Fort Riley warns of civilian job losses

FORT RILEY, Kansas - Army officials say expected cuts in Department of Defense spending in the coming years could mean a reduction in the number of civilian employees at Fort Riley.

Deputy garrison commander Linda Hoeffner tells area community leaders that the cuts are expected to reduce the civilian employment at the northeast Kansas installation by about 160 people.

The Manhattan Mercury reports that Hoeffner estimates the cuts would reduce civilian employment to 952 workers. They would be completed in the federal 2013 budget year.

The garrison staff is responsible for maintaining facilities and public works at Fort Riley. Hoeffner and Col. Kevin Brown, the garrison commander, oversee those operations, similar to a city mayor or manager.

Fort Riley is home to the Army's 1st Infantry Division with close to 18,000 soldiers assigned to the post.