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The documents below are intended to help the Defense Department workforce during the government shutdown. Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution or a full budget by 11:59 EST on Jan. 19, 2018. Essential operations will continue, and military personnel will continue in a normal duty status until such time as a CR or budget is passed. However, civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 1000 DEFENSE PENTAGON WASHINGTON, DC 20301-1000
January 19, 2018
SUBJECT: Guidance on the Government Shutdown
Our government will shutdown at midnight tonight. We in the Department of Defense will continue carrying out our fundamental responsibility to defend our Nation and the American people.
We will continue to execute daily operations around the world – ships and submarines will remain at sea, our aircraft will continue to fly and our warfighters will continue to pursue terrorists throughout the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. While training for reservists must be curtailed, active forces will stay at their posts adapting their training to achieve the least negative impact on our readiness to fight.
I recognize the consequences of a government shutdown. You have my personal commitment that the Department’s leadership will do our best to mitigate the impacts of the disruptions and any financial burdens to you and your families.
Steady as she goes – hold the line. I know our Nation can count on you.
STAY ALERT.
Jim Mattis
Memo
Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan issued guidance to Defense Department military and civilian leadership on how to proceed if the federal government should shut down. Full Memo
“As many of you are aware, funding for the government expires at midnight on Jan. 19, 2018,” Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan said in a memorandum to employees. Full Memo
In the event of a lapse in appropriations, all Departmental community and public outreach activities will cease. Full Memo
Obama Issues Message to Troops, DOD Workers About Shutdown