What's Your Opinion of the "Stop-Loss Policy"?
By anniepa
@anniepa (27955)
United States
April 11, 2008 10:43pm CST
If you're not familiar with this, read more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop-loss_policy
"Stop-loss was created by the United States Congress after the Vietnam War. Its use is founded on Title 10, United States Code, Section 12305(a) which states in part: "... the President may suspend any provision of law relating to promotion, retirement, or separation applicable to any member of the armed forces who the President determines is essential to the national security of the United States" and Paragraph 9(c) of DD Form 4/1 (The Armed Forces Enlistment Contract) which states: "In the event of war, my enlistment in the Armed Forces continues until six (6) months after the war ends, unless the enlistment is ended sooner by the President of the United States." Furthermore, every person who enlists in branch of the Armed Forces signs an initial contract with an eight (8) year obligation, regardless of how many years of active duty the person enlists for."
It's been called a "backdoor draft". There is a movie about it which was released a few weeks ago. What is your opinion on this? Do you think it's fair?
Annie
3 people like this
5 responses
@lancingboy (1385)
• United States
12 Apr 08
Well, from my perspective, if a contract signed by the person entering the military does not have the stop-loss description in any of the wording, and they are told to go back even after the contract ends, it is a breach of contract.
Contracts were created for a purpose and that purpose is to let all parties know the terms of agreement on both sides. This allows the court of law understand what is required of the two parties in question.
If the contract is breached, the one breaking it should be held accountable and have the proper repercussions.
@chertsy (3798)
• United States
21 Apr 08
I was never told about the stop-loss, or did I see it in my contract. It could be that the Navy doesn't have it. There's a lot that your recruiter doesn't tell you and a lot more lies. I have heard the stories of recruiters hiding everything and basically sugar coating, especially for the Army. Once you get in and out of bootcamp, that recruiter is done and has moved on to another job, plus your introduced to many people in uniform, you have already forgotten your recruiters name.
I joked with my husband that he should go to recruiter school. He was like that would be the shortest job I ever had, because instead of helping people get in, I would have them running for the hills.
@lancingboy (1385)
• United States
22 Apr 08
lol chertsy, that would be funny if your husband did that to the recruitment place!
@chertsy (3798)
• United States
21 Apr 08
This is more than unfair, it should be illegal and a breach of the person's contract, because they are not told this when they enlist. I was in the Navy back in the 90's and was never told this. Honestly, I thought the Stop-Loss policy was something the president came up with in '03 with this so called war. To keep a person without their will, is a form of kidnapping. They should at least advance these people up in rank, so that they can get some form of extra money from it.
1 person likes this
@chertsy (3798)
• United States
22 Apr 08
There really wasn't any fine print to look at. I gave them what I needed which was a birth certificate, social security cards, and my diploma. Signed papers that had my information on it and boom I was in the Navy. I think they never brought out the form or spoke of it, because at that moment there was no war.
I think people that are wanting to join the Armed Forces, should go out and seek answers not from recruiters but from someone that's been in country and knows a lot about the stop-loss.
I still think this country under Bush is holding men and women over there against their wills, I never heard anywhere that we declared war against Iraq or Afghanistan, just against terrorists.
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
22 Apr 08
Thanks for responding, I was hoping to hear from someone like you. If you were in the military in the 90's and didn't know about this that helps to make my point, in my opinion, since it's been in effect for several decades. I know we all should read the fine print in everything we sign but, let's be honest, how many of us are guilty of failing to do so?
Annie
1 person likes this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
13 Apr 08
On a personal level; I hate the "stop-loss". My younger brother is in the Army and in Iraq at this very moment due to the stop-loss.
He was supposed to get out but was sent to Iraq instead. He had already been in Afghanistan; came home a couple of months and left to Iraq.
I haven't seen the movie and I don't plan to.
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
13 Apr 08
I sure understand how you feel. Was he aware of this "clause" when he enlisted or was he surprised? Also, I understand there is some doubt about the legality of this since there has never been an actual declaration of war. I'll pray for your brother.
Annie
@jormins (1223)
• United States
12 Apr 08
I don't see how a Stop-Loss is even constitutional (I think I've been watching too much John Adams on HBO) but I'm betting it all depends on the judges sitting on the Supreme Court for their interpretation. More reason the Dem's need to look at the big picture after this fracturing primary ends. A few more changes on the supreme court and our laws could be very different for the next 20+ years.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
12 Apr 08
Excellent point. I don't think a lot of people realize how important Supreme Court appointments really are. I missed the beginning of the John Adams series so I didn't bother watching. I'm watching for it to be started from the beginning because I'd really like to see it.
Annie
@jormins (1223)
• United States
13 Apr 08
I do have to say I've never been a big fan of John Adams in history but this series is very well done. Giamatti (sp?) should get an award, I totally did not think he could pull this role off but he has not only nailed it but exceeded in his performance.
1 person likes this
