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If you've been called back to serve in the Army beyond your initial enlistment period, you're not alone. The Army's stop-loss policy can be a challenging and uncertain time, but there are benefits available to support you.
You may be eligible for continuation pay, which is a lump sum payment made to soldiers who are involuntarily extended beyond their initial enlistment contract. This can be a significant amount of money, often thousands of dollars.
The Army also offers counseling services to help you cope with the stress and uncertainty of being called back to serve. These services can include individual and group counseling, as well as support groups for soldiers and their families.
You'll also continue to receive your regular pay and allowances, just as if you were still serving on active duty. This can help you plan financially and make ends meet while you're serving beyond your initial enlistment period.
Stop Loss Order Army
Stop-loss orders have been used by the military in times of conflict to keep troops past their contractually agreed-to separation dates.
The military has used stop-loss orders after 9/11, during the Gulf War, and in other recent times of conflict.
Military leaders prefer to use stop-loss orders before tapping veterans in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) because they're the most ready of the bunch.
The Defense Department is likely to turn to troops in certain specialties, such as intelligence or surveillance units, unless there's a massive war.
Stop-loss orders are considered a "tool in the toolbox" by military leaders, who want to keep troops with the most valuable skill sets.
Availability and Limitations
Stop-loss orders are a tool used by military leaders in times of conflict to hold onto troops past their contractually agreed-to separation dates. This measure has been used after 9/11, during the Gulf War, and in other recent times of conflict.
The military has used stop-loss orders to keep troops in high-demand specialties, such as intelligence or surveillance units, unless there's a massive war. These troops are considered the most ready to deploy due to their current skill sets and training.
Military leaders prefer to use stop-loss orders before tapping into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or calling for a draft because they're the most readily available and prepared forces.
Orders May Not Be Available to Everyone
Stop-loss orders, a measure to hold onto troops past their contractually agreed-to separation dates, are possible but not likely for everyone. This tool has been used in times of conflict, such as after 9/11 and during the Gulf War.
Military leaders tend to turn to troops who are already trained and have the necessary skill sets before calling for a draft. You want to keep the people who currently have the skill sets and have been training, as Wada said.
Unless there's a massive war, the Defense Department is likely to only turn to troops in certain specialties, such as intelligence or surveillance units.
Submitting a Claim
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To submit a claim for Stop Loss benefits, you'll need to print, complete, and sign the Stop Loss claim form, Department of Defense Form 2944, by October 21, 2011.
You'll need to select a method of submitting the form and supporting documents, which can be found on your service's Stop Loss website. This is where you'll learn about submitting a claim based on your service specifications.
You may be required to provide documents such as your personnel record, which includes enlistment or reenlistment documents stating your original expiration date of service.
For some servicemembers, a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and/or Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, will be necessary.
If you've been retired before your actual retirement date, you'll need to provide orders that establish your retirement date as stated in DD Form 214 or DD Form 215.
In some cases, documentation from your chain of command corroborating your separation or deployment will be required.
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Here are some specific documents you may need to provide:
- Personnel record - Enlistment or reenlistment documents which state the original expiration date of service.
- Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and/or Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
- Orders which establish retirement before the actual date of retirement as stated in DD Form 214 or DD Form 215.
- Approved orders for resignation or transition which establish a separation date earlier than the actual date of separation as stated on DD Form 214 or DD Form 215.
- Documentation from individual’s chain of command corroborating separation or deployment.
- Revocation of separation or retirement orders.
Military Benefits
Military benefits are a vital aspect of a servicemember's life, and one specific benefit is the stop loss benefit. This benefit is available to those who had their service involuntarily extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 due to Stop Loss.
To be eligible, you must be a servicemember, veteran, or beneficiary of a servicemember who meets this criteria. The stop loss benefit is a significant advantage, but it's essential to note that the military stop loss benefits are ending soon.
Eligibility for Military Benefits
To be eligible for military stop loss benefits, you must be a servicemember, veteran, or beneficiary of a servicemember who had their service involuntarily extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009 due to Stop Loss.
The time period for eligibility is quite specific, spanning from September 11, 2001 to September 30, 2009.
You must have had your service involuntarily extended due to Stop Loss to qualify for these benefits.
The average benefit for eligible servicemembers is $3,700, but the actual amount will be determined by the length of time you were required to remain on active duty.
Benefits Ending Soon
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Military Stop Loss Benefits are ending soon, so it's essential to understand what this means for you.
The Military Stop Loss Benefits were a program that allowed the military to involuntarily extend the service of soldiers beyond their initial contract end date.
This program was a way for the military to meet its manpower needs, but it also meant that soldiers were not able to leave the service when they had planned to.
Military Branches
The military branches were affected by the stop loss order. The Navy was one of the branches that implemented stop loss measures.
If you have a friend or family member who served in the Navy during the stop loss period, they may be eligible for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay. Please share this information with them and encourage them to apply as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is stop-loss pay?
Stop-loss pay is $500 per month for eligible Airmen. Those affected may be eligible for retroactive special pay
What is a stop-loss order example?
A stop-loss order example is buying MSFT at $20 and setting a sell order at $18, selling at the market price if it falls below $18. This type of order helps limit potential losses if the stock's value drops unexpectedly.
When did the Army stop using stop-loss?
The Army Reserve stopped using Stop-Loss in August 2009, followed by the Army National Guard in September 2009. The Active Army ended its use of Stop-Loss in January 2010.
Who can see my stop-loss order?
Your stop-loss order may be visible to the broker and potentially shared with market makers, depending on the broker's order handling practices. This means your order could be seen by more parties than just the broker itself.
Does the military still stop-loss?
Yes, the military still uses stop-loss, a program that allows the Secretary of Defense to involuntarily extend the service of certain personnel with critical military occupations. This authority was delegated in 1990 and remains valid today.
Sources
- https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/washington/19gates.html
- https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/07/people-are-panicking-about-military-draft-stop-loss-and-irr-activation-heres-reality.html
- https://themilitarywallet.com/claim-military-stop-loss-benefits/
- https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2004/06/02/Army-extends-stop-loss-order/43651086200189/
- https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0702stop/
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