Clinton proposes end to stop-loss policy

ALIQUIPPA, Pa., April 9 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton at a town hall in Aliquippa, Pa., Wednesday outlined a plan she said would strengthen the U.S. military.

In a campaign statement, Clinton proposed, among other things, providing troops with at least one month stateside for every month they spend in the battlefield, and ending the stop-loss policy of involuntary extensions to ensure that the Department of Defense abides by its enlistment agreements with troops.

"The war in Iraq has been a harsh and daily toll on our men and women in uniform, many on their second, third and fourth tour of duty. Among combat troops sent to Iraq for the third or fourth time, more than one in four show signs of anxiety, depression or acute stress, according to an official Army survey of soldiers' mental health," Clinton said.

Clinton's campaign said the New York senator discussed her proposals before a panel discussion with several retired military leaders, including Rear Adm. David Stone, Brig. Gen. Michael Dunn and Brig. Gen. John Watkins Jr.

The men are among the 35 admirals and generals who have endorsed Clinton.