Will the Military Get Paid During a Government Shutdown?
With the constant threat of a government shutdown looming, there is always a concern among military personnel about whether they will receive their pay if the government shuts down. The answer is not simple, but it’s important to understand the current law and how it affects our brave men and women in uniform.
What happens during a government shutdown?
When the government reaches a budget impasse, the result is a partial shutdown, where non-essential government services are discontinued. Non-essential government employees are furloughed, and essential employees, such as those involved in national security, continue to work. National security is paramount, and the government’s primary concern is ensuring that the country remains safe, even during a shutdown.
Military Pay and Funding
The military, as an essential service, is funded through the Budget Control Act of 2011, which ensures a stable source of funding regardless of government shutdowns or budget disputes. Prior appropriations, which are earmarked funds, are authorized to be used until Congress passes a new budget, allowing military personnel to receive their pay without interruption.
However, there are some catches:
- Active duty military personnel will continue to receive their pay, just like during a normal operations.
- Reserve and National Guard personnel might face pay delays, depending on their individual circumstances.
Impact on Military Activities
A government shutdown won’t completely halt military activities, but it will have significant consequences:
- Deactivated equipment and facilities: Maintenance, repairs, and upgrades may be put on hold.
- No new recruit training: All new recruits will be stopped from joining the military, except for critical positions (e.g., medical specialists).
- Limited field operations: Some field training exercises and deployments might be impacted, although essential operations (e.g., border control, homeland security) would continue.
Other Federal Benefits and Services
It’s not just military personnel who will be affected:
| Service/Program | Shut Down |
|---|---|
| Healthcare benefits (Tricare) | Partially shut down. |
| Education benefits (GI Bill) | Partly affected. |
| Commissaries and bases | Remain open, although services may be limited. |
| Military retirement plans | No impact. |
| Survivor benefits | Continuing as normal. |
In summary, while a government shutdown won’t completely halt all military activities, funding for the military continues, ensuring that active-duty personnel receive their pay uninterrupted. Reserve and National Guard personnel might experience pay delays, and a few specific military activities would be affected.
