Battalion Fiscal Officer Doing His Part to Ensure Government Shutdown

Camp Pendleton, CA - Service members across the military are preparing for the annual looming government shutdown. One Marine in particular is putting in the extra effort this year to make sure the job gets done.


First Lieutenant Henderson, a Battalion Fiscal Officer in I Marine Expeditionary Force, is literally sparing no expense to ensure the traditional shutdown takes place as scheduled.


"It's not my place to question why we need to shut the government down. I'm just doing everything I can to make that happen," Henderson explained. "Coming up through the ranks, we are taught the value of taking the initiative. I see a lot of guys out there pinching pennies and trying to save some cash, but that's not why I'm here."


September marks the close of the Fiscal Year across the Department of Defense. With that brings a mad a rush of frivolous spending in hopes of receiving more money the next year.


"Oh yeah. September always gets crazy around here. I try to scrutinize the spending as best as I can, but at the end of the day Marines need flat screen TVs in every office, and Battalion Commanders aren't going to patrol their units without brand new golf carts," explained a top comptroller at the Pentagon.


"Hell, one year I even approved an Infantry Regiment to purchase a Space Shuttle in order to conduct door gunner training in the Stratosphere."


Fiscal closeout can often be a contentious time between Commanders and their Fiscal Officers. But Henderson says his boss is on board. "He understands that ultimately we've got to show a zero balance, or else we aren't getting that same amount next year. He's got my back."


Henderson added, "I'm just trying to exhaust the United States of its money however I can. If we can shut the government down, then next year the U.S. will get more money. That's how it works at the Battalion level at least. I'm just one guy, but if we all keep ordering stupid shit every September, then we'll get the job done."


The next week will be critical in determining whether or not units were able to expend all available resources. Until then, commanders can rest easy knowing that the best and brightest are spending unit funds accordingly. Henderson concluded, "There's no 'I' in Marine Corps. We've all got to come together and take care of business."