4/7/2011 - DALLAS (AFNS) -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is planning to continue operations even if the U.S. Government shuts down.
On April 9, the current budget authorization will expire. At that point, the federal government will potentially institute a mandatory shutdown for "non-essential" personnel.
While this action impacts the government, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is largely unaffected. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund instrumentality. This means the majority of its budget does not rely on tax dollars.
"While the federal government shuts down, business at the Exchange remains largely unchanged. However, some transactions may be delayed, such as the purchase of firearms which require background checks or other federal government actions," said Col. Virgil Williams, the chief of staff for the Exchange.
As a matter of course, the Department of Defense plans for contingencies. Since 1980, all agencies have had to have a plan in case of a government shutdown, and these plans are updated routinely.
"The Exchange will do everything we have to do to continue to support the deployed troops," Williams said.
(Courtesy of Army and Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs)
Comments
4/8/2011 10:45:50 AM ET Good for the AAFES employees to still get paid. Bad for the costs to AAFES as I don't know of too many military families who will be rushing out to shop in the days that follow a shutdown.
Ronnie, FL
4/8/2011 9:49:54 AM ET If there is a furlough military members will still be paid; however, it might not be on the next pay day if that day is a day the gov't is still shut down. Your pay will be accrued and then paid on the next available pay once a continuing resolution or appropriation bill becomes law. If the delay in pay days is going to cause a member finacial hardship it would be a good time to learn about the Air Force Aid Society - contact your 1st Shirt or the Airman and Family Readiness Center.
DAV-AF, Eglin AFB FL
4/8/2011 8:15:33 AM ET The past year have been very difficult financially for all Americans. We're slowly recovering from a recession as Americans first. not just Fereral employees. We will recover from this situation as well. GOD BLESS AMERICA
Terri R Dennis, Dover AFB DE
4/8/2011 6:15:22 AM ET AAFES should consider holding the billing cycle until members are getting paid again.
Tom, McGuire
4/8/2011 6:07:54 AM ET Not going to lie that was the best quote of 2011 above.
SrA of the Air Force, Joint Base Lewis-McChord
4/8/2011 3:44:02 AM ET Too bad no one will have any money to spend at the open BX...
Sgt.D, Southwest Asia
4/7/2011 11:34:35 PM ET Nice to know that I can still hit up the Class Six after long hard day of unpaid labor...
