The Nation : 7,300 Pentagon Jobs Held Unnecessary

An internal study ordered by Defense Secretary Frank C. Carlucci concludes the Pentagon could eliminate 7,300 jobs from its headquarters around the world, or 12% of the total, without jeopardizing military readiness. Such cuts would save more than $300 million a year in operating costs and eliminate duplication that in some cases almost guarantees America’s military forces will have a hard time fighting any war, the study asserts. “The review disclosed significant areas of overlapping responsibilities, duplication of functions, layering and opportunities for saving manpower,” the report said. The study, requested by Carlucci last Dec. 14, was done by a 22-member panel chaired by Derek J. Vander Schaaf, the Defense Department’s deputy inspector general. The study was provided to key congressional leaders.