Defense Headquarters Staff Reductions: An Overview

After a comprehensive analysis in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) to determine ways for improving management and reducing manpower, the Secretary of Defense directed a 21.7% reduction, 448 positions, in OSD headquarters activities and a 22.4% reduction, 344 positions, in OSD field activities. The Secretary also instructed the military services to implement similar 20% to 25% staff reductions in their departmental headquarters.