Posted on Jun 3, 2016
SGT Gunner
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I'll try and keep it short and simple.

PCS'd from Benning to Wainwright. My losing unit was disbanded. I had Permissive TDY worked out in my leave packet before I left Benning. Reported to the wainwright MPD and the post housing 10 days prior to my report date. They said they cannot grant me PTDY, it had to come from my gaining unit. So I signed in and started in processing. The day I got to my new unit I explained my housing situation and requested PTDY. 1SG signed off on it and said he'll take it to the commander. The commander said no. At this time I was utilizing TLA living in temp lodging with my pregnant wife, son and dog. I fought hard but still lost after a day of discussion. So I proceeded to find a home to buy. Found a home, put the offer in, blah blah now the closing date is June 13th, house hold goods on the 14th, and 2nd child is due on July 1st. My platoon leader talked me into accepting that I would be denied that PTDY, with a promise that he would RESUBMIT the PTDY request when we were getting ready to move in, so I could "set up the home" especially since my wife will be due less than 3 weeks later. It's crucial the home is set up for that second child.

If the C.O denies it again, I'm talking to our SCO about it. I know this will leave a bad taste in the leaderships mouths about me, but I need to take care of my family. Any advice out there?? Thank you. - SPC V
Posted in these groups: Legal 6 LeaveTdy stay sign TDY
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1SG Patrick Burke
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It takes an 0-5 Commander to authorize PTDY. You can receive it from the losing or gaining unit. The easiest is from the loosing unit, since they know you. Not sure why or under what authority Housing has to deny it. In addition, your CDR (CPT) is not the approving authority. In addition, if your 1SG has not rectified this situation for you, he is failing you!
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1SG Patrick Burke
1SG Patrick Burke
8 y
SSG (Join to see) - You are correct on that part, but the issue is the Soldier has not received PTDY.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
8 y
SSG (Join to see) - But your O-4's likely have an ETP memo allowing them to be the approving authority for PTDY. I had this issue when I was PCSing from long term schooling. My BN commander at the schoolhouse delegated PTDY granting authority to the CO commanders, but I had to have them produce that memo when I got to Benning else they were going to charge me leave for those days.

And PTDY doesn't have to be taken at the losing station, as technically, until the SM signs into the new unit, he remains on the old unit's books. The old commander is authorizing the his soldier to find a house at the new station BEFORE he signs into the new unit. As long as he take his PTDY prior to his NLT report date, it should be good.
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1SG Patrick Burke
1SG Patrick Burke
8 y
LTC Paul Labrador - Sir, right on point. Overlooked the EMILPO part of the Soldiers status.
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SSG Senior Maintenance Supervisor
SSG (Join to see)
8 y
LTC Paul Labrador - The problem revolves around the fact he signed in from leave. If he had stayed on leave, he would have the 10 days PTDY used as well as his normal leave, however he signed in early. The 10 days is still used as non chargeable leave is used first. Per Ft W's policy TLA is not allowed until you sign in. I am speculating, that is why the SM signed in early, thus creating an issue with the PTDY being counted first.

If however finance says they charged him all his leave as normal leave, he should get PTDY, if the Commander allows it. (its still not a requirement to get, and tbh pretty crappy if the Commander says no)

Ft W's policy is close to Ft Drums, in that in processing must be completed prior to PTDY taken on this side.

As mentioned before, with Soldiers here in that situation, they reconstruct a leave form, void the old one, charge the SM for all leave taken during PCS, and then allow PTDY after in processing.
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MSG Pat Colby
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Edited 8 y ago
I read through all the responses and have another viewpoint. It's my understanding that PTDY is non-chargeable leave granted to the SM not only for house-hunting but receiving and unpacking household goods. Since Alaska is about as far away as a PCS can take you, do you think the Command is "sand-bagging" a few days for you for when your Stuff arrives? Are you and your family currently set-up in Army Temp housing?

When I got Stationed in Hawaii, I was lucky enough to be able to take more than my 10 days due to all the logistics involved in an "overseas" move. No it wasn't a straight 10+ days. I signed in the day after arriving on Island. We had our Temp Housing the day we arrived. There is no way in hell anyone can do everything in 10 straight days. House-hunting is tough but wouldn't you want to talk to some people to know where the "unsavory" areas are at? There's LOTSA things to do in a move of your nature. Trust me, I KNOW. Half a day here and there eats up a lot of time. You probably shipped a POV. There's a day by itself getting the thing. When your household goods arrive, wouldn't you like a few days to unpack and set up the place?

