DoD notifies Congress of possible civilian furloughs in the event of sequestration

By Belvoir EagleFebruary 22, 2013

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta informed Congress Wednesday that furloughs could be necessary if the severe budget cuts of sequestration are implemented March 1.

Panetta reaffirmed the Department of Defense's commitment to provide for the security of the United States. However, he warned of lapses in readiness due to the fiscal constraints of sequestration and operating under a continuing resolution.

"I have also been deeply concerned about the potential direct impact of sequestration on you and your Families," Panetta said. "We are doing everything possible to limit the worst effects on DoD personnel. But, I regret our flexibility within the law is extremely limited. The president has used his legal authority to exempt military personnel funding from sequestration, but we have no legal authority to exempt civilian personnel funding from reductions. As a result, should sequestration occur and continue for a substantial period, DoD will be forced to place the vast majority of its civilian workforce on administrative furlough."

Locally, Fort Belvoir officials said they're reviewing what the impact of a furlough could mean.

"My staff and I are focused on keeping up the quality service and support our customers have come to expect from Fort Belvoir," said Col Gregory D. Gadson, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, commander. "The actions we take to comply with any furlough directive will be geared to maintaining our high level of service to the military people, employees and Families who rely on Fort Belvoir.

"We also realize the impact this has on the workforce," he continued. "What we do will demonstrate our continued faith and confidence in our employees and their value, and the important contributions they make to the installation's success every day."

Stu Ewing, Director of the Fort Belvoir Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, emphasized the importance of open, transparent communication between supervisors and their people.

"From the organizational standpoint, supervisors and their employees need to talk about how a 20 percent reduction in available staff could impact their mission, and what workload adjustments might be necessary," he said. "From a personal standpoint, a furlough is non-paid time -- a furloughed employee cannot be at work. What does that mean in terms of personal income and financial planning?

"Take care of your employees by assisting them with challenges they may be having and coping with these unfortunate circumstances," Ewing continued. "Supervisors must be vigilant with a watchful eye to recognize behavior changes with every employee and aide them with planning and balancing their personal and work time in the face of a possible furlough."

Ewing urged employees to avail themselves of assistance available through such programs as the Employee Assistance Program at (703)-805-5529, spiritual leaders, Family, friends, and, financial advisors.

Panetta's statement emphasized that employees would have 30 days notice before any furlough and that all personnel actions would be executed in a consistent and appropriate manner.

"Working with your component heads and supervisors, the department's leaders will continue to keep you informed," Panetta said. "As we deal with these difficult issues, I want to thank you for your patience, your hard work, and your continued dedication to our mission of protecting the country."

"Our most important asset at the department is our world-class personnel. You are fighting every day to keep our country strong and secure. Rest assured the leaders of this department will continue to fight with you and for you."