Navy slashes civilian PAO positions to improve operational efficiency

The Navy is making significant changes to streamline operations and focus on combat effectiveness. A recent memo signed by Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan mandates a 35% reduction in civilian Public Affairs Officer (PAO) positions and tightens control over hiring and contracting decisions.

The goal of these changes is to create a more efficient, agile, and disciplined force while also saving taxpayer money. According to a Navy official speaking on background to Fox News Digital, the memo aims to prioritize warfighting readiness, reinforce standards and discipline, and expedite decision-making processes.

Moving forward, all civilian public affairs hiring must be approved by the Navy’s Chief of Information (CHINFO) or the Marine Corps Communications Directorate (CD). Additionally, contracts for media and messaging support will be consolidated into a single system to standardize processes across the fleet.

The memo emphasizes the need for public affairs resources to align with warfighting readiness, standards, discipline, and rapid decision-making. It also directs the reduction or elimination of civilian public affairs positions in headquarters, staff support, and non-operational environments.

A review conducted prior to these changes revealed that the civilian public affairs workforce had become bloated, leading to redundant positions, inconsistent messaging, and wasteful spending. Navy leaders believe that these reforms will not only cut costs but also ensure that all communication efforts directly support readiness and frontline personnel.

Unlike the Navy, the Marine Corps will not be affected by these cuts as it is undergoing a separate review process. The memo suggests that some civilian public affairs positions may be transitioned to active-duty or reserve Public Affairs Officers, placing more uniformed leaders in charge of communication efforts.

CHINFO and CD are tasked with documenting projected cost savings and exploring opportunities to reinvest in fleet support and uniformed public affairs capabilities. A senior Navy official stressed that these changes are aimed at enhancing discipline, efficiency, and combat effectiveness.

These reforms underscore the Navy’s commitment to optimizing resources and enhancing its ability to respond to threats effectively. By reallocating resources to prioritize readiness and combat capabilities, the Navy is positioning itself to meet the challenges of an evolving security landscape.

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