WIESBADEN, Germany (Sept. 30, 2013) -- U.S. Army Europe commander Lt. Gen. Donald Campbell has sent the USAREUR Team the message below about the possible government shut-down Oct. 1, 2013.
Team,
This week we may again be forced to furlough most of our valued civilian team members and our Soldiers may experience a pay delay.
We have endured other uncertain times and we will, as a team, get through this as well.
Though none of us are able to change this situation, we can take measures to mitigate its affects.
Use this uncertain time for prudent collective and individual planning. We hope a shut-down will be averted, but we must be ready if it isn't. Use the time to put processes in place to cover mission essential tasks and to take care of yourself and your family. You may want to contact your financial institutions now and find out what your options are. Some banks and credit organizations offer special no-interest loans or payment deferments in these circumstances.
Also, get your information from official sources. Listening to the "rumor mill" will only raise anxiety and typically provides false information. Our official websites, social media, AFN and direct communication from leaders are the reliable sources.
Because a budget decision may not be made until the last moment, everyone should go to work tomorrow as usual. If a budget is not in place, we will provide written notification informing our DACs that they are either "excepted" (exempt), and will continue to work, or non-excepted (non-exempt), and are consequently on furlough. If it comes to that, we expect to have four hours tomorrow to do an "orderly shutdown." If you are furloughed is not a reflection of your value to our team. It's a result of legal requirement we must meet.
As in the last furlough, the non-exempt may not come to the work site, may not work from home, may not take any type of paid leave (annual leave or sick leave) use their BB or government cell phones, log on to government computers, etc.
LQA and post allowance are not affected.
Military and local nationals will not be furloughed but, again, our military members may experience a pay delay.
Garrison and community activities may be affected differently by location; use official conduits for the latest information.
We are a close knit community and, if this shut-down occurs, we must foster even more unit cohesion and "neighbor helping neighbor" behavior. I expect all leaders to be engaged and provide clear, timely communication on this issue and I know all of you will support each other and help in any way you can when you see a teammate struggling.
Thank you for doing your part in keeping our Team Strong, even in times of adversity.
Donald M. Campbell, Jr.
Lieutenant General, USA
Related Links:
Memorandum for all Department of Defense employees on potential government shutdown
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