Vet News: Army Moves Forward with Civilian Reductions

In July, the Army announced a planned reduction of approximately 8,700 positions by Sept. 30, 2012.  These cuts are based on Department of Defense resource decisions as reflected in the fiscal 2012 President’s Budget and require a reduction of Army civilian employees to comply with decreased funding levels. 

The Army has identified 70 different locations affected by these reductions across eight commands and agencies with nearly 90 percent of the cuts taking place within Installation Management Command, Army Materiel Command, and Training and Doctrine Command. 

Thirty seven states will be affected by these reductions with the majority of personnel cuts occurring in those states with the largest military and Army civilian populations. 

“Army commands and agencies are continuing to take necessary actions to reduce their civilian on-board strength to meet funded targets established by the secretary of defense and reflected in the President’s Budget,” said Thomas R. Lamont, assistant secretary of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs. “To the maximum extent possible, the Army will rely on voluntary departures to achieve these manpower reductions.”  

Commanders are responsible for shaping their workforce within their allocated budget and may use all available options to achieve reduction objectives while mitigating adverse impact on the workforce.  Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment may be used to reduce the number of personnel to meet mission objectives.