Will the Military Get Paid if the Government Shuts Down?
The United States has experienced 22 government shutdowns since 1976, with the most recent one occurring in 2018-2019. A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass funding legislation for various government programs and agencies, resulting in a temporary closure of non-essential government services.
One of the most significant concerns during a government shutdown is the impact on government employees, including those in the military. In this article, we will address the question: Will the military get paid if the government shuts down?
What Happens During a Government Shutdown?
When the government shuts down, most federal government employees are furloughed, meaning they are temporarily laid off without pay. However, some government employees are deemed essential and are required to continue working without pay.
Essential Employees vs. Non-Essential Employees
During a government shutdown, employees are classified as either essential or non-essential. Essential employees, such as those working in national security, law enforcement, and healthcare, continue to work without pay, while non-essential employees are furloughed.
Military Pay during a Government Shutdown
In the event of a government shutdown, military personnel who are on active duty continue to receive their regular pay. Military personnel who are on active duty, including those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, will not be affected by a government shutdown and will continue to receive their regular pay.
However, contractors and civilian employees who work for the military may be affected. Depending on the circumstances, contractors and civilian employees may be furloughed and not receive pay during the shutdown.
Table: Military Pay during a Government Shutdown
| Military Component | Pay Status during a Government Shutdown |
|---|---|
| Active Duty Military | Continue to receive regular pay |
| Reserve Military | Continue to receive regular pay |
| National Guard | Continue to receive regular pay |
| Military Contractors | May be furloughed and not receive pay |
| Civilian Employees | May be furloughed and not receive pay |
Why Do Military Personnel Continue to Receive Pay during a Government Shutdown?
The decision to continue paying military personnel during a government shutdown is rooted in several reasons:
- National Security: The military is responsible for protecting the nation’s security, and shutting down the military would pose a significant risk to national security.
- Moral Obligation: Military personnel are required to provide a high level of training and readiness, and stopping their pay would undermine this effort.
- Consistency: Paying military personnel during a government shutdown ensures consistency and stability for the military, which is critical for maintaining national security.
What Happens to Military Benefits during a Government Shutdown?
While military personnel continue to receive pay during a government shutdown, other military benefits may be affected. The following military benefits may be impacted during a government shutdown:
- Base Operations: Some base operations, such as commissaries and exchanges, may be closed or operate with reduced hours.
- Veterans’ Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may limit its services, including scheduling appointments and processing claims.
- Military Healthcare: Military healthcare services may be limited, and some military hospitals and clinics may reduce their hours or services.
Conclusion
In the event of a government shutdown, military personnel who are on active duty will continue to receive their regular pay. However, contractors and civilian employees may be furloughed and not receive pay. The government shutdown’s impact on the military is complex, with some benefits and services being affected while others continue to operate.
As the military plays a critical role in national security, it is essential to ensure that our military personnel are able to continue their duties without disruptions. The decision to continue paying military personnel during a government shutdown is a moral obligation and a necessary measure to maintain national security.
Additional Resources
For more information on government shutdowns and their impact on the military, visit the following resources:
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
