Defense Department Cuts Furlough Days to 11

The Department of Defense said its civilian workforce will now experience 11 furlough days, down from an original projection of 21. 

The furlough period will kick in on July 8. Most workers will be required to take off one day a week during the period, according to a statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. 

"Furloughs for 11 days represent about half of the number we had originally planned, reflecting the Department’s vigorous efforts to meet our budgetary shortfalls through actions other than furlough," Hagel said. 

The furloughs have been deemed necessary in order to accommodate the across-the-board federal budget cuts that went into effect on March 1. Hagel said the department needed to find $30 million in savings. Hagel said he will seek to end the furlough days early if fiscal circumstances allow. 

At Fort Meade, garrison leaders have been communicating with civilian workers about potential impact of the budget cuts and furloughs. One noticeable impact could be on the staff available during the trial of Pfc Bradley Manning, which is scheduled to begin June 3 and could last through the summer.