Should I be allowed to report early even though my CDR says No?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 22:06:52 -0400

I report 7 Dec 15 to Newport, RI from JBLM. My orders state I can report early. So I did my leave for 1 Oct 15 and I arrive 9 Oct 15 because I have 9 travel days. My CDR said leave is a privilege, not a right. And will not let me leave until after 19 Oct 15. If my orders state I can report early, does my Commander have the authority to say no, I can't leave early?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 10:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 22:17:41 -0400

He can. Why is beyond my understanding. Maybe you're that critical to the unit that the CDR doesn't want you leaving early. And yes leave is a privilege. He is the approving authority for your leave.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 10:39 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 10:39:15 -0400

Absolutely he does. Your orders probably say something to the effect of "detach when directed, report no later than 7 Dec 15. He only HAS to let you go 9 days before 7 Dec. Usually commanders will let you leave a little early, but not 2 months early in your case...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 1:53 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:53:12 -0400

Leave is a right, however early report is at the discretion of the losing unit. So in a way, your both correct.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2018 12:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 May 2018 12:33:18 -0400

If the orders say that he can report early, usually up to 60 days, he should be allowed to PCS. The report date on the orders is the absolute last day that he can sign in. So if he is requesting 9 days of leave, and its within the 60 day early report window, then why not? But, it is at the discretion of the commander.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2019 8:14 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 08:14:03 -0400

Leave is a pay and entitlement. Commanders are charged with managing thier unit’s leave Program. No one should ever lose leave. But the commander must approve your leave, your orders may say “early report is authorized” but that doesn’t mean your commander has to approve it. Have you spoken with your 1SG and explained your reasons for wanting to report early? He/she can and will advocate for you with the Commander. Your Commander May be considering turnover and the proper handoff of your duty position. I’ve rarely seen a commander arbitrarily deny leave just because they can. There must be more to this story.