For the first time in 17 years, the federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday after Congress failed to pass a spending bill.
With a federal government shutdown in place, hundreds of thousands of federal employees will face indefinite furloughs until further notice.
Fort Rucker, like other federal entities, began notifying non-excepted employees to take furloughs beginning at noon on Oct. 1.
According to a Fort Rucker Public Affairs Office release, the post cannot operate in the absence of appropriations. Therefore, certain activities that are critical to maintaining national security and provide protection of life and property are authorized to continue.
Most training on Fort Rucker and personnel working in support of base operations to protect life, health or safety fall under these exceptions.
The Fort Rucker Commissary will remain open for business on Oct. 1 to clear out all perishable items, but will close on Oct. 2 until further notice.
The Army Air Force Exchange will remain open for business, as well as the schools.
"We just ask for your patience and support as we begin this very difficult situation for our Army family," the release said. "We will do everything we can to mitigate the effect on our soldiers, their families and our valued civilian and contracted employees."
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