MOST DOD EMPLOYEES TO RETURN TO WORK TODAY

The Pentagon is bringing back to work at least 90 percent of the estimated 350,000 defense civilian employees who were furloughed in the government shutdown. The decision announced Saturday by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is based on a Pentagon interpretation of a law called the Pay Our Military Act, that was passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama shortly before the partial government shutdown began Tuesday. Hagel said the law does not permit a blanket recall of all DoD civilians. But government attorneys concluded that the law does allow the Pentagon to eliminate furloughs for “employees whose responsibilities contribute to the morale, well-being, capabilities and readiness of service members.” The Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Public Affairs Office has notified Z107.7 that MOST civilian Department of Defense employees should return to work this morning. According to the announcement from the Combat Center’s PAO, a limited number of employees will remain on furlough; employees who will remain on furlough will be contacted today by their command and told not to return to work. All others should return to work TODAY for their regularly scheduled shift.