If lawmakers don’t pass a continuing resolution by Sept. 30, much of the federal government would shut down. Active duty personnel would remain on the job but without pay.

But reservists could be furloughed en masse, as Air Force Times reported.

“That’s miserable for us,” Air Force Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. John Healy said Tuesday. “We’re prepping right now for the hopefully unfortunate and hopefully avoidable likelihood that there’s a shutdown.”

Even if Congress and the White House agree on a continuing resolution to avoid a shutdown, Healy would prefer to see a return to the regular appropriations process.

“It’s unfortunate that reservists are now culturally expecting a CR,” he said.

Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James Fritz