Stop-loss likely to last into fall 2009

[unhappycamper]

Source: Army Times

Stop-loss likely to last into fall 2009
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday May 3, 2008 7:51:18 EDT

Last year’s surge of five combat brigades into Iraq helped drive a 43-percent increase in soldiers being barred from leaving the service under stop-loss orders, and Army leaders predict the policy will remain in place at least through next year. However, they expressed optimism that the numbers will ebb as surge forces redeploy.

More than 12,230 soldiers are under stop-loss orders, compared to 8,540 in May 2007, during the surge. But the 30,000 combat troops that were part of the surge are in the process of coming home, and the Army is returning to 12-month deployments Aug. 1. Because soldiers are placed under stop-loss as members of deploying units, reducing the numbers sent to war reduces the numbers involuntarily held.

“As the (war zone) demand comes down, we should be able to get us weaned off stop-loss,” said Lt. Gen. James Thurman, the Army G-3.

Under stop-loss policies, active-duty soldiers within 90 days of retirement or obligated service are barred from leaving the Army if they are in units alerted for deployment. Reservists and National Guard members are barred from leaving if their units have been alerted for mobilization.

Read more: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/05/army_stoploss_050308/

[Hissyspit]

1. Gee. What a surprise.

[AndyTiedye]

2. Enough Time for pResident McMoreoftheSame to Start up the Draft

[ckramer]

3. Back and forth between the states and Iraq could be a psychological challenge for

all the soldiers.

It's a mind torturing for them in these two drastically different environments.

[truthisfreedom]

4. Stop Loss= The "you ain't never goin' home" policy

They might as well re-name it.

[AndyTiedye]

5. "For the Duration" of the Bush/Cheney/McCain Hundred-Years War

Is it any wonder that suicide rates are going through the roof among our troops? :cry:

[Supersedeas]

6. and no Media follow-ups on retention and recruiting....odd?