ARMY POLICY ON LEAVE - domainedemanville

Understanding Army Leave Policy

Army leave policy is designed to provide soldiers with time away from duty for rest, recuperation, and personal matters. It's a crucial aspect of soldier well-being and retention. Leave balances are accrued monthly, and the policy outlines various types of leave, restrictions, and procedures for requesting and taking time off.

Accrual and Types of Leave

Soldiers in the U.S. Army accrue 2.5 days of leave each month, totaling 30 days per year. This is considered ordinary leave and is the most common type used for vacation or personal time. However, the Army recognizes the need for other types of leave to address specific situations:

Ordinary Leave

Ordinary leave is the standard allowance for personal time. Soldiers can generally use this leave at their discretion, subject to unit approval and mission requirements.

Emergency Leave

Emergency leave is granted for unforeseen family emergencies, such as a death or serious illness of an immediate family member. Documentation, such as a Red Cross message, is usually required to substantiate the emergency.

Sick Leave

While typically handled separately from ordinary leave, soldiers who require extended medical care may be placed on sick leave status. This allows them to focus on recovery without depleting their accrued leave balance. For more detailed information on military leave, you can explore the resources available on military leave on Wikipedia.

Passes

Passes are short periods of authorized absence, typically for a few days or a weekend. They are granted at the discretion of the commander and are not charged against a soldier's leave balance. army ocie website

Requesting and Approving Leave

The process for requesting leave typically involves submitting a leave form (DA Form 31) through the chain of command. The form outlines the dates of leave, destination, and contact information. Approval is contingent on unit manning levels and mission requirements.

Leave Restrictions

Certain periods, such as during deployments, exercises, or high-operational tempo periods, may have leave restrictions. Commanders have the authority to restrict leave to ensure mission readiness. army officer promotion orders Soldiers are generally notified well in advance of any leave restrictions.

Special Circumstances

The Army recognizes that certain situations require special consideration regarding leave. These may include:

Pregnancy and Parental Leave

The Army has specific policies regarding leave for pregnant soldiers and new parents. These policies are designed to support soldiers and their families during these important life events. army pregnant soldier regulation

Adoption Leave

Soldiers who adopt a child are entitled to adoption leave, allowing them time to bond with their new family member.

FAQs about Army Leave

How many days of leave do you get in the Army per year?

Soldiers accrue 2.5 days of leave per month, totaling 30 days per year.

What happens to unused leave in the Army?

Unused leave can be carried over to the next year, up to a maximum of 60 days. Any leave exceeding 60 days is typically lost at the end of the fiscal year (September 30th), unless special circumstances apply. This is commonly known as "use or lose" leave.

Can a commander deny leave?

Yes, commanders have the authority to deny leave based on mission requirements, manning levels, or other operational considerations.

How do I request emergency leave? army promotion

Request emergency leave through your chain of command, providing documentation such as a Red Cross message to support the request.

Does the Army pay you for unused leave?

Yes, under certain circumstances, such as upon separation from the Army, soldiers may be paid for accrued, unused leave, up to a maximum of 60 days.

Summary

Army leave policy is a structured system designed to balance the needs of the Army with the well-being of its soldiers. Understanding the different types of leave, the request process, and potential restrictions is essential for all soldiers. By utilizing leave effectively, soldiers can maintain their readiness and enhance their quality of life.