The Defense Department Is Anticipating DOGE Cuts. The Chain of Command Is Left in the Dark.

The Department of Government Efficiency has thrown the Pentagon’s strict culture off-kilter.

In a building split between military and civilian staff, chain of command is everything. But now, orders coming directly from the White House about personnel changes, policies and even specific programs have gone out to the entire force.

Without the usual input from high-ranking Pentagon and military leadership, many of these orders are being interpreted by units at all levels.