Can a leave form be stopped before the Commander's approval/denial?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 07:50:15 -0500

IAW AR 600-8-10 table 4-2 a Soldier will obtain chain of command recommendation in block 12 and forward to unit commander for approval.
(or designee) for approval.
My question is where can I find what happens when the leave is not recommended and can a supervisor refuse to process it?

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Dec 20 at 2017 8:23 AM

SGT Russell Wickham — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 08:23:52 -0500

Leave is a privilege, but from my understanding of the regulation, it is the commanders decision whether to approve or deny. In units I worked in, the commander relied on the input from the supervisor whether to approve or deny, but the SM had the right to request leave and have his/her case reviewed. More than once I had a commander make a blanket announcement that all leave requests would be denied, and stated not to submit them except for emergency leave. So long as they submit a completed packet, and so long as the commander has not issued a statement specifically denying leave, I don't believe you can refuse to submit it. Difficult SMs I've dealt with were quick to go to IG if the process was not followed to the letter of the regulation, and it sounds like you have a difficult SM.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2017 8:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 08:54:35 -0500

The leave approval authority has the final say!!! Supervisors, PSGs, 1SGs, etc. can recommend disapproval all they want, but it has to go to the approval authority for final disposition.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Dec 20 at 2017 9:58 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 09:58:44 -0500

No. Commanders are the only people who have the authority to approve or deny leave. However, the process often gets messed up. Many subordinate leaders will often stop a leave request before reaching the Commander's desk if they don't recommend their approval. They think that's appropriate, but it's not. They should forward the request to the Commander with their recommendation for disapproval, and then let the Commander make the decision (that is vested within their authority).

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 20 at 2017 12:49 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 12:49:52 -0500

Speaking as a former Senior NCO, you can put in for leave till the cows come home and it must be forwarded to the CDR. And based on the unit's leave policy and mission and your ACTIONS, your chain of NCO/Command can object/counsel denial for a long time. If the Commander has denied it, it is probably in a file in the orderly room, just so barracks lawyers can't go to the IG. Now if you were denied leave, you could use the open door policy with the 1Sg/CO to see why, or just ask your Plt LDR/PSG