Regarding the government shutdown and what would happen if it does... I hate to be the grim reaper, but if our boys and girls in DC cannot get over their large egos and cannot agree on a budget, we shut down. Unfortunately, Cadet Command staff is not on the list of priority departments and personal, therefore, no staff next week means nobody to report scholarship offers. I hate what I am writing here but it's reality...
You brought up a great point I had not even considered. It really doesn't matter if the scholarships are funded or not before the shutdown. The fact will be that if there is a shutdown there simply will not be anybody working to push the update button.
I've let my older son know to save his money in preparation for the shutdown and no stipend payment.
Now, while the wait for scholarship notification and the loss of a stipend of between $150.00 and $250.00 will be a real inconvenience, I can't even imagine the hardship that will fall on our active duty military personell.
We have military now involved in 2 1/2 wars, the majority enelisted. Many are young enlisted with families at home. For most young enlisted families, they live from paycheck to paycheck, the loss of even on payday can have a devastaiting effect. Now put all this in the mind of a soldier fighting in Afganistan or a sailor on the deck of an aircraft carrier off the coast of Libya. While these men and women try hard to keep their focus on their mission they will now have the burden of wondering how their families will get by with the loss of payment. These men and women can't afford the distraction, it will take their focus off their task at hand and can end up putting them in greater danger to themselves and those around them.
The MOC need to realize that this shutdown in a time of War, a War that many of them have seemed to forget is even going on these days, put lives at risk. I want to see just one of them stand up on the floor and tell the American Military that we expect you to pick up your weapon and fight, but we're sorry we can not pay you or your family while you risk your life for your country.
I sympathize with all those waiting for the scholarship results and the decisions everyone needs to make soon regarding schools. The integrity I have felt from all those that post here makes it clear that we all have the bigger picture in mind.
If there is indeed a shutdown and soldiers are not paid, I would only ask that if you know of a military family in need please find a way to help, our children could all be in the same position some day.
Let just hope MOC and the Administration find a way to pull their collective heads out of their....well you know. This debacle crosses all party lines.
Good luck everyone
