Do Deployed Military Get Paid During Government Shutdown?

Hey community, just brainstorming some issues before deciding on military as my path after high school. Under typical circumstances, do deployed military personnel continue to get their pay during a government shutdown? Would be grateful for any reliable info you can share!

Hello! Typically, during a government shutdown, many federal employees do not receive their regular paycheck, which might cause some confusion. However, it's important to note that active-duty military personnel are classified differently compared to other federal employees because they fall under "required" government functions. This includes those deployed abroad.

Specifically, in a situation where there's a government shutdown, legislation often gets passed to ensure that the military continues to get paid as per usual, due to the essential nature of their service. For example, in the last few government shutdowns, Congress has passed and the President has signed the “Pay Our Military Act,” which ensures that military paychecks continue to go out during a shutdown.

That being said, while such legislation has been passed during previous shutdowns, its passage in any future scenario is not guaranteed and would depend on the specific circumstances and decision-making of the lawmakers involved. It would be wise to consult with a military recruiter or another informed source to get the most updated and precise answer.

Therefore, while historically, the trend has been to continue paying military personnel during a shutdown, it's possible that this could vary in the future, though it is less likely given the essential services that the military provides. Also, it's important to remember that those in the military have certain benefits and provisions in place to help them navigate these types of scenarios. Overall, opting for a career in the military should not solely depend on this factor, but it's worth keeping in mind when making your decision.