DoD’s reshaping of its civilian workforce is well underway.
Layoffs: Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace is trimming its workforce, with plans to lay off 160 Cedar Rapids employees next month in a move aimed at “reducing costs” and streamlining operations. The defense and commercial aviation giant announced the layoffs will hit on April 14, part of a broader strategy to boost efficiency and reinvest in high-priority programs. While the cuts represent a small slice of Collins’ roughly 7,000-strong Cedar Rapids workforce, it’s a notable shakeup for one of Iowa’s largest employers—especially after the company reported $4 billion in profit and solid revenue growth last year. The move reflects a growing trend across the defense and aerospace sectors, where companies are fine-tuning their structures to stay competitive amid shifting customer demands
Hiring: PMAT
PMAT INC. has been awarded a $211 million contract to support Project Overmatch, the Navy’s effort to improve connectivity and decision-making across operations. As part of the contract, the company is currently hiring cleared professionals in San Diego, with positions open for Systems Engineers, Human Systems Integration Engineers, and additional technical roles.
PMAT focuses on technology solutions in the national security and defense space, contributing to projects that impact military operations. The company continues to expand its workforce to support this latest effort.
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Opportunity to Watch
The White House is shaking up federal procurement with a sweeping new executive order aimed at eliminating duplication and cutting costs across agencies. The order, issued March 20, directs that procurement of common goods and services be consolidated under the General Services Administration (GSA)—bringing contracting authority back to its roots, where it first resided in 1949. With nearly $490 billion spent annually on contracts, federal leaders hope bulk purchasing power and streamlined processes will reduce waste and allow agencies to focus squarely on their missions. While the plan rolls out over the next several months, implementation won’t happen overnight. Expect a slow but steady shift as the GSA takes on a larger role coordinating procurement across government.
