FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico - The partial federal government shutdown has had a direct impact in the daily operations of the 1st Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, the largest federal U.S. Army command in the Caribbean.
The command has approximately 100 civilian employees and the majority of them are currently under a furlough.
Only those civilian employees who perform duties protecting life and property are currently working.
All military personnel on active duty or Active Guard Reserve status, also continue in a normal duty status.
The Battle Assembly training scheduled for Oct. 5-6 has been postponed until further notice, to include the 1st Mission Support Command’s change of command ceremony.
However, the support to current worldwide operations continues without changes.
“Every operation that directly supports the training and mobilization of troops will continue,” said Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernandez, senior US Army Reserve officer in the Caribbean.
With approximately 4,000 troops assigned, the US Army Reserve presence in Puerto Rico goes beyond Fort Buchanan. The command has ten reserve centers across the island, to include US Virgin Islands.
In 2012, the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico invested approximately 145 million dollars in the local economy, which averages 12 million per month.
“There is no doubt that the current fiscal situation represents a challenge for our command. However, we must face these challenges as an opportunity to once again show our commitment with selfless service and our profession. Throughout 238 years, the US Army has been able to face extremely difficult situations. With determination and innovation, we have always been successful. This time will be no different,” said Fernandez.