Just days before Halloween, around 50 United States Air Force airmen and Space Force guardians may have felt they received a trick rather than a treat. The individuals, who were expected to separate from the United States military, will see their service extended for 60 days due to the ongoing government shutdown.
“The service members affected have scheduled separation dates but have not yet received separation orders to leave the service,” an Air Force spokesperson told the Military Times on Friday.
The impacted service members were notified last week via email.
“This extension of 60-days offers maximum flexibility, reducing the likelihood of multiple extensions in the event of a prolonged shutdown and avoids establishing separation dates during federal holidays in November and December,” the email read.
By implementing this 60-day extension, the Department of the Air Force won’t have to enact multiple extensions, the email added, and further explained, “We understand each Airman and Guardian’s situation is unique, and we are committed to providing you with as much information and support as possible during this uncertain time.”
Shutdown To Blame
Those facing an extension will continue to receive benefits and will receive any back pay upon the government’s reopening. In addition, the impacted airmen and guardians will not be required to remain in the respective services for the full 60 days should the federal government reopen.
However, as a result of the shutdown, which began on October 1—also the start of the federal government’s new fiscal year—the military is prohibited from covering the costs associated with the separations and from approving separation orders. There also remains a shortage of administrative personnel.
It is unclear when the impasse could be resolved, as Senate lawmakers have dug in, and the House of Representatives has been in recess since the shutdown began. Even as most federal employees have either been furloughed or forced to work without pay until the government reopens, lawmakers have continued to receive their paychecks!
The Army Also Issued an Extension
A week before the email from the Department of the Air Force was sent to service members, the U.S. Army informed soldiers that those nearing the end of their tours would have their time in uniform extended by 45 days.
The Antideficiency Act legally bars the federal government from spending money during a government shutdown. While efforts have been made to pay the troops, money can’t be spent on the separation process.
The extension of service was made to ensure a smooth transition to civilian life.
“Failure to extend personnel may result in losing access to base, housing, benefits, pay, reimbursement for travel, and household goods shipment,” Army spokesman Maj. Travis Shaw told Task & Purpose last week. “As an Army priority, the extension is for the soldier’s and their family’s health and welfare.”
As the Military Times reported, the extensions have earned comparisons on social media to the “stop loss” involuntary retentions that occurred after 9/11. Still, it added that a key difference was that those retentions were made due to a “national emergency.”
In contrast, this time around, it is to “avoid administrative issues” related to the shutdown.
