Fort Bragg Plans for Government Shutdown

Fort Bragg’s leadership is diligently planning for a potential government shutdown at the end of the current fiscal year at midnight Sept. 30, 2013.

The government’s annual budget expires at midnight Eastern Daylight Time on Sept. 30, 2013. If Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation before then, the Army will not be permitted to incur further financial obligations except as required for the orderly shutdown of operations or the performance of excepted activities - those activities necessary to maintain national security.

The most immediate, and visible, impact of this potential shutdown will be the furlough of portions of Fort Bragg’s civilian workforce. There are some employees who will be excepted, generally those performing life, health and safety functions for the post.

“We will do everything in our power to keep Fort Bragg service members, Families, civilian employees, retirees and our partnering communities aware of how any potential government shutdown will affect Fort Bragg,” said Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg commander. “We will be prepared for rapid deployment of forces in support of contingency operations.”

U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Bragg, all U.S. Army Forces Command units, U.S. Army Special Operations Command and 440th Airlift Wing and other military organizations are planning for an orderly shutdown, if required.

“I urge our community, Fort Bragg’s civilian employees particularly, to follow the progress of this situation by remaining in close contact with your supervisors and by visiting the Office of Personnel Management’s website at www.opm.gov,” said Col. Jeffrey Sanborn, Fort Bragg garrison commander.

If a shutdown of the government does occur, all employees will be required to report to their place of work Oct. 1, to receive guidance on how the orderly shutdown of the government will occur. If furloughs happen, leaders and employees must stay in contact with their supervisors for further guidance.

How will this impact Fort Bragg?

Organizations have already begun communications with affected union leadership. If the government does shutdown, there will be no opportunity for rebuttal from affected employees.

Installation leadership is tentatively planning for the following contingencies:

• Department of Defense Schools will continue with educational and extracurricular activities.
• Child Development Centers will remain open.
• Most Permanent Changes of Station will stop, however inbound Soldiers will be received by the Fort Bragg Reception Company.
• No temporary duty will be authorized on, and after, Oct. 1, 2013, until after the government shutdown is rectified.

Impacts on medical care

• All inpatient and Wounded Warrior care activities will continue. Outpatient care will be provided.
• Appointing functions remain operational.
• Timely follow-up and management of existing conditions should continue to be provided on a walk-in basis.
• Medical care, such as Behavioral Health, Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Adult Wellness, will be sustained.
• Appointments already scheduled will not be cancelled; care will be provided in conjunction with same-day care.
• Elective medical and dental surgeries and procedures will be curtailed unless attending provider assesses threat to life or limb.
• Pharmacies, lab and radiology will continue to provide services to include refill of prescriptions.
• Medical and dental readiness support and emergency response will continue.
• Medical support to mission critical operational forces, to include training, will continue.
• Minimum support services required to sustain excepted activities will continue.