A Special Statement from The OCONUS Project

As the U.S. federal government enters a shutdown, many critical services and operations face disruption—especially for those of us living overseas in the military community. While national security and essential missions will continue, the reality is that a shutdown can create serious challenges for service members, spouses, and military families stationed abroad.

While there is uncertainty in the air, it is our duty to keep you informed of what is happening and how it relates to those living overseas.

Here’s what the overseas military community should be aware of. Please keep in mind that each installation also has its own policies and procedures, so please follow their guidance as well:

Key Impacts to Expect

PCS moves will happen as planned if you fall under these categories:

• Retirement/Separation Move (DD214 in hand)

• Entry to active duty move

• Compassionate Reassignment/Hardship move

• Essential moves

• Moves already in progress

  
  

There may be an interruption in pay.

Active-duty troops, including reserve component personnel on federal active duty would be required to continue to report for duty in the event of a shutdown, but their paychecks would stop until a new funding deal is reached, based on previous guidance. Military retirees and annuitants would continue to receive their pay, which is funded from a different source. Service members would not be paid unless Congress passed emergency legislation to allow paychecks to continue.

Healthcare is exempt from the shutdown.

Some elective surgeries may be delayed, but Critical medical and dental care in Defense Department medical facilities have been exempted from previous shutdown orders.

Access to some on-installation services may be impacted.

• On-base administrative services would be reduced due to civilian employee furloughs.

• Overseas commissaries and exchanges are typically able to remain open during a shutdown.

• Families may not know if their DOD child care facility will remain open until a shutdown happens.

• Activities and organizations funded entirely by non-appropriated funds, such as many MWR activities and the military exchanges, generally will not be affected.

• 
  

Diplomatic & Consular Services operations will also feel an impact.

U.S. embassies and consulates abroad typically continue operations, but some non-essential services may be affected depending on funding and staffing. Visa and passport services that rely on fee-based funding often continue, but delays in adjudication or hearings may occur.

What the Community Can Do

• Plan for Cash Flow Constraints. If you’re overseas, ensure you have emergency funds in reserve. A short delay in pay can have ripple effects on rent, utilities, and daily costs. If you need assistance, organizations like the Army Emergency Relief Fund and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society can help. Some financial institutions like USAA and Navy Federal are also assisting their members in times of hardship.

• Continue to Track Base Announcements & Guidance. Base leadership will often issue guidance about which services remain operational, hours of operation, or alternative arrangements.

• Stay Connected with Your Support Network. Reach out to spouse groups, base support offices, and your military community. Shared information can help each other navigate the uncertainty.

• Document & Save Everything. Keep records of any payments delayed, services affected, or notices you receive. This documentation may help resolve issues after the shutdown ends.

• Advocate for Your Rights. Stay informed about congressional actions. In previous shutdowns, legislation like the “Pay Our Military Act” was passed to guarantee pay for service members. 

This is a challenging time for the military family community, especially those overseas. While many core duties and services will persist, the shutdown’s effects on support systems, pay, and everyday life should not be underestimated. We stand with all serving families and will share updates as more information becomes available.

If you or your family are experiencing hardship due to the shutdown, please reach out to your unit’s support services, military spouse networks, or The OCONUS Project. We’re here to help where we can.

Reliable Resources & Further Reading

1. Armed Forces Compensation During a Lapse in Appropriations — Congressional Research Service overview of how defense accounting works during shutdowns

2. CSIS Analysis: What a Government Shutdown Means for Defense Funding — Breakdown of how military obligations are prioritized

3. Military Times: How a Shutdown Could Affect Troops & Families — Real-world impacts and considerations

4. Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 — Legal protections regarding retroactive pay for furloughed federal employees

5. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget — Explains which employees continue working, what stops, and how that affects citizens, including overseas services