10/02/2025
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN GUIDE
Message from your Legislative Chair and HQ:
As you're all aware, a federal government shutdown can impact various agencies and operations. While this creates uncertainty, AFSA wants to provide some clarity and key points specific to the Uniformed Services.
These can be stressful times, so please check in with each other and utilize the available resources. The mission continues, stay informed, support one another, and remain focused.
BLUF (BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT)
Active-duty service members will continue to serve—but pay would be delayed if the shutdown crosses a pay period without an appropriation. Guard and Reserve drill weekends may be canceled or delayed. Military benefits, such as healthcare and commissaries, may be scaled back. Travel, PCS moves, and certain bonuses could be delayed until funding resumes.
PAY & COMPENSATION
➔ Active Duty: Will keep working, but paychecks may be delayed. Back pay is guaranteed by law.
➔ Guard & Reserve: Drills and training may be postponed or canceled.
➔ Bonuses & Incentives: May be delayed, but will be paid retroactively.
HEALTH CARE & BENEFITS
➔ TRICARE: Remains operational and uninterrupted.
➔ Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs): Stay open, but some elective care may be slowed.
➔ VA Health Care & Benefits: Continue on schedule due to advance appropriations.
PCS, TRAVEL & TRAINING
➔ PCS: New orders may be delayed unless essential. Moves in progress are usually funded.
➔ Official Travel & Training: Suspended unless essential to national security.
➔ TDYs/Schools: May be postponed or rescheduled.
BASE OPERATIONS & QUALITY OF LIFE
➔ Commissaries: CONUS may close or reduce hours; OCONUS typically remain open.
➔ Child Development Centers: Stay open for mission-essential personnel.
➔ MWR & Gyms: May close or operate on reduced staff.
What You Can Do
➔ Stay Informed: Follow the chain of command and installation updates.
➔ Advocacy: Share readiness concerns with AFSA and coalition partners.
➔ USAA Mission Partner: In the event a funding deal is not reached in time, and a paycheck will be missed, eligible members can begin applying for relief on Oct. 8. More information, including eligibility requirements, is available at usaa.com/relief.
Even in a shutdown, the mission continues. Pay and benefits may be delayed, but are not lost—retroactive pay is guaranteed.
------------------------------------
TAKE ACTION: Become a part of the AFSA Legislative Team. The only way to maintain the integrity of a democratic system of government is to persistently and effectively participate in its mechanisms and procedures. AFSA’s legislative department is continually seeking creative ways to accommodate the needs of every community by making the democratic process readily accessible to each citizen. Our Legislative Action Center is a direct result of this mission. It serves as a forum that allows our members to learn about specific advocacy campaigns, search and contact their elected officials by zip code, research important legislation, sign up for legislative alerts, complete surveys, and more!
https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/130506/Respond