I'm kinda thinking the Command is actually looking out for you in the long run. That is as long as they let you book out to take care of stuff as events natural progress. They've done this shit before, have you?

Edited ~ I re-read your situation and the dates clicked. I would suggest that you identify those Hard-Times to your 1SG. You didn't specify the PTDY dates you requested in your original post. The only thing non-negotiable in your situation is communication. Make sure your FLL and NCO channel up to the 1SG knows what's shaking. NCO's are not normally heartless bastards. We've all been there before and know your plight.
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MSG Pat Colby
MSG Pat Colby
8 y
SGT (Join to see) - Isn't it fun living in a "hotel"? *groan*

I edited my initial reply btw....
Your Commander knows more than you are giving him credit for. I'm fairly confident that all concerned will appropriately take care of you. They aren't going to send you to the Field while your HHG's are being delivered. GRATZ on the new Kidlette! Make sure you have a DA31 at the Ready for that event!
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MSG Pat Colby
MSG Pat Colby
8 y
Side Note ~ Benning vehicles are not normally "flavored" for Alaskan Arctic Temps and have a tendency to go into "Culture Shock" when the thermometer dips below zero... Keep an eye out for an acclimated beater at your local "PCS Lemon Lot".
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SSG Healthcare Specialist
SSG (Join to see)
7 y
I work in the finance office at Ft.Wainwright, AK.
To even be authorized, PTDY must be annotated in the remarks (block 17) on the DA31, and must have a least a LTC signature in block 13. (Or CPT w/assumption of CMD letter)
When you arrive to FWA, you must report to housing for validation. Housing must stamp your leave form (the one you signed out of last duty location with, Block 14 filled in) for you to receive the PTDY enroute.
PTDY is 10 days, non-chargeable leave, for house hunting. SM's either don't read their orders, don't follow the directions for PTDY, or choose NOT to take it upon arrival.
Most individuals choose to forgo the PTDY enroute and ask new command for it later b/c entitlements do not start until you sign in. Alaska is expensive, and TLA, BAH, and COLA are worth more than "free" leave (just like being on vacay in Alaska) Post Housing usually has a wait here, and people choose to sign in to get placed on the wait list, and start their entitlements for the above.
If you have pay issues, you can obtain a pay inquiry (from S-1, or the finance office), fill it out, get it signed, and bring it into the finance office, and we'll answer any pay questions you have.
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SFC S1 Personnel Nco
SFC (Join to see)
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Where is your team leader and squad leader? If you were in my squad I'd go to the housing office and confront them not accepting losing commands PMTDY. If their management doesn't rectify and Company echelon doesn't support I'd tell the 1SG go ahead and have the CDR recommend disapproval and I'll schedule appointment with Battalion CSM; because its time to go to BAT. I'll give the Company echelon heads up I'm doing this; it'll be known its not a request it's a courtesy. If BN CDR disapproves I'm going to pull some slick NCO stuff and give you 10 days off anyway in some shape or form. You'll maybe show up for one formation on day one. I'll account for you granted you text me every day at a certain time. If 1SG and Platoon Sergeant "NCO Support Channel" wanna get in my "Chain of Command" business ill throw you on some sort of detail for ten days and talk to the detail NCOIC and just tell them to give you 10 days off. If higher echelons want to push it I'm going to IG and I'm sure after this story its good chance the command isn't going to be viewed favorably. *Public Disclosure, I have never done this and don't encourage other Junior NCO's to do this especially if they don't know what their doing*. =]
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LTC Paul Labrador
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If your losing command didn't authorize PTDY for you, it is a bit of a crap shoot whether gaining unit will. However, usually gaining units don't have heartburn about it unless your request sounds fishy (ie unaccompanied E-4 asking for PTDY for househunting, when all unaccompanied E-4s live in the barracks). Not sure why your CO isn't forwarding this up, unless their hands are tied and you have to complete inprocessing first.
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SGT Gunner
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Thanks for the response sir. It was in fact approved by my losing command (O-5) so I don't know where the disconnect is. And why I'm not getting the PTDY.
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I have been denied permissive TDY. Whats next?
SSG Senior Maintenance Supervisor
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A very common mistake made is that PTDY is awarded by the Command that you are leaving not the Command you are going to. PCSing with leave and having PTDY included means you will take the PTDY at the LOSING station to wrap up household issues. You report to the new new unit on or before the end of the total leave, and you are not charged the PTDY days.
You do not instantly get PTDY at the new station.
Many posts like Ft Drum, require you to be signed in to the post before you can take PTDY locally. Also, it must be approved by your NEW gaining unit.
PTDY is PERMISSIVE. Period. It is unit Commanders decision if it should be given. Generally it is, as long as you are house hunting, or setting up a house. There are any number of reasons why a Commander can say no, and they are all legit.
Lastly, I would suspect that your Commander is saying no because you have already taken PTDY. (the first 10 days of your leave is PTDY when the losing unit awards it) Since you have taken the PTDY, regardless of the fact you signed in 10 days early, the Commander is probably under the opinion he can not award PTDY twice.

