Furloughs begin for McConnell Reserve unit Published July 8, 2013 By Master Sgt. Brannen Parrish 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Civilian employees from the 931st Air Refueling Group begin the first of 11 weeks of furloughs and a loss of 20 percent of their income today. More than 150 federal civilian employees from the 931st ARG will be forced to take eight hours of unpaid time off every week,16 hours each pay period, through Sept. 30. Furlough actions are the result of $37 billion in defense spending cuts for 2013. "The furlough impacts the 931st in many ways. From an operational standpoint, it harms our morale, productivity and mission accomplishment," said Col. Mark S. Larson, Commander, 931st ARG. "Just as importantly, the furlough directly impacts our people. We are doing everything we can to try to take care of our members during this time, but a 20 percent cut in pay over 11 weeks is something that hurts every full-time employee of the 931st." Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning and Air Force Chief of Staff Mark A. Welsh III released a statement through Air Force News Service today expressing their regret over the furloughs. "Civilian furloughs are a measure of last resort and we deeply regret that the arbitrary across-the-board cuts imposed by sequestration led to this result. Despite standing down combat flying units, reducing space and mobility operations, reducing weapon system support, cutting installation support and facility repairs and cancelling most travel, training and exercises, we must still take this painful action. We recognize that this action inflicts personal and financial hardships on our civilian Airmen and their families. We need all of our great Airmen to do the Nation's work, and furlough is not the way to reward our dedicated civilian workforce for their service. We're sorry this is happening."