Lots of rumors going around and some verified problems have come up. I thought some of you may be interested in discussing how this may affect soldiers and government civilians.

I am heading to the states for home leave soon. I got lucky and had it funded in December. I was just told by HR that no new RAT travel orders are being approved so anyone requesting home leave (at least in Europe) are probably not going to get it. We've also been told that no TDY's will be approved. Even official TDY's and those that have already been approved but not funded are being refused. Classes (which affect pretty much all IT people) are all also being cancelled as funding is being pulled.

The Stars and Stripes carried a story that has kicked up the rumor mill big-time. They are saying that as of April all government civilians will be furloughed one day per week (unpaid) for the rest of the fiscal year. Basically the writers are saying that all civilians (at least Army and Navy but not sure about Air Force yet) will be working a 4 day work week and taking a 20% pay cut.

Some of this is rumor and some verified fact but it's all pretty disturbing. Soldiers will not be taking a pay cut but TO&E's may be reduced. Do more with less in other words.

There is also a hiring freeze on right now.

If anyone else has news or rumors I'd like to hear them. I'm in good shape and I can honestly say that having an extra day off each week would not be a burden to me (I'll go golfing more) but many are very worried about this.

Calabogie