The INSIDER daily digest -- Feb. 24, 2025

This Monday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on civilian workforce cuts announced by the Defense Department late last week and more.

Civilian workforce cuts announced by the Pentagon late last week are intended to "produce efficiencies and refocus the department on the president’s priorities and restoring readiness in the force":

DOD plans to cut civilian workforce 5%-8% under new Trump efficiency plan

The Defense Department is planning to reduce its civilian workforce between 5% and 8%, according to a statement from a senior defense official, who also announced the coming planned termination of about 5,400 probationary workers next week and a DOD-wide hiring freeze.

The Army doesn't think it needs an additional variant of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle:

Army argues against DOT&E's AMPV recommendation

The Army is making the case it doesn't need to develop a sixth, fire direction-specific variant of its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, going against a recommendation the Pentagon's chief weapons tester has repeatedly put forth.

In a recent memo, acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Steven Morani calls on military component heads to "conduct a comprehensive review and validation of existing contracts for consulting services":

Pentagon to review all consulting contracts for possible budget cuts

The Defense Department, with an eye toward budget efficiency, has begun a review of all contracts for consulting services, according to a new memo from the Pentagon's acting acquisition chief.

Document: DOD memo on review and validation of consulting services contracts

Lockheed Martin's top executive spoke about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program last week:

Lockheed CEO: F-35 still 'essential' despite promises of unmanned warfare

Lockheed Martin's CEO doesn't see the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter losing prominence in the U.S. or partner fleet anytime soon, despite some Trump administration officials questioning the jet's usefulness as drones are made more sophisticated.

The head of U.S. Southern Command recently warned about growing Chinese influence in the Caribbean region:

SOUTHCOM: China eyeing Caribbean as 'offensive island chain' to threaten U.S. at home

The U.S. military is increasingly concerned that the Caribbean could become an "offensive island chain" for China as Beijing expands its footprint in the region in a way that could increase combat access and potential force projection, jeopardizing the United States' strategic positioning in its own hemisphere.