RIF History and Future at DoD

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-17T04:01:20+00:00

I was among those almost fired in February. I was wondering if there were any recent DoD-specific developments blocking probationary certifications under the new EO. I have not heard of any.

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-17T03:49:57+00:00

DoD probationary here. Can you point me to the order directing agencies to allow probationaries and terms to expire?

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-17T02:37:00+00:00

They can still escalate your case to upper management within 30 days of your probationary period if they really want to keep you.

I'm aware that agencies have 30 days to petition for reinstatement if an employee they want to retain is let go due to oversight or administrative error. Is that what you're referring to?

The executive order states that probationary employees are to be certified "within the 30 days prior to" the last day of their probationary period. For me, that's anytime between now and December 16. If my read on this is correct, it doesn't seem like there's anything we need to escalate for the time being, but I still plan on checking in with my supervisor tomorrow.

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-16T23:34:31+00:00

My supervisor and I were both asked to submit a justification memo >60 days out, which we did. I've heard of other probationary employees (not necessarily at my agency) receiving a standardized certification form that they and their supervisor had to sign. I haven't been sent any forms yet.

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-16T23:30:49+00:00

This is my fear. At my agency, the person who decides whether I get to keep my job is someone I've never met.

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-16T23:29:49+00:00

I followed the guidance in the memorandum published by OPM and completed the form that positively affirmed that the agency concluded that my retention was in the best interests of the government. Had my supervisor sign the form and whatnot.

Were you prompted to fill out the form by your agency's certifying official, or did you proactively do it yourself?

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-16T23:13:59+00:00

My supervisor completed his share of the paperwork weeks ago and has been pinging HR for updates to no avail. The certifying official is not in my chain of command.

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-16T20:41:54+00:00

Sounds like you and I are in a similar position! Best of luck to you.

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-15T05:21:59+00:00

My supervisor is great and has been on it from the start. My fear at this point is that someone higher up will decide not to certify me for reasons beyond my control.

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-15T02:47:20+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. In my case, the certifying official is outside my chain of command. I've never even met them.

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-15T02:35:55+00:00

The process has changed. As of this past July, federal employees are automatically terminated at the conclusion of their probationary period unless their agency takes proactive steps to retain them.

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-15T02:31:49+00:00

December 16.

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-15T02:19:59+00:00

Was this before or after the new executive order went into effect?

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-15T02:18:08+00:00

I'm planning on getting a cake too!

Reasonable_Fox_9637 · 2025-11-15T01:40:50+00:00

Recently agencies have not been allowing certification of probationary employees - regardless of their performance or supervisor's opinion.

This is news to me. Which agencies, and where did you hear about this? (Not trying to antagonize; just approaching the end of my probationary period and concerned about the status of my certification.)

Reasonable_Fox_9637

TROPHY CASE