Is the Military Getting Paid During the Shutdown?
The ongoing government shutdown has left many Americans wondering about the impact on various government services, including the military. One of the most pressing questions is whether military personnel will continue to receive their paychecks. In this article, we will provide a direct answer to this question and explore the implications of the shutdown on the military.
Direct Answer: Yes, the Military is Getting Paid During the Shutdown
Despite the government shutdown, military personnel will continue to receive their paychecks. According to the Department of Defense (DoD), active-duty military personnel will receive their regular paychecks on schedule. This includes officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the DoD.
Why is the Military Getting Paid During the Shutdown?
There are several reasons why the military is exempt from the shutdown’s impact on pay:
- Military Pay is Funded Through Appropriations: Military pay is funded through annual appropriations, which are separate from the annual budget. This means that military personnel are still entitled to receive their pay, even if the government is shut down.
- Military Operations are Critical to National Security: The military plays a critical role in maintaining national security, and its operations cannot be disrupted by a government shutdown. This includes ongoing military operations, training exercises, and deployments.
- Congress Has Passed Legislation to Ensure Military Pay: In the event of a government shutdown, Congress has passed legislation to ensure that military personnel receive their pay. This legislation, known as the Pay Our Military Act, was passed in 2013 and has been renewed several times since then.
What About Reserve and National Guard Personnel?
Reserve and National Guard personnel are not exempt from the shutdown’s impact on pay. They will not receive pay during the shutdown, unless they are called to active duty. This is because their pay is funded through the same appropriations as the rest of the government.
What About Military Contractors?
Military contractors, who provide goods and services to the military, are not government employees and are not entitled to receive pay during the shutdown. Many military contractors have already been furloughed or laid off, as a result of the shutdown.
Table: Impact of the Shutdown on Military Personnel
| Military Personnel | Impact of Shutdown |
|---|---|
| Active-duty military personnel | Continue to receive paychecks on schedule |
| Reserve and National Guard personnel | Do not receive pay unless called to active duty |
| Military contractors | May be furloughed or laid off |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military is not immune to the impact of a government shutdown, but active-duty military personnel will continue to receive their paychecks on schedule. Reserve and National Guard personnel, on the other hand, will not receive pay unless they are called to active duty. Military contractors, who provide goods and services to the military, may be furloughed or laid off. It is essential to understand the nuances of the shutdown’s impact on the military to ensure that our national security is maintained during this challenging time.
Additional Resources
- Department of Defense (DoD) Website: www.defense.gov
- Pay Our Military Act: www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-113publ120/pdf/PLAW-113publ120.pdf
- Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report: "Military Pay and Benefits During a Government Shutdown" www.everycrsreport.com/reports/IN10638.html
