Why is it that everyone appears so concerned about taking leave?

So are you saying that people should take leave, or they should not take leave? I'm not quite sure what you are getting at? What I can say from personal experience is that for Millennials, personal time is very important. They don't abide by the old rules of working more = caring more. You can thank layoffs, downsizing, less benefits, and lack of pensions for that. Millennials know that they are in it for themselves. So they do what they need to do to to make themselves happy and fulfilled. If that includes switching jobs 16 times, burning up leave when they choose to, and not working overtime, then it is what it is. The days of company loyalty are over, and companies have no one to blame but themselves.

I hear you...seems "odd" to me at times considering how little I used leave in the Military, and vacation as a civilian-usually only when necessary. I think it's not so much a "generational" thing, as a shift in culture thing. Let's face it, no such thing as a "secure" job any more-you can work hard, be skilled, and still be replaced, downsized, or driven to seek greener pastures by sheer frustration. Younger folks (and probably some older one's as well) are asking, "what's in it for me" earlier, and across a broader scope of benefits... to include time "off", because no one identifies by their career anymore. In some ways, I "get it"... in others, I don't; but I do agree that for SOME professions, it's about the total impact, not the hours logged. That said, we all know there are MANY professions where, as you point out-if you aren't there, your buddy's pulling your weight.

I'm going to have to concur with those below. Although I will attempt to get everything done in the few weeks surrounding leave to make sure I don't leave too much behind. I WILL take it. I work to live..not live to work. Companies and even the military do not have my best interest or care in mind. So why would I sacrifice my family/friends for them. I like my co-workers but I expect them to take time themselves. If they want to run themselves into the ground for their own personal odd enjoyment ..more power to them. But you earn leave, and it is your right to use it.