Military Impacts if the Sequester Goes Into Effect - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

Military Impacts if the Sequester Goes Into Effect

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COLCHESTER, Vt. -

Military spending and employees would be cut if the sequester goes into effect on March 1.

1,000 defense employees could be furloughed and $1 million dollars in military funding could be slashed.

FOX44 and ABC22 found out at least 500 employees could be furloughed and the funding cuts could have tremendous impacts.

"The Vermont National Guard's leadership is diligently working to implement measures to help mitigate budget risks, and to the extent feasible, minimize any harmful effects on readiness to the Soldiers and Airmen of the Vermont National Guard," Capt. Chris Gookin of the Vermont National Guard said.

A press release says the Department of Defense has spoken of the potential of civilian employee furloughs not to exceed 22 discontinuous days, that may begin no earlier than the latter part of April 2013.  It hasn't yet been determined if this action will extend to the National Guard.

"The greatest threat the Vermont National Guard faces today is continued uncertainty over the budget and the risk of even greater Sequestration cuts. While these cuts will have an impact on our readiness, the Vermont National Guard will be ready if called upon by the Governor to perform state active duty. Budget cuts could degrade equipment readiness but we still have adequate resources if the need to respond in the event of a state emergency occurs," said MG Thomas E. Drew.

On Sunday the White House released state-by-state sequester impact reports. Check them out here:

Vermont Sequester Impacts

New York Sequester Impacts

New Hampshire Sequester Impacts

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