Hegseth tells DOD civilian workforce to comply with DOGE productivity email
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has made a significant change in the Department of Defense (DOD) by directing the civilian workforce to comply with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) productivity email. This directive comes after initially telling them not to reply, showing a shift in the department’s approach to productivity and accountability.
In a video message released on Sunday, Hegseth emphasized the importance of the civilian workforce in defending the nation and supporting the core warfighting mission of the DOD under President Trump’s leadership. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of civilian patriots working for the Department of Defense and highlighted the need to focus on national security.
Elon Musk, who heads the DOGE, expressed his appreciation for Hegseth’s directive by sharing the video message on social media. He praised the efforts of the DOD civilian employees and included saluting and American flag emojis in his post.
Hegseth’s memorandum to all DOD civilian employees instructed them to reply to an anticipated email from the DOD requesting five bullet points of accomplishments within 48 hours. Employees were also asked to include their supervisors as recipients in their responses. This requirement aligns with a similar request from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) seeking productivity reports from federal employees.
Despite initial resistance from the DOD’s Office of Personnel and Readiness to OPM’s request, Hegseth emphasized the importance of complying with the directive and collecting responses to meet the requirements. He clarified that responses should not include sensitive or classified information to ensure security and confidentiality.
The DOD’s decision to implement Musk’s productivity email reflects a collaborative effort to enhance efficiency and accountability within the department. By working closely with OPM to understand the expectations and guidelines, the DOD aims to improve communication and performance among its civilian workforce.
Non-compliance with the directive may result in further review, underscoring the importance of adhering to the new requirements. Hegseth urged DOD employees to respond to Monday’s email promptly and provide a detailed account of their achievements from the previous week.
Overall, the DOD’s shift towards embracing Musk’s productivity initiative signifies a commitment to enhancing productivity and transparency within the department. By promoting accountability and efficiency among civilian employees, the DOD aims to strengthen its national security efforts and support the core mission of defending the nation.