I suggest you read the Leaves and Passes Regulation and get familiar with the verbiage. Ask to talk to the Commander or 1SG and explain that you would gladly resubmit your old leave form to reflect all chargeable leave, and submit a new one reflecting PTDY at your current station.
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SSG Senior Maintenance Supervisor
SSG (Join to see)
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Had to add, if you were not charged for the 10 days you took already, why not submit regular leave for 10 days. No harm no foul. If you were charged the full time you were on leave, then you are back to the Command does not really have to give it to you. Which is unfortunate.
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SGM Joel Cook
SGM Joel Cook
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I had a bad experience as a SFC with the local policy about no PTDY until completely inprocessed, when I signed in to Fort Drum in 1993 with my wife and two kids age 9 and 6 YOA. I moved into the Guest house, inprocessed post, got my CIF issue. My Battalion was 100% deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia. I was temp assigned to 2nd Inf BDE for processing. My 10th day on post the BDE S3 called me into his office and ordered me to pack my bags and report back at 0400 the next day for deployment to Somalia. I brought up my concern about the situation of my family in temp housing and not properly situated. To no avail he ordered me to report for deployment. No Sponser was assigned to my family and I was not given time to go to JAG to do a power of attorney for my wife to take care of housing. I spent the next three weeks setting at the Air Force Base about every other day, waiting for a space A seat to open on a cargo plane going to Somalia. I had the third highest priority of 8 to 10 soldiers ordered to fly out. Lucky for my family, no space ever opened up. Out of the blue the post commander said no more space A standbys because to many man hours were being wasted. Long story short the Command element at Fort Drum cared more about getting soldiers deployed than taking care of newly arrived soldier's families.
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SFC Senior Technical Trainer
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5-1 Cav...doesn't surprise me
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SPC David S.
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Edited 8 y ago
Break your leg? Take a look at DoD 1400.25-M, Section SC630.7.4.3. Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS). Not so sure about going over his head on day 1.

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/1400.25-V630.pdf.

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/html/CPM_table2.html
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SGT Cybersecurity
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Any update on this brother?
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SGT Cybersecurity
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SPC Vargas, your best bet is to document everything in a timeline and get your paperwork ready.

In case you haven't read the regulation, here is the snippet that applies to PTDY and your situation.
if you are following the regulation, could you let us know which step you stopped at, or has not yet been complete?
Also, take note of Step 13, do you have in your possession a completed DD Form 1747?
if you do not, then on DA Form 31, block 17, is there a statement from the commander providing verification of housing status at the gaining command?

AR 600-8-10 Leaves and Passes
Section XVI Permissive Temporary Duty
5-32 Permissive temporary duty authorization
PTDY may be authorized as follows:
f. For house hunting (absence to hunt for a house or other dwelling incident to a PCS move CONUS or OCONUS).
The following conditions apply:
(3) Soldier has unaccompanied or nonconcurrent travel entitlement to settle his or her Family at designated areas.
(4) Government housing or quarters must not be immediately available, or if available, not required to be occupied.
(5) When the gaining command is in CONUS, Hawaii or Alaska, Soldiers are not required to obtain from the on-post housing office the status of housing availability for the purpose of permissive TDY.
(6) For overseas assignments, the type of quarters available, if applicable, will be determined by Soldier’s concurrent or deferred travel code (see AR 55–46). A statement from the commander authorizing the PTDY is required on the DA Form 31 providing the source of verification of the housing status at the gaining command.
(7) Soldier is authorized to take PTDY for house hunting after written notification of PCS orders, but prior to departure on PCS.
(8) Soldier is authorized to take PTDY for house hunting en route together with leave and travel.
(9) Soldier is authorized to take PTDY for house hunting after arriving at gaining station.
(11) Soldier must report to the gaining on-post housing office prior to starting house hunting. Failure to do so will result in Soldier being charged leave for entire period. Soldier who has unaccompanied or nonconcurrent travel entitlement OCONUS and is authorized house hunting CONUS must report to the on-post housing office at the
CONUS installation where PTDY is authorized for house hunting prior to starting house hunting. Failure to do so results in Soldier being charged leave for the entire period.

