The Army and Air Force both announced a freeze on hiring of civilian employees. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno ordered each installation to reduce hiring levels for fiscal year 2013, which began Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, to levels equivalent to 70 percent of the previous 12 months. The Army also plans to cut back on training activities not directly relevant to Operation Enduring Freedom, Korea, homeland defense, and the Division Ready Brigade. And non-essential conferences will also feel the hit. The Air Force will implement similar cuts in civilian hiring, but pending promotions likely will go through as scheduled. The Air Force has ordered managers to release temporary employees immediately, and not renew term employees. More specific guidelines for cuts are forthcoming, the Air Force said. The service is facing a $1.8 billion shortfall in funding for overseas operations during fiscal 2013. The Air Force Space Command plans to move forward, however, with plans to increase the number of civilians and uniformed members working for U.S. Cyber Command. (See related item, below)
