If the DOD were to go back to 2019 levels

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced they plan to reduce their workforce back to their 2019 numbers. This will be a reduction in force (RIF) from 470,000 employees to roughly 398,000 employees. See link for above statement from SecVA:

A message from SecVA Doug Collins: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=juRR9-ojusA

So this begs the question what if the DOD also reduced their workforce to 2019 levels? How large of a RIF would this be? Labor data for the DOD can be found at:

DMDC Web: https://dwp.dmdc.osd.mil/dwp/app/dod-data-reports/workforce-reports

For my numbers I am using the June 2024 vs. the June 2019 employment numbers and the DOD civilian workforce in 5 years has grown from 751,223 -> 789,594. This is a total increase of 5.1% meaning they would need to RIF 5% of the workforce if they want to be in lockstep with the VA.

I really hope that no one is directly impacted by this but if they decide on a 5% RIF with VERA and VSIP options combined and with regular turnover I believe there is some hope for those of us who want to continue to serve our country and uphold our oath.

I by no means have any idea as to what the future holds but I want to present to my fellow probationary employees and permanent Feds a glimmer of potential hope.