What is the actual process for taking leave?

PFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 20:01:18 -0500

So I've been in the army about 9 months so far (all of which have been spent in a training environment) and I've built up about 18 days of leave. I'm set to arrive at my first unit in about a week, there is a big family event I'd like to take a couple days of leave for after I get there, so basically my question is what do I need to do to request the leave days and what are the chances of a lowly private getting them approved.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2019 8:17 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 20:17:22 -0500

Talk to your first line supervisor when you get to your new unit... if you haven’t taken leave since you’ve been in to go see your family they might let you... but then again they might not... as far as the process, you fill out a DA31, your first line supervisor should square you away, I wouldn’t be hopeful though

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Mar 3 at 2019 8:17 PM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 20:17:41 -0500

You will need to speak to your supervisor after you get to your unit. How soon after you report to your unit is the family event and how far is it located from your base?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2019 10:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 22:44:33 -0500

Go to APD and fill out a DA31. Now, my rule of thumb (something a SNCO told me a few years back) is 6 months time on station before I even think about leave. Gives my Chaplain and other Soldiers a better idea of what kind of Soldier I am and build up trust and relationships before requesting things. It could be highly likely that you get denied because you’re essentially brand new to the Army. They don’t know what kind of Soldier you will be or how you are in general to trust you enough to do something like that. Then again, I could be wrong. Either way, fill that out and send it up the chain. The worst that could happen is them say “no”.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2019 11:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 23:47:18 -0500

As soon as you arrive to your new unit talk with your first line about taking leave. If you haven’t taken any leave yet since entering active duty you shouldn’t have an issue. Communication is key....

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 4 at 2019 7:06 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 07:06:29 -0500

Like others have stated: talk with your leadership upon reporting to your new unit. In theory it shouldn’t be an issue but I will introduce you to a new term that you should become extremely familiar with: Block Leave! Most units take leave during preset time blocks they the year. Therefore all training and other OPTEMPO activities are taken care of.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 4 at 2019 3:12 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 15:12:03 -0500

1. You pray. 2. You hope your unit will spare you. 3. You talk to your PSG and ask for the leave and get a Leave request form. 4. You fill it out and turn in. 5. You pray some more.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 4 at 2019 3:16 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 15:16:34 -0500

The best answer, find the first NCO in your chain of command at your current post. Ask him or her. It is their job to help you. The probably can get you the appropriate form in 5 minutes of less, and they can probably tell you who, by name to whom you turn in the form.

I appreciate people who are telling you to wait until you get to your new command and ask there., but it sucks to fly or drive right by your leave destination on the way to your new post. Typically you have a report by date and the releasing command may let you leave early to accommodate your leave plans.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Mar 4 at 2019 5:50 PM

SGT Charles Bartell — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 17:50:16 -0500

If you are still in your A.I.T. you can ask for leave. Talk to your drill sgt about the reison you would like some leave time. Do not ask for more than you need. If I remeber right the form is a DA FORM31. And you will have to get a safty bref before you go.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2019 7:36 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 19:36:39 -0500

Keep in mind if there are any upcoming exercises that your unit partakes in chances are slim to none, besides that work your nco chain. Also know that your first line only give suggestions and that they still have to send it up even if they say no lol it ain’t up to them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2019 3:40 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 03:40:15 -0500

Sometimes you’re better off taking leave during block leave periods man. Harsh reality but always expect the worst.

Response by SPC Jerry Jones made Mar 8 at 2019 6:48 AM

SPC Jerry Jones — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 06:48:36 -0500

From my experiences while serving 1983-1990, when you get to a new unit, you are on the bottom of the totem pole, and will most likely be refused leave for a long time, but if you start right away, notifying them when you arrive, your chances are better.
When I was serving, once you got to a new post, you most likely wouldn't be approved leave for at least a year. Times may have changed, but all I can say is give it your best shot and you might get it. Don't wait to spring it on them at the last minute.

Response by PV2 Jake Rix made Mar 10 at 2019 11:08 PM

PV2 Jake Rix — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 23:08:56 -0400

I’d say to save the leave in case of emergency. I took leave in the middle of the year my first year in and missed a funeral because of it. I’m not trying to be disrespectful or anything. But you should know that anything can happen.