Defense Department personnel would receive 30 days’ notice before they are furloughed because of impending cuts in spending, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in a Feb. 20 department-wide message. Unless the White House and Congress can reach an agreement, $500 billion in spending cuts will take effect automatically March 1. Panetta also voiced concern over the adverse effects the cuts – known as sequestration – will have. "There is no mistaking that the rigid nature of the cuts forced upon this department, and their scale, will result in a serious erosion of readiness across the force," Panetta said. He also promised to take steps to protect employee benefits "to the maximum extent possible."