Air Force Academy details government closure impacts
The United States Air Force Academy has released specific information about how the federal government shutdown is impacting operations.
The Academy says that of its more than 1,000 furloughed civilian employees, 450 are exempted and will continue to work in jobs pertaining to safety and security.
The Academy says that furlough decisions are dictated solely by the law, which only permit commands to direct civilians to work if they are required to continue supporting military operations or if they are required to protect DOD personnel and property.
Furloughed employees were allowed to go to work for up to four hours on Tuesday (10/1/13) to tie up any loose ends before going home. They were not permitted to work.
Specific impacts of the Government shutdown at the Air Force’s Academy include, but are not limited to:
Academic courses are reduced for cadets – 20% of scheduled courses are suspended
Cadet study centers are closed, including the cadet library, media lab, and tutor centers Support information technology systems for cadet management are inoperable, impacting things like grade entry, administrative management, etc.
The Cadet Chapel is closed and tours of the chapel are not available At this time, the Cadet Chapel plans continue to hold Sunday services but without musical support The Preparatory School is experiencing degradation in its ability to conduct classes
All flying operations at the 306th Flying Training Group are cancelled The base fitness Center and base library are closured and there will be additional service reductions in other support activities At this time, travel for of all intercollegiate athletics is cancelled – this includes the Air Force-Navy game on Saturday, 5 Oct; the Academy will attempt to play home intercollegiate athletic contests but those may be cancelled, as well The Medical Group now has a decreased capability to provide medical and non-medical support for USAFA activities Outpatient care availability is reduced and limited appointments are available. Those trying to make appointments will experience longer wait times to get an appointment Contracts such as custodial services in cadet/base dormitories, grounds maintenance services, custodial services, IT support, and laundry all cease Customers will experience longer wait times for prescriptions, laboratory work, and radiology appointments This Commissary is closed beginning Wednesday after a planned sale today to sell perishable goods The Visitor’s Center is open but not staffed with Government employees – no tours are available and there is no ability to answer visitors’ questions; the Visitor Center gift shop is open and staffed with non-Government employees The Fall Festival and the Winter Expo & Ski Swap on Saturday, 5 Oct are cancelled
