Will the Military Get Paid During a Shutdown?
The United States federal government has been experiencing several shutdowns in recent years, leaving many Americans wondering what it means for government employees, including the military. In this article, we will explore the implications of a government shutdown on military personnel and their compensation.
What is a Government Shutdown?
Before we dive into the topic, let’s quickly review what a government shutdown is. A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriation bills to fund government activities, resulting in the furlough of non-essential federal employees and a halt to non-essential government services. This has happened 22 times in U.S. history, with the most recent ones occurring in 2013, 2018-2019, and January 2022.
Will the Military Get Paid During a Shutdown?
The short answer is yes, the military will likely get paid during a shutdown, but with some caveats. Here are the rules:
- Active duty military personnel: Active duty military personnel will continue to receive their regular pay, including base pay, basic allowance for housing (BAH), and basic allowance for subsistence (BAS). This is because they are considered essential employees who must remain on duty during a shutdown.
- Reserve and National Guard personnel: Reserve and National Guard personnel who are not receiving active duty pay will still receive their regular pay during a shutdown. However, if they are called up to active duty, their pay will be delayed or reduced.
- Defense Department civilians: Defense Department civilians, including contractors and employees of the Department of Defense (DoD), may be furloughed during a shutdown, which means they will not receive pay. However, some DoD civilians may continue to work during a shutdown, and their pay would be unaffected.
Delayed or Reduced Pay for some Military Personnel
While active duty military personnel will generally receive their regular pay, some military personnel may face delays or reductions in pay during a shutdown. For example:
- Civilian employees of the National Guard: Civilian employees of the National Guard who are not receiving active duty pay may be furloughed during a shutdown, which means they would not receive pay.
- Reserve and National Guard personnel called up for active duty: Reserve and National Guard personnel who are called up for active duty during a shutdown may not receive their full pay and allowances until the shutdown ends.
- Military pensioners: Military pensioners may experience delays in the receipt of their pension benefits during a shutdown.
Other Impacts on the Military During a Shutdown
A government shutdown can also have other impacts on the military, including:
- Delayed or reduced service for military families: The shutdown may delay or reduce services for military families, such as healthcare, dental care, and family advocacy programs.
- Maintenance and repair delays: Many military facilities and equipment maintenance and repair projects may be delayed or suspended during a shutdown.
- Military operations and training: The shutdown may impact military operations and training, including flights, deployments, and personnel movements.
Table: Pay and Benefits for Military Personnel During a Shutdown
| Military Personnel | Pay During Shutdown | Benefits During Shutdown |
|---|---|---|
| Active duty | Regular pay (base pay, BAH, BAS) | Medical care, healthcare, and support services |
| Reserve and National Guard | Regular pay (base pay, BAH, BAS) | Medical care, healthcare, and support services |
| Defense Department civilians | Subject to furlough; may not receive pay | Subject to furlough; may not receive medical care, healthcare, or support services |
| Reserve and National Guard personnel called up for active duty | Delayed or reduced pay | Medical care, healthcare, and support services |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the military may face some disruptions and uncertainties during a government shutdown, active duty military personnel can generally expect to receive their regular pay and benefits during a shutdown. However, some military personnel, such as Reserve and National Guard personnel called up for active duty, may face delayed or reduced pay. Civilian employees of the DoD and military pensioners may also experience delays in the receipt of their benefits.
