Does the DoD need to consider a government shutdown contingency plan?

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 15:19:28 -0400

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2013 11:22 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 11:22:54 -0500

I'm hoping they already to do, Sir.  But I recommend the individual soldiers have their own emergency fund in case of the worst occurring.  Most financial advisers recommend have 3 full months worth of money for bills/living expenses set aside.  

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 7 at 2013 12:48 PM

CMC Robert Young — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 12:48:15 -0500

Sir, something should already be in place, and the fact there doesn't seem to be makes me wonder how well prepared we are when bad things happen.  The fiasco of this shutdown also demonstrated how dependent we have become on GSs and contractors. When I joined the service, we did most everything for our selves in house, but we are now "supported" by a myriad of GS employees and contractors all of whom are designated non essential when the government closes. Makes me wonder if they aren't mission essential, why do we keep them on the payroll? Things like this must be considered as there are second and third order consequences of being "dependent" on people who can't come to work because Washington's closed.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Nov 8 at 2013 12:44 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 00:44:27 -0500

Absolutely there needs to be a plan in place. Not to be overly critical of the politicians, but I have a problem when neither party can plan long term to create a budget to give our country the stability and ability to plan long term. A government shutdown is a threat to the stability of the nation and potentially the world if someone sees our leadership as being in a state of chaos they may attempt to take advantage of the situation. Looking at SSG Robert O.'s own experience it makes me worry if units that would typically be used to respond to threats around the world cannot train to maintain their specialized skills it should make us worry that the next time political infighting leads to another shutdown the consequences could be much more serious.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 28 at 2014 8:24 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:24:50 -0500

Col Private RallyPoint Member Sir, hope for the best, plan for the worst. its what we do. PACE.

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Nov 30 at 2014 11:26 PM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:26:25 -0500

Shouldn't there be a contingency plan for everything? And a contingency plan for the contingency plan? It seems the more options and more prepared, the less stress during the "problem".

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Sep 30 at 2023 11:27 AM

MSgt Steve Sweeney — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 11:27:43 -0400

Are you saying the DoD doesn't have plans, or that they should consider the plans they do have given the proximity of a government shutdown?