Can your military contract end while you're deployed?

I'm looking into joining the military and one question I can't seem to find a straight answer for is this: What happens if my contract with the military ends while I'm deployed?

When you join the military, you typically sign a contract for a fixed period of active duty. Should your end of service date happen to fall during a deployment, you would still be expected to complete the deployment. This situation is often referred to as "stop loss," a policy that allows the military to retain service members beyond their end of service date when the need arises, such as during a significant global conflict or when specific skills are in demand.

It's not a common occurrence, and most service members serve the complete duration of their contract without being stop-lossed. However, it's important to be aware of this potential when considering a military career. As always, it's a good idea to thoroughly read your contract and discuss any concerns or questions with a military career counselor or legal representative to understand all the potential implications of your service commitment.