How Will The US Military Be Affected By The Government Shutdown?

Picture: United States Capitol Building (PA Image)

The US federal government shutdown only partially curbs operations.

However, the longer the shutdown continues, the more likely its impact will be felt.

Almost half of the two million civilian federal workers will be barred from doing their jobs if the shutdown extends into Monday.

Here's what this means for defence. 

Defence Department

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned on Friday that the shutdown has far-reaching effects.

The US military will continue to fight wars and conduct missions around the world, including in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.

Active-duty troops, as well as Guard and Reserve members, must continue to report to work but will not get paid during a shutdown - unless Congress passes a separate piece of legislation to do so.

This means if the shutdown continues, paychecks for February 1st will be delayed. 

Military hospitals and clinics will continue to stay open, although non-emergency procedures could be rescheduled. 

Services on military bases will be affected, with child care facilities and subsidized grocery stores (known as commissaries), both likely to close. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs will also stop processing disability claims and other veterans services will be reduced.

US Intelligence Agencies

The workforce at the 17 US intelligence agencies will be pared down significantly, according to a person familiar with contingency procedures.

The official, who was not authorised to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity, said employees who are considered essential and have to work will do so with no expectation of a regular paycheck.

While they can be kept on the job, federal workers can not be paid for days worked during a shutdown. In the past, however, they have been paid retrospectively even if they were ordered to stay home.

Homeland Security Department

A department spokesman said nearly 90% of Homeland Security employees are considered essential and will continue to perform their duties during a government shutdown.

That means most Customs and Border Protection and Transportation Security Administration workers will stay on the job, according to the department's shutdown plan.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be staffed at about 78%, meaning more than 15,000 of the agency's employees will keep working.

The Secret Service, also part of Homeland Security, will retain more than 5,700 employees during the shutdown.