Pentagon’s efforts to slash civilian workforce continue to cause confusion

Efforts to slash the Pentagon’s civilian workforce by more than 60,000 employees are not proceeding as planned, as judicial actions and lack of communication foster uncertainty—and a new court order could force the rehiring of thousands of probationary employees. Adding to the turmoil: Untold numbers of Defense Department civilians’ new roles, and in some cases overseas moves, are on hold as managers wait for guidance on how to apply for exemptions that must then be approv