JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The government shutdown is still in effect. Fortunately, nearly 90 percent of furloughed Department of Defense civilian employees were asked to return to work per guidance from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. This includes most civilians working at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
"This is significant because our civilian workforce contributes extraordinary talent, commitment and mission expertise in support of our Service members and our mission," said Col. John J. Allen Jr., 633rd Air Base Wing commander.
Still, while several services around both installations returned to normal earlier this week, many others remain affected by the shutdown.
Military and civilian pay
As of press time, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service confirmed that military and civilian members will receive their pay on time under the Pay for Our Military Act signed by the president Sept. 30. DFAS was given authority to pay primarily all military pay and allowances for Oct. 15 payments, with primary exclusions including inactive duty training (IDT) activities.
"POMA allows us to provide pay and allowances for civilians who provide support for members of the Armed Forces," said Robert Hale, DOD comptroller and chief financial officer.
Pay for the four furlough days will be delayed until a budget or continuing resolution funding government operations is passed and signed into law.
"From day one, our primary focus has been to rapidly get as many people back to work as soon as possible, and we will continue those efforts. We are a team, a family - [we] always have been," said Eric K. Fanning, acting secretary of the Air Force. "We will not be a fully-functioning organization until the last member returns."
Health care benefits continue, regardless of furlough status, according to the Office of Personnel Management's guidance on emergency furlough procedures. During furlough, unpaid health, vision and dental premiums are paid in full when normal pay resumes.
Thrift Savings Plan
The Thrift Savings Plan and Federal Employees Retirement System, which are part of civilian employees' retirement benefits, will continue investment activities during the government shutdown, even if contributions from civilians cease, according to a release from the Thrift Savings Plan board.
Commissaries
Stateside commissaries that closed due to the government shutdown resumed normal operations effective Oct. 7. While commissaries are back to their normal operating schedules, it may take three to five business days to get the shelves fully stocked, depending on store size.
Permanent change of station (PCS) travel
According to Army and Air Force PCS move guidance, no stop movements have been issued. Service members who had PCS orders in hand prior to Oct. 1 will be allowed to proceed with their PCS. As of press time, PCS orders dated after Oct. 1 for technical or flying training, accessions and separations are authorized. No other PCS orders will be authenticated until obligation authority is received. All other Service members should continue with the PCS process, but must wait for funding to be authenticated before they are able to complete their move. Continual communication with outbound assignment personnel is highly encouraged.
Moves with an order date on or after Oct. 1 will be limited as follows:
- Moves to an excepted activity will continue.
- Moves from an excepted activity will continue only to the extent the commander of the excepted activity determines it essential to the mission or required to enhance support.
- Accession and training moves associated with recruitment and initial entry raining will continue, along with subsequent movement to first station.
- All movements to comply with separation instructions will continue.
Temporary Duty (TDY) travel
All TDY travel must be approved by a wing commander or higher. The only travel currently being approved is for those in direct support of the war in Afghanistan, or travel related to safety of life and property protection, and travel related to foreign relations.
Morale, welfare and recreation, and non-appropriated fund activities
Operations necessary to support "excepted activities" (activities or programs that were not affected by furlough or shutdown) will continue. Examples of these excepted activities include operation of dining facilities, physical training and child care activities required to support readiness.
Local installation updates
ID and Access Services
Langley Military Personnel Flight
- MPF Customer Service functions will remain shut down until further notice.
- No change in normal operations of the Force Management, Career Development and NAF HR offices.
- For more information, contact 225-1816.
Fort Eustis Military ID Services
Operating normally.
The following facilities on JBLE have resumed operations after the civilian recall:
Langley:
Airman and Family Readiness Center
Bateman Library
Commissary
Travel Management Office
U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley
Fort Eustis:
Army Community Service
Commissary
McDonald Army Health Center
Travel Management Office
Continue to monitor the
JBLE Facebook page for updates.