REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Knowing many of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command's globally positioned personnel have questions regarding a possible government shutdown, the Public Affairs Office has compiled the following questions and answers offered as guidance to help the command through this time.
Q: If the Continuing Resolution (CR) expires 8 April, how will that affect the United States Army'
A: Activities will continue notwithstanding the absence of available appropriations if they are determined to be required to maintain national security or to provide protection of life and property (excepted activities). Activities that are determined not to be excepted, and which military personnel cannot perform, will be suspended. Military personnel and excepted civilian personnel continuing to work will accrue pay but will not be paid until enactment of appropriation or a continuing resolution.
Q: What will the United States Army do if the CR expires, 8 April 2011'
A: When the CR expires, only personnel and activities that are determined to be "excepted" in order to maintain national security and provide protection of life and property will continue to work.
Q: Who determines what activities are "excepted"'
A: In accordance with Department of the Army guidance, local commanders will identify what activities and personnel are "excepted" and "non-excepted."
Q: What are some examples of "excepted" personnel'
A: Some examples of "excepted" personnel are active duty military personnel, reserve component personnel performing Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) duty, Senate-confirmed officials appointed by the President, and foreign national employees paid with host country funds. In addition, commanders can designate as excepted the minimum number of personnel required to support excepted activities.
Q: What are some examples of "excepted" activities'
A: Some examples of "excepted" activities include: permanent change of station moves funded with prior year funds for active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel; Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation New Dawn (OND); operation of mortuary affairs activities and attendant other services necessary to properly care for the fallen and their families, and operations of child care activities.
Q: What are some examples of "non-excepted" personnel'
A: Civilian personnel, including military technicians in their civilian positions, who are not required to carry out or support excepted activities.
Q: What happens financially to the "non-excepted" personnel while they are furloughed'
A: The "non-excepted" personnel will be in a nonpay and nonduty status, until an appropriation or continuing resolution is enacted. "Non-excepted" personnel will not telework or otherwise perform work remotely. Any paid leave (annual, sick, court, etc.) approved for use during the furlough period is cancelled.
Q: What are some examples of "non-excepted" activities'
A: Some examples of "non-excepted" activities include: preparation of budget submission data; elective surgery and other elective procedures in Department of Defense mental and dental facilities; activities in support of environmental requirements which are not necessary to prevent imminent threat to life or property; and DOD Education Activity summer school activities. Also of note, certain activities in medical/dental care; financial management; and training and education are non-excepted. Individuals should contact their homestation organizations for further guidance.
Q: Will military retirement pay continue during a shutdown period'
A: Yes.
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