Although active-duty troops will continue to work and receive paychecks during the government shutdown, they might find the bases in fragile conditions.
USA Today reported that the furloughing of civilian workers at military installations around the nation will affect base maintenance and might result in the suspension of various military programs. Recreational activities might also be eliminated.
One of the largest domestic U.S. bases, North Carolina's Fort Bragg, furloughed half of its 14,500 staff Oct. 1. A Fort Bragg spokesperson told the news source that there will be cuts to the base's survivor outreach program, while a free phone service for military families to call their loved ones in Afghanistan will be reduced.
Meanwhile in California, Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton furloughed more than 1,100 civilians, base spokesman 1st Lt. Ryan Finnegan told the news source.
Despite the vast effect the shutdown might have on the U.S. military, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel told reporters Tuesday that America's homeland security is not in jeopardy.
The Pentagon expects to furlough 400,000 of its civilian workforce, the news source reported. Those civilians who work in national security will be able to stay on with pay at Hagel's discretion.