Sunday, October 5, 2025
The government shutdown has far reaching implications for the American economy, especially around military bases.
Troops potentially missing their next paycheck has many who rely on that income in a full panic. These are the top 5 industries that will be impacted.
Ex-wives
Child support & alimony are grossly skewed against service members. The UCMJ having a “guilty till proven innocent” mindset, and troops not always being able to take leave to go home to fight legal battle, or even afford a decent lawyer, have left many bent over a barrel. However, if no money is coming in, none can be docked from paychecks.
Faux-Patriotic Companies
Many snake oil salesmen have found success in smacking a star-spangled logo on their signage and setting up shop in areas highly trafficked by boots. Whether it's an overpriced engagement ring, or a knife with a flag laser-engraved on it, you know they only survive by having a steady stream of gullible new joins they can con into buying a sub-par product.
Strip Clubs
Countless nursing degrees and beauty school certificates have been paid for by E1s who have said, “No staff sergeant, she really loves me.” Thus, with paychecks around base drying up, local entertainers are left with a difficult conundrum.
Tattoo parlors
I'm guilty of getting a motto tatt, and so are many of you. However, without an extra few hundred bucks sitting in their account, many service members wouldn't have the urge to go get a permanent reminder of their boredom and disposable income on a random Tuesday afternoon.
Used car salesmen
Where else, besides outside the front gate of a base, could a used car lot sell a V-6 mustang, for 20% over Kelley Blue Book, with a 34% interest rate? How will some of these people feed their family if the military doesn't get paid?
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