(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — In March, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a 5-8% reduction of its civilian workforce nationwide. The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) has released an update on progress transitioning its civilian workers out and how they are maintaining the Academy’s high standards.
The reduction meant the Academy specifically needed to defund 140 positions in 2025. According to the USAFA release, 36 of these were occupied, while 104 were either vacant or to be vacated under the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP).
The DRP offers federal employees to resign and receive paid administrative leave through the end of the fiscal or calendar year. The program also provides financial support to civilian employees transitioning out of the DoD workforce. Eligible employees being cut from the Academy were also presented with the option for Voluntary Early Retirement.
This civilian employee reduction does not mean these positions will be left empty; as of an Aug. 20 USAFA release, 11 of the 36 vacated positions have been matched and reassigned to higher priority roles within the Academy.
The release also stated that 25 faculty members had already departed this year, “…primarily through the Deferred Resignation Program. In response, the institution has augmented its faculty with 19 additional military personnel with appropriate degrees and teaching skills, who will bring valuable operational experience to the classroom.”
Amid these changes and transitions, USAFA kept over 750 courses available, even adding four new classes and three new majors.
“Many thanks to the Dean of Faculty professionals,” said Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind. “They are adjusting quickly, making the needed changes to ensure we can continue to offer the majors we promised through the Class of ‘26.”
“I can confidently attest we are maintaining the academic rigor, accreditation, and high standards expected at the U.S. Air Force Academy,” he continued. “Our faculty and staff are providing a world-class education to our cadets, and our institution will continue to produce officers ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving security environment.”
