An Interview with a Real Stop Loss Soldier

Recently, a feature film entitled Stop Loss (starring Ryan Phillippe) was released in theaters nationwide. For those who do not, stop loss is an action taken by the military whereby it extends the contracts of military members who are still serving. It does this, at times, against the wishes of the service members who are directly affected. It has often been called a "back door draft" and it has been challenged on legal grounds.

Eight years ago, I was in the United States Air Force (active duty). I was stationed at Dover AFB, Delaware. I separated in the fall of 2000. I was separated before 9/11, after which stop loss was (and still is) activated.

My friend and fellow service member, Justin Shuler, was not so lucky. He had his military service time extended. As a former military member who had his service time extended due to stop loss, he has first hand experience with this situation.

Justin, in what unit did you serve?

The 436 Aerospace Generation Squadron (AGS), which was part of the 436 Airlift Wing.

How did stop loss affect you personally?

It affected me greatly. I already had a great paying job lined up. I still ended up getting the job, but I lost about six months of tenure.

In the movie, Stop-Loss, the main character finds out that he is being "stop lossed" by surprise. How did you find out?

I knew it was coming when I saw the news on September 11. I got a call later that day confirming what I already knew.

What is your take on the four years of inactive duty that is part of a standard military contract, and how it pertains to stop loss?

I have no problems with the four years of inactive service being part of military contracts. It is better than a straight draft; it is something that I agreed to.

Do you feel that the U.S. government is acting in good faith?

Stop loss has its place. I think enacting it was the right call given the situation the US was in. It is better to keep people who are already trained, and who are already in, than to have them go into the inactive reserves and then just activate them.

Do you think you were wronged by stop loss

Absolutely not.

What is your take on stop loss looking back six years since you got caught up in it?

My take on it now is pretty much the same as when I was in. No one caught up in it is going to enjoy it at the time, but it has its place.

When did you finally get out and how?

I was supposed to get out in March of 2002. I did not get out until July of 2002. My squadron let me use my leave before stop loss was over so I did not loose it. Once stop loss was over it took two days to out process. As I stated before, I still got to take my new job.

Thanks Justin. Let's hope that the troops who are currently caught up in stop loss get out soon.