What is the proper process for requesting to take a 30-day leave?

2018-05-18T21:07:43-04:00

So I'm currently on a deployment in the middle east in an active conflict zone. I'm being told that posit's possible, yet unlikely, that I'll be able to take a full 30 days of leave once we're back in the states - that we'll likely only get 2 weeks. But I'm not about that, for me it's either 30 days or bust. My question for RP members is - Is there any particular/specific way I can guarantee getting a 30 day request approved as opposed to the 2 week nonsense? Thank ya'll in advance for any help.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made May 18 at 2018 9:10 PM

2018-05-18T21:10:58-04:00

it alldepends on your command.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 9:14 PM

2018-05-18T21:14:03-04:00

ask your commander and they say yes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 9:25 PM

2018-05-18T21:25:11-04:00

Yes, your Batallion Commander signature!

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made May 18 at 2018 9:30 PM

2018-05-18T21:30:43-04:00

Ask your command. If they say no to 30 days upon return from deployment, and you still want 30 days, ask if there might be a more suitable time to take 30 days.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2018 1:48 AM

2018-05-19T01:48:10-04:00

Put in a leave request and attach justification note or write it in remarks. If it's a valid request and you are a squared away soldier, those going up the Chain may endorse favorably. I'm not sure "30 days or bust" will work out for you. The Command has to consider manning vs mission and how much leave you have on the books. If it's going to impact the unit, put you in the hole for leave, or you don't have a good reason, they may disapprove it. They can ask you to change the dates. It depends on your relationship within the unit and the Commander's policy on 30 days of leave. The regs allow you 30 days a year, but doesn't guarantee you get it all at once. 30 days in CONUS is a tad unusual but there are always exceptions if warranted. Things like getting married, helping family at home etc. I'd advise you tone down the ultimatum piece though, because it doesn't look good coming from someone of your rank and time in. You get more flies with honey than vinegar. Just my advice.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 19 at 2018 3:48 PM

2018-05-19T15:48:45-04:00

It's easy, put your leave request together with a PCS move. Otherwise, its highly unlikely. Your leave isn't just about you. You are part of a unit. The amount of leave granted is also about the ability of the unit to continue to train and the ability of the unit to meet garrison and administrative duties.

You may have a rude awakening when you ETS. Most private business, even if they allow you to accrue more than two weeks vacation, you'll never get to take more than one or two weeks at a time. If I don't need you for more than two weeks, Do I need you at all?

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2018 4:17 PM

2018-05-19T16:17:40-04:00

Good responses. One additional piece is to understand that command has concerns about reintegration and the wellbeing of Soldiers. There are numerous requirements to help ensure this, thus 30 days isn't typical. When you put in your request, I suggest including information that would mitigate those concerns. If command approves it and you had a meltdown of some sort, they'd be accountable.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2018 7:50 AM

2018-05-20T07:50:22-04:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member, if the unit is getting 2 weeks of leave, then that's what you get. Why are you a special case? That's what I'd ask as a commander. I'd entertain the request, but I'd want to know why. If it was justified and I was allowed to do it, I'd approve it. If it's just because you want more leave than we're authorized, then I'd deny it. Now, about the general sense of entitlement. "I'm not about that. It's either 30 days or bust," huh? I'd play rock-paper-rank with you to see how that would play out. If it's a 2 week leave policy across the unit, you'd be up a creek, so to speak. Bust then. Not even an IG would touch that. If you don't believe me, buck the system. The system will buck back.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 23 at 2018 9:31 AM

2018-05-23T09:31:51-04:00

NO. You can request, you can ask/beg/plead- it is ultimately in the hands of the CO- there is no guarantee unless you perhaps are in the position of take it or lose it, then it is not guaranteed.

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Mar 4 at 2019 12:15 PM

2019-03-04T12:15:40-05:00

PFC Rusty, Having the attitude of 30 days or bust, that is troubling. Two weeks, if done right, is a pretty good break. but, with that being said, when my unit returned following Desert Storm, everyone was allowed to take two weeks leave, if you wanted to take more time than that, you had to write a letter to the Battalion CO. with a rationale as to why. If your reasoning was sound, he approved the request. Having over 60 days of leave to burn didn't hurt my case either. So you might want to see if there is any such provision in your unit.