Catenaa, Tuesday, November 11, 2025– About 37,000 US soldiers stationed in Germany face growing uncertainty over November pay as the government shutdown stretches into its 36th day, with the Pentagon warning that troops may not receive mid-month wages.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said pay could stop on November 15 if the political impasse continues. The Army has since advised personnel in Germany to seek help from food banks, social aid programs, and food-sharing groups providing leftover meals.
German social welfare programs are largely unavailable to foreign soldiers under NATO regulations, meaning most service members will depend on emergency support networks.
Labor law expert Michael Fuhlrott said foreign troops cannot legally claim German citizens’ allowance or unemployment benefits, though limited parental or child aid may apply.
Euronews reported that Germany’s Finance Ministry allocated €43 million to cover pay for roughly 12,000 civilian employees at US bases, including logistics and security staff. The amount will be repaid once the US budget freeze ends.
October salaries were paid only after the Pentagon diverted $2.5 billion from tax cuts and $2.8 billion from military accounts, alongside a $130 million private donation reportedly secured by former President Donald Trump.
Blue Star Families, a nonprofit representing service members, said fewer than one in three military families have $3,000 in savings, deepening the strain as the shutdown continues.
