Pentagon makes plans in case of shutdown

News > Pentagon makes plans in case of shutdown

Pentagon makes plans in case of shutdown

Posted 4/5/2011

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by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

4/5/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Defense officials believe that a government shutdown can be avoided, but they are making prudent plans in the event one does occur, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said April 5 here.

Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III is formulating guidance for the military services and defense agencies in the event that Congress does not approve a fiscal 2011 budget by the deadline April 8.

"While the administration believes that a government shutdown will be averted, the department, including the service leadership, is engaged in prudent planning so that we will be ready if one were to occur," Morrell said. "While a shutdown would be extremely disruptive to the department and those who work here, I want to underscore that we would still have the authority and the ability to continue key national security activities, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, operations in Libya, and humanitarian assistance in Japan, to name a few."

The Obama administration is working with congressional leaders to avert a shutdown, he added.

"I think negotiations are clearly at a very sensitive point, so I don't think it is wise for me to delve too much into this," Morrell said. "But it is certainly our hope here that we can avoid a shutdown come midnight on (April 8)."

Lynn is in the process of putting out guidance to major DOD components about how they should go about planning for a possible shutdown, he said. This would include guidance on what would constitute an exempt or essential operation or mission, and who would be needed to man those missions.

Morrell said there has been no determination yet on how a potential shutdown would affect military pay.

"We have not been able yet to arrive at a conclusive determination about how everyone's pay would be impacted by this," he said. "We are still working through that. So I don't have a definitive answer for you to relay to our forces in Iraq or Afghanistan. Unfortunately, that's still an issue that's being worked."

Comments

4/8/2011 2:10:50 PM ET
IT'S MY MONEY AND I NEED IT NOW. I signed a contract that said I'd be paid twice a month except in emergency situations. This is not an emergency. It is over a relatively small amount of the entire deficit. Less than 3.6 percent of the entire budget is spent on the military per year, So A1C needs to rethink his words.

A1C Coleman, Conus

4/8/2011 12:38:53 PM ET
As ridiculous as this all is, you did join the military at your own free will knowing that this could happen. For the military who say they will not work ,you are absurd - IT IS YOUR JOB. If you dont like it,get out.

A1C, Illinois

4/8/2011 11:50:53 AM ET
To all higher ranking individuals commenting on this story you are either completely full of it or have never seen someone or been someone who lived a life of hardships. I for one am speaking for those people as I am one who is fortunate enough to be able to save for those kind of situations. I personally know an E-3 infantry who often goes without eating in order to feed his child. He also does not spend his money on anything unimportant. He has a disabled wife and also must support her. I really wonder how he's gonna make it. I would guess he most likely will miss many more meals soon. I personally think he deserves more respect than that while he's in the desert serving his country and his people. And, yeah, I get it that some people are being unrealistic about staying home and such other things but some people actually work for a living and therefore are warranted to feel that way.

C, FT. Bragg

4/8/2011 11:24:43 AM ET
Pretty sure the people I pay my mortgage to don't care that I'll get paid eventually...and I'm fairly certain my back pay won't cover the interest I'll lose on my savings when I have to pull money out just to buy groceries. Its interesting that most of the people that say you should have 6 months saved up which is quite unreasonable are chiefs and officers.

Jon E-5 AD, Oklahoma

4/8/2011 6:53:35 AM ET
Unfortunately, SSgt C, I believe you misunderstood my point. WRT a rainy day fund - it's essential that everyone has one. My suggestion of two months is actually far lower than the recommended six months of expenses. A junior member setting aside 10 percent of their income for emergencies will definitely weather this storm better than the individual who chose not to. I didn't mention my personal financial situation because it has no place in the discussion. Additionally, my statement about dignity and respect refers to the behavior of Airmen when commenting on a story. Attacking our civilian leadership behind the veil of perceived anonymity is wrong. It goes against our core values and has no place in discussions of military topics.

