Is using the commanders open door policy for PCS leave while on a training rotation a little too much?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 02:53:41 -0500

I submitted my leave two weeks ago, and I have yet to hear anything about a decision. While I’m doubtful of it’s approval, would using the commanders open door policy to get an answer too much? Is there a different way to go about this? Also I’m in a different country than my company with my platoon to make the communication process worse.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jan 19 at 2021 3:40 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 03:40:13 -0500

before utilizing the open door policy, make sure you have exhausted all normal options first. Speak to your NCO support channel, to inquire whether or not the training room received your DA 31. In my experience, DA 31's have a cover sheet, that go through approval chain. SQL/PSG, LT, 1SG, Company Commander, then S-1. Start with your PSG, then training room, then 1SG.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2021 5:35 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 05:35:55 -0500

Well, as we all know, Leave Requests are at the mercy/discretion of the Commander. That being said, I would recommend trying to communicate thru your Chain at the immediate level first. If, for whatever reason, that does not work then yes, open that line to the Commander.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2021 11:04 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 11:04:39 -0500

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using the Chain of Command to check the status of your leave documents. Your PCS is something of great importance to you, and nobody else is looking out for your interests better than you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2021 12:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 12:04:57 -0500

You can use an open door policy for just about anything, but I think there's a lot of missing info here. For instance, how do you plan to walk in the open door to see your commander who is in a different country? Why would your leave require a decision?

It sounds like you're on a mission, deployment, or TDY from your main unit. If your leave would have you redeploy earlier, or if it would have you travel OCONUS, over 30 days, report early, or travel to or from a red COVID area, there may be higher echelons of approval who need to sign off on your request. If it was just normal leave under normal circumstances, which it sounds like it is not, two weeks would be more than enough time for your company commander to approve it

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Jan 19 at 2021 11:40 PM

CPL Jay Strickland — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 23:40:44 -0500

To use the open door policy while you are in different countries. You would call and say Sir I am wishing to speak with you using your open door policy do you have about 30 minutes now or may I set up an appointment to call you back? Yes of course I have spoken with my platoon sergeant and first sergeant about this. I would seriously take it up with your direct supervisor or platoon sergeant first though. Also if you need a back door call whoever handles paperwork in your company (I think ops), it will generally be an E4 with good handwriting and spelling. Ops should be able to confirm it has reached the commander's desk. Honestly if it has reached the commander's desk you do not want to rush it unless you have to. A rushed leave request is almost always a denied leave request. Though PCS leave is rarely denied.