Sequester cuts could have major impact on Barksdale AFB
By: Josh Marcisz
Updated: February 22, 2013
If congress can't agree on a long term spending plan with deficit reductions automatic cuts known as 'the sequester' will go into effect March 1st.
Department of defense cuts under this scenario could have a major impact on Barksdale Air Force Base in the form of civilian defense employee furloughs. Barksdale won't receive word on possible furloughs until the end of the month, but they are preparing for them and what it would mean for operations at the base.
Employees would have to take an unpaid day off once a week for up to 22 weeks. The result will be a 20 percent reduction in each paycheck.
"What that might look like for B-52 crews is that their monthly flying hours which is normally about 18 hours per month could be reduced as low as 10 hours," says Major Sharon Branick of the 2nd Bomb Wing.
There will be some exemptions to possible furloughs such as anyone deployed in a combat zone and those who protect the safety of life or property to the extent needed.
