Detailed Sequestration impacts begin to emerge

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Special to the Journal

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. – A clear picture of the

potential impacts to Robins Air Force Base and the Middle Ga. community are emerging

as Defense Department officials begin to release details of the near, median

and long term effects of Sequestration.

testimony to the Senate Armed Forces Committee Thursday, Defense Secretary Leon

Panetta conceded that Sequestration would likely result in the United States

becoming a “second-rate” power.

“For

the first time in a century, we are faced with the prospect of losing our

status as the global superpower,” said Maj. Gen. (ret.) Bob McMahon, President

and CEO of the 21^st Century Partnership.

In a call with reporters Thursday, acting Air

Force Under Secretary, Dr. Jamie Morin and Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry

Spencer outlined the difficult position the service is faced with should

Sequestration begin on March 1.

“We

face a $12.4 billion shortfall with an estimated $1.8 billion shortfall in

Overseas Contingency Operations funding,” said Spencer. The Air Force leaders went on to

discuss planned actions to compensate for the forced reductions, as well as the

direct impacts to readiness, sustainment and modernization programs.

One

such planned measure, a furlough of up to 22-days for 180-thousand civilian personnel. Robins AFB is home to roughly

15-thousand civilian workers – the majority employed within the maintenance

Complex.

The

leaders also disclosed the planned reduction of a third of the maintenance

budget, resulting in a work stoppage affecting up to 150 aircraft and 80

engines undergoing depot maintenance.

The

service wide furloughs coupled with a potential depot maintenance work stoppage

– the bread and butter of Robins workload – has the potential to have a

significant impact on the Middle GA economy.

“It

is critical that we begin to plan as a community,” said McMahon. “Businesses

should plan on a reduction in income and we need to be vigilant in ensuring our

friends and neighbors are coping with the additional stress of having less

money in their back pocket.”

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