A 15-month enlistment? Check Army's fine print

[NNN0LHI]

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=tus&q=A+15-month+enlistment%3F+Check+Army%27s+fine+print&btnG=Search+News

Faced with the biggest recruitment shortfall since the draft was abolished in 1973, the Army has come up with what it thinks is a good idea. The nation's largest military force will allow new enlistees the option of serving just 15 months on active duty.

That's a lot less time spent in uniform than was required of most of the men who were drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. And it's considerably less than the three- and four-year active duty service options that most of the men and women now in uniform were given when they enlisted.

But before anyone bellies up to a recruitment center to take advantage of this offer, they should read the fine print in the enlistment contract and an appeals court ruling that was issued a day after the Army's announcement.

'Stop-loss' authority

While one year and three months might not sound like a long time to serve this country in a time of war, those who take advantage of the Army's offer should know that their actual commitment to Uncle Sam will be at least eight years - not 15 months. Everyone who enters the all-volunteer military incurs a total service obligation of eight years, a portion of which is spent on active duty. For the remainder of this time, the enlistee can be called back into uniform at the government's discretion under a program called "stop-loss."

[rodeodance]

1. knew it was too good to be true

[Solly Mack]

2. natch

[Inland]

3. This was my first thought.

What does it matter if your enlistment is 15 months, when its a time of war and the gov. claims the right to entend your service?

I would rather have a firm promise that I would really be turned loose after four than a fifteen that doesn't count for anything as long as we are in Iraq. Because we are sure still going to be there for four years.

[highnooner]

4. Backdoor Draft

Sorta!

[jwirr]

5. Also don't forget that they have already

forced military personel to stay beyond their term. What makes anyone think they will do any differently with the new group.

[ET Awful]

6. I said that as soon as the announcement was made last week.

Funny how the media catches up a week after people here said it. Uncle Sam isn't going to pay the many thousands of dollars it takes to send someone through basic training and AIT (at least 4 months total training usually more) to only utilize their skills for another 11 months.