Can my unit restrict me from taking a certain amount of leave before a PCS?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 01:39:23 -0400

I’m reclassing and report to school May 31. My unit is trying to send me to ntc and make me clear at the beginning of May. My school is considered a PCs because of length. I was hoping to start leave on may 1st but my people are telling me I don’t need leave to PCs to my school. Also I wanted to use the 10 days of tdy leave to get a house since I’m married.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 16 at 2019 3:43 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 03:43:31 -0400

Yes they can. Does it sucks? Off course. My question is, who’s stating that. Company level or BN? Have you received your RFI? Contact your career counselor and gained branch to check on your orders status!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2019 5:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 05:20:25 -0400

It's a PCS. Your commander is the approval authority for leave. You're not automatically authorized any amount. You're only authorized travel time.
Out in your leave form plus request PTDY. Assuming you have 30 days of leave, you can send off in April.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 16 at 2019 9:13 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 09:13:09 -0400

Absolutely, the unit can restrict leave and when it can be taken, even in conjuction with PCS. The ONLY way this becomes problematic for the Command is if the school you are going to has a published training schedule which will allow no opportunity for leave prior to 1 October AND you have use/lose days which will be lost prior to 1 October if you do not take them prior to reporting to the school. And even then, it just becomes paperwork for the Commander, not a requirement.

Summary: Leave is an entitlement. You are entitled to take it, and the Commander cannot prevent you from EVER taking leave. However mission requirements ALWAYS trump leave, and the Commander can absolutely set restrictions on WHEN and HOW MUCH leave can be taken.

If you are PCSing away from the unit, an argument can definitely be made (probably) about how critical you, as an individual, are to the mission at NTC, but that is an entirely different conversation.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 16 at 2019 9:45 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 09:45:58 -0400

Your command has the authority. There are limited authroizations based on unit policies. Often times a waiver can be had. Just request and see. You have no recourse if disapproved. Thank you for your service.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2019 10:51 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 10:51:54 -0400

You can request leave. The commander can deny it.
If you are wanting leave prior to the PCS solely to avoid NTC, or to take a vacation prior to reclass, the needs of the Army (unit's NTC mission) takes priority.
However, it may be worthwhile to contact the gaining installation to check on the availability/average wait time for housing, and then the school so you'll know what the process and timing normally experienced (save the name and phone number of any contacts). This may provide information to support your request, of your intent is to arrive early enough to search for, and secure, housing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2019 1:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 13:16:39 -0400

If you have not submitted your leave form already unintentionally you put yourself at the discretion of your command. Your intend does not guarantee you the time you wanted as you can see because you never submitted any kind of leave request before they started on fulfilling their mission requirements. I would suggest submitting your leave request with the PTDY dates included. The approving authority is the BN Cdr. Attach a copy of your orders with your leave request. You’ll have a 50% chance of getting what you’re requesting. If the BN Cdr does not approve the request, PTDY can be given once you arrive to your school. I hope this helps, good luck to you