If the debt limit situation is not resolved, the U.S. military says, there would be disastrous repercussions, including an immediate impact on preparedness, global instability, and catastrophic ramifications on service members and the country.
The U.S. military’s top leaders have expressed concern over the potential consequences if the ongoing debt ceiling crisis is not resolved by Congress. The country reached its debt ceiling of $31.4 trillion on January 19, and if a solution is not found by June 1, there is a risk of default. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan emphasized that a default would have an immediate and significant impact on military readiness. The uncertainty caused by the crisis could also have global repercussions and undermine the United States’ credibility and ability to maintain a rules-based order. Air Force Chief of Staff Charles Brown Jr., Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday highlighted the negative effects on servicemembers, including decreased morale and uncertainty regarding the well-being of their families. The potential catastrophic consequences of default are difficult to predict, but a loss of confidence and disruption in the flow of funds could have severe impacts on the military and the nation as a whole.
