Base preps for possible sequestration Published Feb. 8, 2013 By Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Robins will be forced to take measures that will substantially impact the base if sequestration takes effect March 1. The measures, along with those at other installations across the globe, will harm overall Air Force readiness, say officials. Among other things, sequestration will result in cuts in thousands of flying hours and funding needed for the sustainment of aircraft, communications and other critical weapons systems. It will also result in funding cuts for base support activities, which will trigger changes in a wide range of things from computer and telephone service to Robins' recycling program. Additionally, if directed by the Department of Defense, the more than 14,000 civilian employees here could be furloughed for up to 22 days between April and September. These measures are in addition to a number of cost-saving measures the service implemented in January. Those included a temporary civilian hiring freeze, release of non-mission critical term and temporary employees, cancellation of non-mission critical travel, limiting supply purchases, reducing some service contracts, and postponing non-emergency facility repairs. If sequestration occurs, these near-term actions will continue through the remainder of the year, say officials.