Arkansas Soldier Sues Government
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
An Arkansas soldier is among eight that have
filed a court challenge to the Army`s policy requiring them to
serve longer than the terms of their enlistment contracts.
In a lawsuit being filed today in federal court, the soldiers
are seeking a judge`s order requiring the Army to immediately
release them from service.
David Qualls of Arkansas is the only soldier being identified.
Qualls is on leave, while the other soldiers are still active.
Qualls says he had an agreement to serve for a year from his
enlistment in July 2003. But he has been told he will be on active
duty in Iraq until next year.
Under the Pentagon`s "stop-loss" program, the Army can extend
enlistments during war or national emergencies as a way to promote
continuity and cohesiveness.
The lawsuit contends the policy is a breach of the service
contract because it extends the length of service without a
soldier`s consent. It also alleges the contracts were misleading
because they make no reference to the policy.
