Army Expanding Stop-Loss Program

The Army is expected to ask Congress for approval to expand its stop-loss/stop-movement program to cover all active-duty soldiers currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This stop-loss, expected to affect some 7,000 troops in Iraq, is in addition to stop-loss restrictions that took effect Nov. 13. The November stop-loss covers active-duty soldiers who are deployed outside the continental U. S. in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Stop-loss restrictions bar voluntary separations and retirements for soldiers in designated units beginning 90 days before deployment until 90 days after their units return. The Army’s Reserve Component Unit Stop Loss policy took effect in November, 2002. It applies to Reserve and National Guard soldiers deployed in support of the war on terror, from the time their unit is alerted until 90 days after demobilization.