Capt J, SWA

4/8/2011 4:47:05 AM ET
Regardless of what others are saying about not coming to work if this happens, almost all these comments are missing the big picture here. We shouldn't even be in this situation in the first place if our elected officials that are well for their services would do the jobs they were elected for. Take a look at the voting records for congress and see if your elected officials are even doing their job. I know if I wasn't doing the job I was hired for I would be held accountable for it. We need to do the same for our elected officials. If they have a poor voting/attendance record, don't re-elect them.

TSgt JBER, JBER

4/8/2011 3:07:59 AM ET
Interesting that the ranks of most of the people who don't give a damn are the higher ranks that get paid more in the first place and therefor have had more to put away. Not so great for the lower ranks that don't have anything to put away after the pittance they're paid in the first place. Emergencies happen. One just happened and ate up all our savings we had. So, what...I'm supposed to be psychic and know this was going to happen and NOT fix our only vehicle so that I'd be prepared for this? Yeah, okay...

AF Spouse, Hill AFB UT

4/7/2011 5:05:21 PM ET
To you who think you won't show up for work take your stripes off. Your not worthy of them. Seek seperation and get out of the AF. You are a cancer to the force and a lousy example for the younger troops. I could very well say this is a PRP issue in my line of work but that would be holding the Government hostage in my honest opinion. Suck it up and report for duty crybabies.

MSgt, Minot

4/7/2011 2:36:48 PM ET
Maybe some underserving SSgt's and TSgt's won't show up to work...we need to thin the incompetent herd anyways and I need a promotion. What eats me up is welfare payments will continue through this nonsense...the same welfare some don't want to reduce spending on causing this problem.

AFSSgt , OCONUS

4/7/2011 1:14:24 PM ET
@Ken in Texas - You are correct - key word being entitled. If the shut down occurs they are still entitled to their pay - they just won't get it as scheduled. The law states that the USG must have a budget to operate. I pity the active duty individuals who think they don't have to show up to work just because they don't get paid - I can think of several regulations that cover failure to show. They will get paid once the Washington elite passes a budget. Here's one who's hoping it won't come a shutdown.

Retired SNCO, Texas

4/7/2011 12:51:18 PM ET
Thanks for all the concern FGO's. Please no more Being that I'm a FGO I've got some savings set aside but like other's I hope it doesn't take more than a month to get resolved. Being an educated and prepared NCO I have plenty of money as well. There is no need to inform us of your financial status. I am worried about a few extravagant FGOs in my unit.

Flint, OKC OK

4/7/2011 12:46:59 PM ET
Actually I'm kind of hoping I get next week off. I need to get some yardwork done.

FT, Lackland

4/7/2011 10:33:42 AM ET
There's no point in arguing with the two E-6 posts that obviously don't deserve their stripes. But I think we should focus instead on the Major's comments. If ever there was a time for the Wingman concept it's now. We should look at this as a time to step up and make sure our troops are supported. It also highlights the importance of giving back through the AFAS. I honestly think this will be over before it even becomes and issue, but still let's figure out how to accomplish the mission instead of wasting breath throwing a tantrum over something we can't control.

ADAF, CONUS

4/7/2011 10:18:54 AM ET
everyone on here that talks about just the soldiers what about their families? And yes, I understand that money should be save but that is VERY difficult for my family. We were just married in September '11 moved to England in October/November 'll and have 4 children to support. That pretty much drained our savings and we were not worried because we did not think that we would not be getting paid. Please show respect for those of us that are having a difficult time trying to figure out how we are going to pay or bills and keep food on the tables. It is a very emotional time and would love to see some support.

D, RAF Lakenheath UK

4/7/2011 9:50:03 AM ET
Shame on our elected officials for letting this get this far. If we conducted business like they do on the Hill we would be discharged or imprisoned. We will get through this and we will make it work just like we always do.

Just Call Me Sarge, Nut House

4/7/2011 9:33:18 AM ET
I just love the comments about how one should have two months salary saved. Talk the recently divorced spouse who worked hard to have all that only to lose it to a spouse who chooses not to work. Or even better, ask the fair and impartial stereo typical status quo judicial system that gave everything to the non-working spouse.

