Army May Contract Out 214,000 Support Jobs

The Army is considering contracting out nearly 214,000 military and civilian support jobs to the private sector in a plan to free money to fight terrorism and comply with President Bush’s desire to trim the federal government through outsourcing.

In a memo, Army Secretary Thomas E. White directed his commanders to submit plans by Dec. 20 to privatize or outsource all functions not essential to fighting wars. If approved, the unprecedented government overhaul could begin this spring and affect two-thirds of the Army civilian work force. Military personnel would be reassigned.

Targeted are 154,910 civilian workers and 58,727 military personnel who perform support functions such as financial, legal, communications and maintenance.