Stop Loss Compensation Included in the Latest War Supplemental

This afternoon, CQ reported that Congress has agreed on a provision in the latest war spending bill (H.R. 2346) that will fund a proposed $500 per month stipend for troops held over their enlistment obligations through the "stop loss" program. Congress originally passed legislation authorizing the payments in October 2008.

The Pentagon first announced that it would implement the "Stop Loss Special Pay" program back in March, with troops eligible for retroactive payments dating back to October 1, 2008. The Pentagon also acknowledged that it would cycle out the controversial program by January 2010.

Today, the Army is the only service that continues to use stop loss, with the policy placing inordinate hardships on members of the National Guard and Reserve.

The final version of the war funding supplemental could still change as Congress debates how to properly handle detainees at Guantanamo Bay. However, reports indicate that this provision to fund Stop Loss Special Pay should remain intact. The House could vote on the bill as early as Thursday.

For more updates, check back regularly with American Veteran Online.

(Photo: Army Spc. Derek Hutton carries his duffle bags as he prepares to deploy to Iraq with the Indiana Army National Guard in 2007. DoD photo by Army Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika, released.)