WASHINGTON, D.C. – The civilian workforce of the Department of Defense is anticipated to be reduced by 5-8% to produce efficiencies and refocus the department on President Trump’s priorities and restoring readiness in the force, according to a statement released Friday by Darin Selnick, performing the duties of under secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

“We expect approximately 5,400 probationary workers will be released beginning next week (week of Feb. 23) as part of this initial effort, after which we will implement a hiring freeze while we conduct a further analysis of our personnel needs, complying as always with all applicable laws,” Selnick said.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday the Department of Defense is reevaluating its probationary workforce, consistent with the president’s initiative to reform the federal workforce to maximize efficiency and productivity.

The reevaluation of probationary employees is being done across government and not just at the Defense Department.

“As the secretary made clear, it is simply not in the public interest to retain individuals whose contributions are not mission-critical. Taxpayers deserve to have us take a thorough look at our workforce top-to-bottom to see where we can eliminate redundancies,” Selnick said in his statement.

“As we take these important steps to reshape the workforce to meet the president’s priorities, the department will treat our workers with dignity and respect as it always does. Those who commit themselves to defending our nation deserve nothing less,” he added.