As the clock ticks toward Friday midnight, U.S. military personnel could see their paychecks delayed unless Congress manages to pass a temporary funding measure.
Task & Purpose has reported that this potential government shutdown may have significant repercussions, particularly for those service members stationed in combat zones.
Impacts on Military Personnel
Lawmakers are under pressure to reach an agreement to keep the government funded, especially after recent negotiations for a new spending bill fell through.
If they fail to establish a new appropriation or a continuing resolution, active-duty and reserve troops will show up for their assignments but without the guarantee of receiving their salaries.
Current Deployment Situations
The situation is especially concerning given that the Pentagon indicates around 2,000 American troops are currently deployed in Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, an initiative designed to eliminate the Islamic State group (ISIS).
This figure is notably more than double the previously reported total of 900 troops.
According to a Pentagon spokesperson, most of these additional military personnel hail from the Army.
The spokesperson detailed that while the core contingent of 900 soldiers is involved in regular deployments lasting between nine to twelve months, the newer forces are on shorter rotations—ranging from 30 to 90 days—to adapt to the shifting requirements in the fight against ISIS.
Financial Uncertainty for Soldiers
If funding is not secured by Friday, military operations around the globe will carry on, but service members will not receive their paychecks until Congress resolves the funding issue.
Troops recently received their last paycheck, with the next one expected at the end of this month.
The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated; soldiers may go without their dues during the holiday season.
Additionally, military reservists who are scheduled for drills after December 20th will also face non-compensation.
During a government shutdown, federal civilian workers categorized as essential will remain on duty but without pay.
Conversely, civilian employees whose positions are financed by lapsed funds would be furloughed for the duration, intersecting with the holiday period of Christmas and New Year’s.
Source: Taskandpurpose.com