Civilian Downsizing: Unit Readiness Not Adversely Affected, but Future Reductionsa Concern

摘要

DOD is the largest federal agency. In fiscal year 1995, it employed a totalworkforce of about 3.3 million personnel, about 26 percent of whom were civilians. DOD'S 849,164 civilian workers represented about 42 percent of executive branch civilian workers. Civilians are an integral part of DOD's support infrastructure, performing work in the 4 military services; 16 defense agencies, such as the Defense Finance and Accounting Service; 9 field activities, such as the Washington Headquarters Service; 5 defense support activities, such as the Defense Manpower Data Center; and other defense organizations, such as the Inspector General, Joint Staff, and OSD. As of fiscal year 1995, about 83 percent of DOD civilians were in the four military services. These civilians maintain and repair equipment and weapon systems; provide research, medical, communications, and logistics support; and operate and maintain military installations. The Marine Corps had the fewest civilians, with just over 18,000, and the Army had the most, with almost 267,000 civilians.