5–34. Steps to use permissive temporary duty
The steps to use PTDY are shown in table 5–16.
Table 5–16
Step: 1
Who: Soldier
Action: Request PTDY on DA Form 31 (chap 12). Complete blocks 2 through 11, as ap-
plicable

Step: 2
Who: Soldier
Action: On DA Form 31, block 17, name the event or activity, justification for attendance,
and proposed itinerary from departure until return.

Step: 3
Who: Soldier
Action: Add to the DA Form 31, block 17, this statement: “I understand that this absence
is not directed by any official of the U.S. Government. I further understand that I
cannot conduct public business under this authorization. Accordingly, I will not be
entitled to reimbursement for travel, per diem, or any other expenses. I under-
stand that I have the right to cancel it at any time and return to my regular place
of duty”.

Step: 4
Who: Unit
Action: Assist Soldier with steps 1 through 3.

Step: 5
Who: CDR
Action: Approve requests for PTDY for up to 10 days or submit requests to GCM authori-
ty, CG, AHRC, or CG, USACFSC, as appropriate, for approval. Disapprove re-
quests that do not meet authorized uses for PTDY.

Step: 6
Who: Unit
Action: Follow applicable leave processing procedures in paragraphs 12–1 and 12–3 and
forward to BNS1 for further processing.

Step: 7
Who: BNS1
Action: Follow applicable leave processing procedures in paragraphs 12–1 and 12–5.

Step: 8
Who: Soldier
Action: If PTDY is for house hunting, complete DA Form 4787–R (Reassignment Proces-
sing) or DD Form 1746 (Application for and Assignment to Housing) when PTDY
is requested for house hunting. (See note 1.)

Step: 9
Who: Unit
Action: Forward DA Form 4787–R or DD Form 1746 to BNS1.

Step: 10
Who: BNS1
Action: Receive form and forward to the gaining installation Family housing office. (They
will send a DD Form 1747 (Status of Housing Availability) within 3 working days.)

Step: 11
Who: BNS1
Action: Upon receipt of DD Form 1747, forward to unit.

Step: 12
Who: CDR
Action: Receive DD Form 1747 and approve or disapprove PTDY for house hunting
based on information contained in form.

Step: 13
Who: Unit
Action: Advise Soldier to report to the gaining on-post housing office with DA Form 31 ap-
proving PTDY and DD Form 1747 and that failure to do so will result in the Soldier
being charged leave. If DD Form 1747 is not available, annotate DA Form 31,
block 17, with statement from commander providing verification of housing status
at the gaining command. (See notes 2 and 3.)

Step: 14
Who: Unit
Action: Follow applicable leave processing procedures in paragraphs 12–1 and 12–3 and
forward to BNS1.

Step: 15
Who: BNS1
Action: Follow applicable leave processing procedures in paragraphs 12–1 and 12–5.

Notes:
1 A Form 4787 may be obtained from local Military Personnel Division (MPD) or PSC.
2 The DA Form 31 should contain a statement providing the commander’s source of verification of housing status at the gaining command.
3 The gaining Housing Referral Office stamps and dates DA Form 31 to verify housing processing and permissive TDY status.

Also, I have known soldiers that purchased a home when I was at Fort Huachuca, AZ and they were on PCS orders within 2 years.
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Capt Daniel Goodman
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Sorry once again, I'd meant that I didn't know if seeking help from chaplain about such things might be deemed acceptable, or even suitable, in such cases, however, I've read more of the other answers here, so I realize my suggestion might of course not be suitable in this instance , it was quite honestly just an off the cuff thought on my part, I just didn't know ifmsuch an idea might be a help at all, that was, all, honest.
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SGT Gunner
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Some more info, housing instructed me to sign in and go get PTDY from my gaining unit. Also, I was approved by an O5 prior to leaving.
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