Default in the US Will Impact Army Readiness: US Joint Chiefs Chairman

The default in the US would deliver a serious blow to the combat readiness, morale, and capabilities of the US Army, stated Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley during a press conference.

“If a default occurs, it will have serious economic consequences that, in turn, will have serious implications for national security,” he warned.

According to him, a default would severely impact military personnel's salaries, their fighting spirit, weapon systems, as well as the overall level of combat readiness. He described the potential consequences of default as “very significant and negative” for the capabilities of the US military.

The current US debt ceiling stands at $31.4 trillion, with negotiations to raise it ongoing for several months. Republicans insist that any increase in the debt ceiling must come with substantial cuts in spending. For instance, they have proposed reducing tax breaks for electric vehicle purchases and installations of solar panels, as well as cutting federal expenditures on student loan repayments. The White House has rejected such proposals.

If an agreement cannot be reached, Treasury resources could be depleted by June 1, said US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.