Arctic Warrior, CO

4/7/2011 8:46:15 AM ET
I am greatly concerned as a member and leader in the force. We have so many enlisted airmen in our lower ranks that this could be a huge concern for them or their families - especially if they are deployed or TDY cases. Being that I'm a FGO, I've got some savings set aside, but like other's I, hope it doesn't take more than a month to get resolved. My largest concern is with the deployed airmen/soldiers. They already have to deal with just staying alive and now have to worry how the bills are going to get paid. This is not the time for the gov't to shut down or if so then by all means service members deployed abroad should be paid. They risk their lives every day so we don't need to add unnecessary worry to them. God bless America and keep our service members safe.

DINFOs- CLo, fort meade md

4/6/2011 9:28:47 PM ET
Point one, well all go to work or youll earn a stay at rather nice federal facility. Point two, I believe we all got paid during the last impasse point three no matter what many of you think we are actually very well compensated for the work we perform and the life we choose to live in the military. The point that many do not want to address is the complete waste of money in the DoD. It is time to take a stand and quit wasting money AF. Maybe every customer service area does not need flatscreen TVs and cable service. How about not changing our uniforms every couple of years or so how about only paying for actual costs like room and board during TDYs and not walking away with a new bedroom set cause I went to DC for a week. How bout not having AF and command level career field conferences every year. Does every Airmen need a medal when they get promoted or a cake for that matter how bout not spending unit funds on what the General or Chief drinks or eats every time ...

Paddy, At the Bank

4/6/2011 9:16:07 PM ET
@SNCO in txActually there is a breach of contract in regards to DD Form 41 line 9 back side sub paragraph 5 of you're enlistment contract. It specifically states you are Entitled to receive pay allowances and other benefits as provided by law and regulation.. Being as the shutdown and the cease in pay is not mandated by neither law nor regulation such a cease in pay would infact be in breach of said paragraph in DD Form 41.

Ken, Texas

4/6/2011 4:48:17 PM ET
While I agree that we all should have enough in savings to cover any unpaid time-off, realistically it's not that easy. As one of the many people that are underpaid unappreciated and left to hang, I'd like to go on record and say that perhaps our so-called Congress get their collective thumbs out and make a decision. Right or wrong, all this vacillating just makes us as a country look weak. Especially at a time when we Absolutely Must at least look Strong.

overpaid civilian, Wyoming

4/6/2011 4:35:22 PM ET
If my memory serves me correctly we still got paid on-time the last time the USG shutdown in '95. For those individuals that mentioned not showing up for work you took an oath so stop whining and man-up

PriorE-CurrentO, Alabama

4/6/2011 4:27:21 PM ET
I know it will be hard but remember there is no breach of contract when you sign on the dotted line. If you read the back of your enlistment paperwork - I have - it states that changes can be made at the discretion of the US government. Think back to a year ago when they changed high year of tenure requirements. I know people who had enlisted beyond that date that had to separate or retire. If the shutdown does occur it will be minimal at best I think it was 5-6 days last time in 1995-96. Good luck.

Retired SNCO, Texas

4/6/2011 4:23:27 PM ET
Capt J- thats great that you have 2 moths of salary saved. Regardless of what people should be doing, a lot of people probably do not have that saved even with the economy as great as it has been. I guess when parents cant afford to feed their kids they can just get by on dignity and respect for each other.

SSgt. C, Hill AFB

4/6/2011 4:16:20 PM ET
Normally the military who serve will get back pay when the paychecks start coming, so no overall loss of money, although it can be hard while the money is not coming in. For those in the military who say I won't work without pay or equivilent - take a look at the oath you swore when you joined. This is a 24/7 job and you become eligible for UCMJ action if you don't show up for work without leave.

j, MD

4/6/2011 3:58:32 PM ET
This is definitely not an ideal situation but there are no guarantees in life. Preparation for the unknown is part of the fiscal responsibility of ALL military members.To answer the one comment, Yes in 1996 military did get paid but there was specific language that allowed this to occur. That language was not included in any of the 8 stopgap spending bills. Right now we will get 1 week of pay if everything shuts down after Friday. If there is no resolution by May 1st, then there would be no pay.I especially feel for our Airmen and our deployed brothers and sisters. They will be hit the hardest by this action.

cloudFFVII, TX

4/6/2011 3:41:51 PM ET
Waste of money. How much did this plan cost to develop and disseminate? My tax dollars hard at work for me...right.

