Defense Workforce

GAO’s September 2025 report reviews how the Department of Defense is addressing challenges in recruiting and retaining Federal Wage System (FWS) employees—the skilled blue-collar workforce that keeps bases, depots, and shipyards running. Pay caps, mismatched wage survey data, and outdated job standards have hindered competitive salaries, especially at places like Tobyhanna Army Depot and Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Installations have turned to direct-hire authority, special wage rates, and measurable staffing goals to attract and keep talent, though some—like Edwards Air Force Base—lack clear targets. GAO recommends setting staffing benchmarks to better manage hiring and retention.