I went to school with many SFS students. While the people I know are no longer probationary, any new SFS hires are. These people are some of the brightest people I’ve met. And including other new hires, yes this is devastating.

he also lamented that the firings may have already harmed the NSA’s ability to retain and attract top cybersecurity talent, as those affected seek more stable employment options.

This is utterly embarrassing to who contributed to the firings.

And it’ll likely go beyond embarrassment, well into national security, before all the long term damage is fully counted.

We’re collectively breaking even at best, and getting our asses handed to us, at worst, and they’re firing people to save a nickel.

This is a textbook case of penny smart being dollar stupid.