Tito Portuondo, Miami FL

4/6/2011 3:41:44 PM ET
If memory serves me right I was a young E-5 during the last Government shutdown and I believe I was paid on time.Again this is off of memory.

Retired, Arizona

4/6/2011 3:40:06 PM ET
Jimison your zeal is admirable, but it shows a total absence of understanding of the real world for both military and civilians. Whether at war or not, you still need to put a roof over your head food in your belly and clothes on your back. You need to pay the bills and you're going to want to go out and do stuff when off-duty or out of the fight and all of that reqires a paycheck. Can't live in the dorm forever. But it is still good that you are so highly motivated.

DMPI, Al JBAB DC

4/6/2011 3:29:17 PM ET
To the two TSgts that claim they wont work, How would you know that you arent getting paid until 15 April? You two are supposed to be the example for younger airmen and listen to you.

Laughing at you, South Dakota

4/6/2011 3:16:30 PM ET
For those of you commenting about not working with no pay, I understand the initial anger. I'm as mad as anyone. But we have to remember that we, as U.S. service members, are above those causing this raucus and should not stoop to their level. See you at work.

Patrick Brown, San Antonio

4/6/2011 2:19:01 PM ET
See if i show up to work once I stop receiving paychecks. Believe dat

TSgt OEF, OEF

4/6/2011 1:58:59 PM ET
Unfortunately this will be very hard on our junior enlisted force. Those who are able should consider contributing to the Air Force Aid Society and supervisors should be poised to help their troops get the assistance they need.

Maj Keith Gibeling, VA

4/6/2011 1:07:16 PM ET
This story has the potential to draw quite a few emotional comments. But before anyone goes off the handle try to remember that there are folks within DoD frantically working to ensure military members are paid on time. Additionally, regardless of the perception that military members are guaranteed paychecks, folks should have enough savings set aside to get them through two months of not being paid. Yes it's tough for our junior members to get there, but it's possible. Finally, remember that we're all professionals. Keep your bearing, your dignity and your respect for each other and the institutions we elected to serve.

Capt J, SWA

4/6/2011 12:22:39 PM ET
Unfortunately the Active and Retired force will probably not get paid when the shutdown occurs. Of course the President, Senators and members of Congress will still collect their paychecks. Sounds like a fair system. Good thing Congress will continue to get paid since one of the most junior congressmen is complaining about how to take care of his family on the paltry 170k a year salary he makes now. Man what would he do if he did not get paid? Just remember WE THE PEOPLE voted these clowns into office.

Retired SNCO, Ohio

4/6/2011 12:05:17 PM ET
i agree with the military parent. I will be a future fighter in the Air Force and right now I'm in AFJROTC. What does that say for the future coming up airmen sailors etc... I mean, yea, if you truly wanted to fight for your country you would do it without pay. I wouldnt care if I was paid or not; I love this country and I would die for it if I was paid or not. I think that being paid wouldn't matter to me in war, but they still need to get paid to support their families.

Jimison, North Carolina

4/6/2011 11:36:53 AM ET
I don't get paid, I don't work. It's bad enough we are underpaid for what we do. No pay is a breach of contract. I'll take my DD 214 thanks.

1MadTSgt, CONUS

4/6/2011 8:57:24 AM ET
I would hope that all active duty military would be paid even in the event of a government shutdown. Our sons and daughters are protecting the freedom for all US citizens here and abroad. This would be an insult to our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day for all of us. God Bless our military sons and daughters.

Military Parent, Massachusetts

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