By MOAA Staff

The late-night deal reached Sept. 30 just hours before a full federal shutdown kept the government operating for a few more weeks, but it won’t solve years of damage done to the all-volunteer force by fiscally irresponsible lawmakers.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Legislators to Avoid a Government Shutdown and Finish the Appropriations Process]

MOAA has long brought forward the need to end this crippling cycle of continuing resolutions – to fully fund the government before the end of the fiscal year, and to eliminate yet another source of stress and instability from the lives of those in uniform, and of their family members. But as another Oct. 1 came and went, lawmakers again moved the goalposts instead of fulfilling a sacred obligation.

Put bluntly, actions like these damage our national security. Not just because a shutdown would disrupt key services, or because the lack of a full budget means new, innovative programs remain stalled while old, outdated processes move forward. The real threat doesn’t come from the balance sheet – it comes from the lack of respect shown toward those who serve from the individuals who are proud to “support our troops.”

[TAKE ACTION: Urge Your Elected Officials to Pay Servicemembers During a Federal Funding Lapse]

Elements of that “support” were on full display as the budget deadline closed in:

• Servicemembers had no guarantee of a paycheck should the government shut down. Efforts to secure that guarantee never received a vote in either chamber. And while they included Coast Guard members (an improvement from previous shutdown-related protections), they neglected U.S. Public Health Service and NOAA personnel.
• DoD and VA officials wasted precious resources preparing for contingency operations as military families were left wondering what support would be available at their installation amid extensive furloughs.
• Ultimately, a deal took effect that offered no real fixes – only an extension of this uncertainty.

This dysfunctional behavior comes as the uniformed services face unprecedented recruiting challenges. Even as some in Congress attempt to address recent reports of horrific barracks conditions, the overall message sent by lawmakers is unmistakable – we will not prioritize the care of those willing to sacrifice everything on behalf of our nation.

How does a recruiter make any headway with that message in the headlines? How can military retirees be expected to encourage the service of future servicemembers when evidence suggests those potential recruits will not have the full support of their government?

“Many of our uniformed servicemembers are under financial stress, and endure unacceptable housing conditions and food insecurity, while our nation faces a recruiting crisis,” said CW4 Jack Du Teil, USA (Ret), President of The Military Coalition. “Service member pay raises fell 2.6% behind the Employment Cost Index from 2014-16, and Basic Allowance for Housing was reduced 5%, all as cost savings measures on the backs of our uniformed community.  The threat of not receiving a paycheck is unacceptable for the members of our eight uniformed services.  We urge Congress to rapidly pass the Pay our Troops Act before a lapse in appropriations.  Missing a paycheck is a stress our servicemembers should not have to worry about, especially when deployed in harm’s way.”

[TAKE ACTION: Contact Your Legislators and Urge Them to Support the All-Volunteer Force] 

MOAA has long worked to ensure the benefits of all who serve – all ranks, all branches – and their families and survivors. That’s why we want to encourage our members to do what lawmakers seemingly cannot – keep the budget fight in the spotlight, even when a funding deadline isn’t right around the corner.

Send a message to your legislators via MOAA’s Legislative Action Center today. Tell them the budget brinksmanship needs to stop – not just to keep the lights on, but to maintain the trust of servicemembers, of veterans, of multigenerational military families who make up the backbone of the all-volunteer force. It’s a simple step to show Congress truly “supports our troops.”

MOAA’s 360,000-plus members can make a difference on this issue. Make your voice heard today.