As of 1 October 2025, the lapse in appropriations (AKA the “government shutdown”) is already having impacts on Marines and their families. For many long-serving Marines, this is not a new phenomenon. It has been managed before, and it will be managed this time as well. But in the meantime, there are certain frustrations that need to be mitigated. A federal government shutdown triggers an “orderly curtailment of certain Marine Corps operations and services.” Sticking to the facts and relying heavily on MARADMIN 468/25 for guidance, here is what it means:
Pay
Active-duty Marines and Active Reserve personnel continue to report for duty and perform assigned tasks, including those supporting national security. However, no pay or entitlements will be disbursed until Congress passes a Continuing Resolution or the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, at which point all backpay will be provided retroactively.
Civilian Marine Corps employees not essential to excepted activities, such as protecting human life or national security, are furloughed. These employees must conduct an orderly shutdown on their next scheduled workday and are prohibited from performing any work, including accessing government email. Excepted civilians, including those in direct support of military operations, continue working without interruption. Like military personnel, furloughed civilians receive retroactive pay once funding resumes. Supervisors will relay information to issue return-to-work instructions promptly. More guidance can be found in contingency planning guidance.
Shopping and Community Services
Thankfully for Marines and their families, non-appropriated fund (also known as “NAF”) activities, such as exchanges, remain fully operational across installations, funded independently of annual appropriations. Commissaries will remain open.
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (also known as “MWR”) programs essential to readiness, including dining facilities, physical training, and certain childcare services, proceed as normal. Childcare directly supporting excepted activities and military readiness operates without disruption. Broader community outreach under MWR, such as band performances, halts unless fully NAF-funded.
Family support resources remain accessible. The Military OneSource call center and website operate 24/7, providing counseling, referrals, and financial guidance at no cost. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers assistance through its website and base representatives. Emergency services, including crisis intervention, sexual assault support, and religious counseling, continue uninterrupted.
Contract Support
Contract support continues for existing agreements up to obligated funds, covering both excepted and non-excepted work. New contracts or extensions for non-excepted activities cannot proceed, though those preventing imminent risks to safety or security may be authorized under specific authorities like the “Feed and Forage Act.”
Training, Travel, and Impact on Reserves
Travel and training face restrictions. Permanent Change of Station (or “PCS”) moves continue for those ordered before October 1 or tied to excepted activities. Accession and initial entry training proceed to maintain recruitment pipelines. For reservists, Inactive Duty Training (or “IDT”) drills occur only if supporting excepted functions; otherwise, Reserve Marines return home. Annual Training and Active Duty for Operational Support follow similar guidelines.
Pre-approved civilian leave is canceled during the lapse. No new agreements for bonuses or incentive pay can be executed. Marines and families should monitor official channels for updates on funding resolution.
Bottom Line
Bottom line - Expect impacts to daily routines. Libraries may be closed. Children’s activities may be affected. And troop training and travel can expect limitations. But Marines must always stay most ready when the nation is least ready. The Marines have a plan and will continue to be poised to serve as America’s premier fighting force.
