A federal hiring freeze implemented by President Trump is impacting more than 360 vacant positions at Eglin Air Force Base in west Florida. But administrators at Eglin are ready to adjust.
As part of the freeze, a long-term plan must be submitted by the Office of Personnel and Management within 90 days. Andrew Bourland, director of public affairs, says the base is prepared to adjust to guidance from the federal government.
“I would say we are confident that we will put into action whatever guidance comes out of OPM and down to the Department of Defense. The missions at Eglin are very well-defined and have been in place for many years," Bourland says.
Eglin has the largest civilian workforce, numbering over 6,000 nonmilitary employees. Bourland doesn’t foresee any significant interruption in base operations. The final release of the Department of Defense memorandum on the freeze is expected to contain relief in crucial military areas.