Will the Military Get Paid If the Government Shuts Down?
The concept of a government shutdown may sound alarming, but what actually happens when it occurs is often misunderstood. In a government shutdown, certain essential services and agencies come to a standstill, leading to uncertainty about how crucial functions, such as salaries, will be affected.
To clarify the situation, the primary question on many Americans’ minds is: Will the military get paid if the government shuts down?
A Review of the History
Previous government shutdowns have always resulted in some disruptions in the payment of salaries. The most recent instance being in 2018, a 35-day partial federal government shutdown led to fears of delayed or reduced salary payments for federal employees.
In 2019, a 22-day closure caused by a standoff between the White House and the Democratic-led House over wall funding resulted in missed paychecks for some active-duty military personnel and retirees. However, both instances demonstrate that, overall, the military was well-prepared to adapt, ensuring that essential personnel continue to receive their compensation promptly.
Current Provisions
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 explicitly states that any shutdown will not impact personnel’s pay and allowances unless otherwise directed by Congress.
In the event of a government shutdown, Chapter 56 of Title 10, United States Code ensures that members on duty continue to receive pay while essential services are halted:
10 U.S. Code § 6728 – Pay of personnel whose duties are essential
" Pay for these personnel shall be continued pending the resolution of the matter that has caused the agency to be closed, including pay for any pay periods that may have terminated within the period of closure during which the agency remains open for purposes of ensuring readiness of the armed forces during the period of national security emergency declared by the President or the National Security Preparedness Directive issued by the Secretary of Defense in execution of the President’s directives, or during any continuation of the national security crisis under the National Defense Resources Preparedness Executive Order. *"
Key Takeaways:
- There is no provision to ensure the payment of reserve units, National Guard personnel on Title 32 or State Active Duty, or Ready Reserve personnel.
- A shutdown may impact bonuses or other forms of extra pay.
- The National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB) and the Defense Forensic Science Center (DFSC) may delay pay for some personnel.
- Pay for military retirees’ pensions and annuities may be delayed, impacting approximately 750,000 retirees.
Table: Pay Impact During Past Government Shutdowns
| Pay Type | Impact (2018) | Impact (2019) | Current Provisions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Duty Pay | Missed paychecks for some service members | Missed paychecks for some active-duty personnel and retirees | Ensure pay for personnel on essential duty |
| Reserve / National Guard Pay | NA | NA | NA (no provision) |
| Retiree Pay / Annuities | Payment delays | Payment delays (approx. 750,000 retirees) | Uncertainty (dependent on crisis resolution) |
| Extra Pay (Bonuses) | Likely payment delay | NA | Possible delayed payment |
Key Outcomes
In conclusion:
- The military is best positioned to adapt and compensate its personnel during a shutdown.
- Pay continues for personnel on essential duties, ensuring readiness during extraordinary circumstances.
- A comprehensive review of the historical pay impact during past government shutdowns highlights the essential safeguards in place for the Defense Department.
- As there is no provision to support reserve units, National Guard personnel on Title 32 or State Active Duty, or Ready Reserve personnel during a shutdown, this becomes a critical area of investigation for policymakers.
When deliberating on the topic "Will the military get paid if the government shuts down?", it is crucial to understand the intricacies, provisions, and adaptations built into the system. Ensuring the continuity of financial services and compensation for personnel directly supports national security, bolstering the nation’s trust in its military institutions during times of uncertainty. As policymakers navigate the complex intersection of government operations and pay, it is vital they prioritize the well-being of dedicated service members and their loved ones.
