"Those who we need, who are the best and brightest, are going to stay. Those who are under performers — won't," said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to come up with plans to cut 8% from the defense budget in each of the next five years, sources familiar with his plans told CBS News.

The first firings of Defense Department civilian probationary employees are expected to start next week, with about 5,400 set to be released as the Pentagon anticipates reducing its civilian workforce by 5-8%.