Do Military Get Paid During Shutdown?
The ongoing debate about government shutdowns and their impact on federal employees has raised a critical question: Do military personnel get paid during a shutdown? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.
Background on Government Shutdowns
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass an appropriations bill, which means that the government runs out of funding. This can happen when there is a dispute between the two parties regarding spending priorities, budget constraints, or other issues. During a shutdown, non-essential federal employees are furloughed, meaning they are temporarily laid off without pay. Essential employees, such as those working in hospitals, law enforcement, and national security, continue to work without pay until the shutdown is resolved.
Military Pay During Shutdowns
The military is exempt from the shutdown’s financial constraints, but this does not mean that military personnel receive their full pay. Here’s what happens:
- Active Duty and Reserve Personnel: Military personnel on active duty and those in the reserve components will continue to receive their normal pay and benefits during a shutdown. This includes all military personnel, including those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
- National Guard: National Guard members called to active duty will receive their normal pay and benefits. However, those performing their normal National Guard duties may be affected by furloughs or other budget constraints.
- Retirees and Annuitants: Military retirees and annuitants (those receiving a pension) will continue to receive their normal benefits, including Social Security and veterans’ compensation.
What About In-Processing and Benefits?
During a shutdown, some military-related services and benefits may be affected. For example:
- In-Processing: The in-processing of new military personnel may be delayed due to the shutdown. In-processing is the process of orienting new recruits or officers to their new duties and responsibilities.
- Benefits: Some military benefits, such as Commissary and Exchange benefits, may be affected during a shutdown. Commissaries and exchanges provide military personnel with discounted groceries, clothing, and other services. However, these services are typically funded by a combination of military and Department of Defense (DoD) funds, which would not be affected by a shutdown.
- Military Health System: The Military Health System (MHS) will continue to operate during a shutdown, with some exceptions. Pharmacies and medical treatment facilities will remain open, but some non-essential services, such as fitness centers and barber shops, may be affected.
Table: Comparison of Military Pay and Benefits During a Shutdown
| Category | Impact on Pay and Benefits |
|---|---|
| Active Duty and Reserve Personnel | Receive normal pay and benefits |
| National Guard | Those called to active duty receive normal pay and benefits, while those performing normal duties may be affected |
| Retirees and Annuitants | Continue to receive normal benefits, including Social Security and veterans’ compensation |
| In-Processing | May be delayed |
| Benefits | Commissary and Exchange benefits may be affected, MHS services may be impacted |
Conclusion
While military personnel are exempt from the financial constraints of a government shutdown, their pay and benefits may still be affected in certain ways. Active duty and reserve personnel will continue to receive their normal pay and benefits, while retirees and annuitants will continue to receive their normal benefits. However, some military-related services and benefits may be impacted, such as in-processing and commissary and exchange benefits. It’s essential for military personnel and their families to stay informed about the impact of government shutdowns on their lives and benefits.
