As I've said all along... There is a 'chart/matrix' on early releases (21months or 6 months early depending on where they served). Yesterday's announcement doesn't change much, they can continue to their original end date... or... pick to continue their mission in 12-18 months with a new end date.

But there is NO option for them to be released under 18 months.

I have a missionary returned... we know the rules.

If they want to be released they have to ASK to be released... just like pre-apocalypse.