by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - It has been fifteen days since the federal government shutdown which has resulted in furloughs for civilian workers and uncertainty for federal employees. On Guam, Joint Region Marianas commander Rear Admiral Tilghman Payne recently provided an update on the situation and the impacts to personnel on the island.

"This is not business as usual the shutdown has dramatically changed what we can and cannot do. Until the shutdown ends we are only performing missions that protect life and property, continued education and training and aid the morale, well being capabilities and readiness of the operating forces," he said.

On the topic of pay for active duty military personnel, Payne says military members should receive their pay on schedule as authorized under the Pay Our Military Act. It is encouraged that military members actively check their LES for discrepancies in pay and allowances.

As for civilian employees they will be paid for days they are working and not furloughed. Rear Admiral Payne adds that there may be future legislation for reimbursement of days furloughed.