The Navy’s chief of information office is on the clock to deliver a plan that will reduce the service’s civilian public affairs staff by at least 35 percent, according to a memo signed by Navy Secretary John Phelan earlier this month.

The move would also centralize hiring for all civilian PAOs and all communications-related contracting to Department of the Navy headquarters. While the Marine Corps is not being directed to cut its civilian billets, it will be subject to the same new hiring and contracting practices.

“This initiative is essential to eliminate duplicative roles, concentrate talent on the highest priority functions, focus contracting support where it is most needed and ensure alignment with commitment to mission-driven resource management, cost savings and operational lethal

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