Is the drawdown really for getting soldiers out?

They certainly won't cut "everyone". I don't believe the Army has announced all of the specific measures yet, but if recent history is any indicator you will probably see a combination of attrition, QSB, OSB, and promotion passover used to achieve target numbers. If you are a consistently strong performer with maybe a w block sprinkled in somewhere, I wouldn't worry too much. If you have a series of negative counseling and a poor evaluation or two, work on your resume.

OK, SGT Ronnie Warford This is how drawdowns work.

The Army is given a specific endstrength, the latest is 450k. We were 480k in 911, grew to 590k for GWOT, back to 490k after OIF (now)... Then the latest cuts were announced.

Many of these reductions are achieved through attrition. But, when that fails, all ranks are looked at, to see (A) if the are balanced (on hand = authorized positions), and (B) if not (out of balance) than reductions happen/are directed. Many ranks (by MOS/Branch) are overstrengthed.

When that happens those asked to leave (pink slips) are selected in essentially a reverse promotion order fashion. That is, so for your branch and MOS (assuming it is overstrengthed) they will line up all Soldiers of your grade and MOS based on performance 1-N (best to worst), then based on the requirements / authorizations they will make a cut line based on what we need. Those below that cut line are asked to leave. So, yes, you are definitely at risk of being separated if you are poor performer. An E-5 in the Army for 12 years, is likely at risk. I am not sure about you.

When we do a reduction in force/downsizing, it is always based on merit... or lack there of. The worst go first.

I hope that helps?

Thanks in advance!!!