The buzz word is ‘sequestration,’ the reality is more than a trillion dollars in cuts all because congress failed to pass a budget. Now commanders at nearly Fort Campbell are bracing for $70,000,000 in cuts.

The 101st Airborne is a rapid deployment force whose soldiers have been major players in the war on terror. Two Fort Campbell Brigades are overseas now and another is preparing to re-deploy. Eight thousand civilian employees who support the division are targeted for furloughs that could cut them back to four days a week. But officials say the effects will not be immediate.  

"No one will get furloughed without that individual getting a 30-day notice.  So as we look at this in timeliness we're looking at some 30-plus days before the first person will not show up for work," said Col. Buck Dellinger.

Colonel Buck Dellinger is the Screaming Eagles' Garrison Commander. He manages the post's day to day operations. In addition to the civilian workforce, vehicle maintenance and general upkeep, Colonel Dellinger says sequestration cuts will have a direct impact on soldier training.

"For those that are not deploying immediately, their opportunities to train will not be what they've had in the past," added Col. Dellinger.

The colonel says large exercises where you're moving a lot of people and machines are expensive and the post will have to tighten its belt.  Congress is busy playing the blame game and Tennessee congresswoman Marsha Blackburn isn't mincing words.

"The house does its job every year on passing a budget.  It's the senate that has not had the gumption to pass a budget in four years," said Representative Marsha Blackburn.
Fort Campell Affected by Sequestration