Potential Government Shutdown looms on the horizon

  • Published
WASHINGTON, D.C. --  To the Men and Women of the United States Air Force:

Once again, we find ourselves in the position where we need to talk with you
about the potential disruption to your personal and professional lives.
While we remain hopeful that a government shutdown will be averted, the
Department of Defense is planning for an orderly shutdown if a federal
funding bill is not passed before 1 October. This means that some
civilians will be furloughed and military pay may be disrupted. This will
be extremely disruptive to the mission, to you, and to your families.

The Air Force must continue to conduct missions in support of our National
security, particularly urgent operational activities. Should there be a
government shutdown, military will continue to report to duty and most
civilians will be furloughed, with some exceptions. Those details will
become clear in the coming days along with specific guidance on the Guard
and Reserve workforces.

The entire Air Force leadership is working hard to guide us through this
turbulent time. Have no doubt, we are concerned about you and your
families. We will be providing further information to your supervisors and
commanders so they can communicate with you on where to go for assistance
should you and your families require it. We encourage you to review the
current information that can be found on our official Air Force website and
the United States Office of Personnel Management website.

It is important for you to know that a furlough says nothing about the
quality of your work or the value of your service. We know the continuing
budget uncertainty is distressing, and we are hopeful for a swift
resolution. Your professionalism and commitment to mission makes us the
world's greatest Air Force. Thank you for your continued service to secure
the nation's security in very uncertain and challenging times.


Eric K. Fanning                     Mark A. Welsh III                                 James A. Cody
Acting Secretary                          General,                               USAF Chief Master Sergeant
of the Air Force                        Chief of Staff                                     of the Air Force