Arkansas National Guard Foundation Calls for Support Amid Pay Delays During Government Shutdown

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas National Guard Foundation is issuing this statement to clarify widespread confusion regarding pay for members of the National Guard during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

In recent days, national media outlets have reported that “President Trump ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to pay the troops,” creating the public impression that all members of the U.S. military—including the National Guard—will continue receiving pay throughout the shutdown. While that order does allow the Department of Defense to continue paying Active Component Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians, its impact on National Guard members is far more complicated and uneven.

This release explains how the shutdown is affecting each major category of Guard member and employee so that Arkansans and the general public can better understand who is—and who is not—receiving pay at this time.

As the federal government remains partially shut down, the various categories of National Guard personnel are facing uneven pay impacts. To foster public understanding and transparency, this release explains how the shutdown is affecting each class of Guard member and employee—and what they can currently expect.

Who’s Who: The Categories of National Guard Service

  • Dual-Status Technicians (“Techs”)
  • Drill Status Guardsmen (often called “M-Day” or DSGs)
  • Title 5 Federal Employees
  • Active Guard and Reserve (AGR)
  • Federally Reimbursed State Employees

Each group has different pay rules and legal authorities; thus, the shutdown affects them differently.

Impact of the Shutdown on Each Category

1) Dual-Status Technicians (“Techs”). Approximately 575 affected

Dual-Status Technicians are Full Time uniformed Guard members and but are paid as federal civilian employees.

  • Received a partial paycheck on 15 October for hours through 30 September only.
  • No pay for any October work or drill periods to date.
  • Techs also serve as DSGs, so they’re drill pay is also in doubt.

2) Drill Status Guardsmen (M-Day / DSGs). Approximately 4,145 who drilled in October (Arkansas)

Traditional “citizen-soldiers” who drill one weekend per month and train two weeks each summer.

  • 4,145 Arkansans drilled in October, alongside counterparts in more than 40 states.
  • Scheduled drill pay date is 20 October, but it is uncertain whether DoD has sufficient funds on hand to issue those payments.
  • If funds are unavailable, pay will be delayed until the shutdown ends or Congress passes a “Pay Our Troops” measure.

3) Title 5 Federal Employees. Approximately 223 affected

Full-time federal civilians supporting daily National Guard operations (personnel, finance, training).

  • Partial pay through 30 September; no pay for October work during the shutdown.

4) Active Guard & Reserve (AGR). Approximately 1,069 affected

Full-time military personnel managing training, logistics, recruiting, and administration.

  • Paid on 15 October via a one-time DoD fund transfer.
  • No guarantee for end-of-month pay if the shutdown persists.

5) Federally Reimbursed State Employees. Approximately 190 affected — furloughed effective 1 October

Arkansas state employees whose salaries depend on federal reimbursement under cooperative agreements.

  • Furloughed on 1 October when reimbursements stopped; no pay while furloughed.

Summary Table: Pay Status Snapshot

Category Approx. Number Affected Employment Type Pay Date / Status Pay for October Services Next Pay Expectation
Dual-Status Technicians 575 Full-time civilian + drill Partial pay (through 30 Sept) No pay for October or drills When funding restored
Drill Status Guardsmen (M-Day / DSG) 4,145 Part-time / drill only Scheduled 20 Oct – Uncertain No pay if funds unavailable When shutdown ends / Congress acts
Title 5 Federal Employees 223 Full-time civilian Partial pay (through 30 Sept) No pay beyond 30 Sept When funding restored
Active Guard & Reserve (AGR) 1,069 Full-time military Paid 15 Oct (one-time transfer) Covered through 15 Oct Uncertain for end of month
Federally Reimbursed State Employees 190 Full-time (state) Furloughed 1 Oct No pay while furloughed When federal reimbursement resumes

The Human and Operational Stakes

  • 4,145 Arkansas Guardsmen face uncertainty about 20 October pay.
  • Technicians and Title 5 employees have missed wages for work already performed.
  • Federally reimbursed employees remain furloughed since 1 October.
  • More than 6,000 Arkansans tied to Guard operations are impacted, reflecting conditions in over 40 states.

How to Help / What to Watch

The Arkansas National Guard Foundation provides emergency financial relief to Guard and Reserve families affected by the shutdown through its Emergency Relief Fund.
Donate at https://www.angf.us/ to help with essentials—rent, utilities, food, and transportation—while pay is delayed.

Media Contact:
Randy Lann, Executive Director, Arkansas National Guard Foundation
Cell: 501-933-3091 | Office: 501-758-6422
Email: rlann@angf.us | Website: https://www.angf.us/