U.S. Army Announces 24,000 Job Cuts to Restructure Forces
As the U.S. Army faces recruitment struggles, the service is set to reduce its force by approximately 24,000 jobs in a restructuring effort aimed at enhancing the military’s preparedness for future conflicts.
Job Cuts Primarily Impact Unfilled Positions
The Army’s decision to cut jobs will mainly affect posts that have remained vacant, rather than affecting currently enlisted soldiers, according to a document released by the Army on Tuesday.
Army Ensures Current Soldiers Will Not Be Asked to Depart
The Army explicitly stated that existing soldiers will not be asked to leave. Instead, as the Army builds back its strength over the coming years, most Army installations can expect an increase in the number of stationed soldiers.
Reduction in Counterinsurgency Positions
Primarily, cut positions will be related to counterinsurgency roles that saw growth during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars but are not in high demand currently.
Optimization for Large Scale and Multidomain Combat Operations
The restructuring aims to optimize the Army for large scale and multidomain combat operations, shifting away from a predominant focus on close combat and counterinsurgency.
Additional Reduction in Support Positions
Besides the counterinsurgency positions, around 10,000 posts will be cut from cavalry squadrons, Stryker brigade combat teams, infantry brigade combat teams, and security force assistance brigades, which are utilized in foreign force training.
Army Looks to Address Critical Missions
While implementing job cuts, the Army is also striving to recruit an additional 7,500 troops for vital missions like air-defense, counter-drone units, and the establishment of five new task forces globally, focusing on improved cyber, intelligence, and long-range strike capabilities.
Recruitment Challenges for the U.S. Military
The U.S. military encountered recruitment challenges in 2023, falling short by 41,000 recruits, which led to an impending recruitment crisis. Factors such as a competitive job market, declining eligibility, and the impact of COVID-19 school closures influenced recruitment difficulties, as reported by military leaders in a House Armed Services Committee hearing in December.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
