Posted on Dec 15, 2016
SPC Armor Crew Member
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Sorry in advance if this is such a basic question. I am PCSing to Germany in 2017. I know i can take up to 30 days of PCS leave, does anyone know if I will be able to sign out on PCS leave and start the clearing process? Can I start clearing in advance and then sign out on PCS leave? any help would be appreciated!
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LTC Field Artillery Officer
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Why would you want to? Unless it has changed, Fort Hood policy for clearing is 5 days if you are single, 10 days if you are married. Clearing is part of the process for your PCS, you should not have to burn leave to clear. If your unit is requiring that, you need to talk with your NCOs and get that fixed.
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SPC Armor Crew Member
SPC (Join to see)
9 y
Im kind of in a weird situation Sir, I actually have plenty of leave days saved up to do this, and i have a months time frame to utilize this process. I was just wondering if it is possible to take PCS leave and then start the clearing process, if it is possible to do such a thing. I know that my leave termination date CAN NOT surpass my report date and that isnt a problem. Basically, can i sign out on PCS leave even if i havent cleared post yet.
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LTC Field Artillery Officer
LTC (Join to see)
9 y
Typically now, you have to be cleared to sign out on leave, that is the last step when you get your green stamp at the Copeland building there on Fort Hood.

I understand you say you have leave to burn, but my point is, you shouldn't have to. If you want to take leave before you start clearing, you can do that, but you have to be cleared from post to start your actual PCS leave. You have earned the leave, don't waste it on clearing the post, I have done it twice now and it's not that hard.
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SSG Instructor/Writer
SSG (Join to see)
9 y
I agree with LTC Odberg....If I were you....clear your unit then take your PCS leave....Besides, even while on leave you still have to wear your duty uniform to clear. Your chain of command hopefully is supportive and engaged in your situation.
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SGT Quillian Valk
SGT Quillian Valk
9 y
I know Ft Carson will not allow you to be on leave while clearing.
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SGM Erik Marquez
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Leave is a unit thing, clearing is a III CORPS thing.. If your asking if the two can be done simultaneously the answer is yes.. But I doubt most units for most Soldiers would allow it. Part of clearing is unit level..if you're on leave, they have no control.. If you're on leave and welll you leave..having not turning in unit property, cleared the S2, signing that last counseling statement, paying that Federal traffic fine for having gone 26 in a 25 down Battalion Av, cleared CIF, ect ect ect..things get bad for the unit.. So no..I dont expect your unit to sign you out on leave while you stay and clear.
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LTC Joseph Gross
LTC Joseph Gross
9 y
I hadn't considered the lack of control part, just that it was a waste of leave. This also reminds me that they won't sign you out on leave until you have your final clearing papers stamps.
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CW4 Brian Haas
CW4 Brian Haas
9 y
Not sure if the rules are the same, but pcs should be more strict than ets/retirement. I was signed out on leave before I started clearing. It happens quite a bit in the DC area. I only say that because it's different commands.
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LTC Joseph Gross
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Unless you are use or lose, then I wouldn't waste the days especially since you are going to Europe. Unless there is something forcing you to do this, save your days for European travel. Not to mention that the days you are clearing are practically the same as being on leave. You should not have any duty requirements other than showing up for first and last formation. Not to mention, if you schedule things properly, you can out-process in three days and then start your leave. Good luck and good travels!!
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Can I clear Fort Hood while I am on PCS leave?
SFC Information Assurance Ncoic
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You have 10 days to clear, most things are precleared for you. I wouldnt waste my leave on clearing. I did it and it sucked lol. Just get your leave form complete and signed, with a control number. Take it along with orders to Copeland to get your clearing papers.
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CPL Scott Young
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I wouldn't. I cleared Hood in 2.5 days. Just work hard and get it done. Motivation is the key.
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SGT Quillian Valk
SGT Quillian Valk
9 y
Clearing CIF is the true key
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SFC Electro Spectrum Nco
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Get a clear without orders memo signed by your commander and clear CIF 1st. Yes you can clear on leave but why would you want to. Your clearing papers will come 10 days prior to your leave start date. Dont forget to ensure that your lv ends exactly on your report date and youll be good to go.
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CPL Squad Leader
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I was in Fort Hood I was able to sign out on leave and continue my clearing process. If they have changed it, I am not sure. It would be a good ideal to ask your chain of command to ensure they will allow this. If so then you should have no problem do it.
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SSG Instructor
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Seeing how I just left there in October. You can go on leave to clear before your PCS leave but you're just wasting days. Once you get your orders is when you can start clearing. Make sure you go to Copeland center to let them know that you've got your orders and when you can send email them in order to get your clearing papers. You get get two weeks from the start of your PCS leave, however many days you want to take before your report date. However it only took me to clear post 4 days. For the rest of the time I poked my head in and out at my unit
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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You can take "Ordinary Leave" prior to your PCS as long as the Commander approves (decisions are typically based on mission requirements). However, PCS leave is taken once you've completed the requirements of clearing an installation. There are instances when you could begin clearing an installation early or someone else could clear for you however, those are very isolated instances and require a memorandum requesting this action - signed by the unit Commander.

To alleviate the if's and specifics, here's a link for the Fort hood SOP to help guide you through the process of transitioning to Germany, there are specific medical gateways built into the transition, you must complete these steps. Link to SOP FYSA:
http://www.hood.army.mil/dhr/files/OutprocessingISOP_20140904.pdf
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SFC Senior Small Group Leader (Ssgl)
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There's no reason for it. Clearing Hood takes at around 3 days (if you are slacking). Whatever your report date is, back it up the amount of leave you are taking, then back it up 5-10 days for clearing. Why waste leave clearing if you don't have to. I do recommend going to transportation as soon as you get your orders, because that process can take a bit sometimes. I left Hood to go to Germany in 2011 and had little to no issue clearing in time.
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