Rep. Calvert Presses Navy Leadership on Need for an Efficient Civilian Workforce
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) questioned Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, and Marine Corps Commandant General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. about the need for a more efficient civilian workforce in the Department of Defense. The exchange took place during the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee budget oversight hearing on the Navy's Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal.
In response to Rep. Calvert's questions regarding the civilian workforce, Admiral Greenert stated that "You could really help us by giving us the authorities to manage our civilian workforce like we manage our military." Later, he concluded that "We don't have the flexibility to properly manage the civilian workforce."
"We need to put the policies in place that enable our military leaders to shape an appropriate and efficient civilian workforce," said Rep. Calvert. "I appreciate the feedback our Navy leadership provided at this morning's hearing and I will continue to advocate for changes that will establish a more efficient defense civilian workforce while investing the resulting savings back into the needs of our uniformed soldiers."
Currently there are 776,841 civilian employees at the DOD as compared to 644,000 in 2004, an increase of 132,841. By comparison, from 2004 to 2014 the Active Duty military component went from 1,428,000 to 1,331,000, a reduction of 97,000.
"As we are drawing down the end strength of our military, and in some cases, such as the Marine Corps, I think the reductions are too much, it is simply inconceivable that we cannot have corresponding cuts in civilian support staff," stated Rep. Calvert.
Rep. Calvert has introduced legislation aimed at creating a more efficient civilian workforce at the Department of Defense (DOD). The Rebalance for an Effective Defense Uniform and Civilian Employees (REDUCE) Act (H.R. 340) would require the DOD to make civilian workforce reductions in a systematic manner without compromising our ability to maintain a strong national defense over the long term. To read more about the REDUCE Act click HERE.
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