With the possibility of a government shutdown just days away, defense leaders assure that the nation will remain protected. However, service members may have to continue their defense work without receiving payment. Training operations could also be reduced, impacting long-term readiness. Additionally, efforts to support Ukraine may be hindered.
“A shutdown…brings the government to a complete standstill,” stated Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a recent discussion with the Pentagon press corps. “However, the U.S. military will persist in its duty to protect our national security interests, as well as those of our allies and partners.”
While the nation’s safety will be upheld, there will be challenges for young service members who provide security, as well as for their families and the long-term readiness derived from training that keeps them combat ready, according to Singh.
“A shutdown will have detrimental effects on the department,” she expressed. “Troops will go without pay, impacting military families significantly. Without paychecks, individuals may face difficulties purchasing groceries and accessing childcare facilities. Therefore, we hope that Congress can reach an agreement to prevent a shutdown. However, we are preparing and taking necessary steps in the event of a shutdown.”
Although commissaries will be closed on most bases within the continental U.S., defense officials have confirmed that they will remain open overseas and in certain remote U.S. locations where alternative food sources are not readily available for military personnel.
While national security will be upheld during a shutdown, readiness will suffer as training operations that keep service members sharp are limited.
“When you don’t have your full operating capacity to assist with missions or conduct exercises and training, it certainly impacts our national security and readiness,” she explained.
In Europe, “Operation Atlantic Resolve” provides increased troop rotations and equipment to the European theater to maintain security. Pentagon officials anticipate being able to continue most of these efforts during a government shutdown, although there may still be some repercussions, as mentioned by Singh.
“Training activities could experience delays,” she mentioned. “Furloughing personnel could have implications for the overall mission.”
Regarding support for Ukraine, Singh stated that approved funding allows the U.S. to offer additional equipment and aid as required. However, a government shutdown could hinder the department’s ability to access and distribute that equipment to Ukraine.
“I am uncertain about how a government shutdown may affect the rollout of additional presidential drawdown authority packages,” she commented. “It does not impact the funds available to us, but the process of continuing this support may be affected.”
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