I think the difference is that the contract allows for stop loss orders, so it isn't a unilateral contract change, rather it would be the USAF exercising their rights under the contract. Again, I don't know the details of US military contracts, but my guess is that it can only be challenged under USMC and military courts, not via the civil court process
Using it in peace time is counter productive I agree. But I guess with the new aggression coming out of the US, they are preparing for the worst...