In some cases, “special leave accrual” may be authorized–this was true during the coronavirus pandemic, when the DoD approved servicemembers to carry an “additional leave balance of up to 120 days” for military service that meets certain requirements within certain dates. In this particular case, this special leave policy was due to COVID-19 leave and travel bans and was meant to accommodate those who were prohibited from taking leave due to the pandemic
Service members explain what service means to them as well as their proudest moments.
Military leave can be requested at any time but it’s up to your chain of command to approve or deny such leave. Some leave is not associated with rest and recreation, morale, or vacations–and as such your chain of command may approve it immediately depending on circumstances. Leave requests may be approved or denied based on mission requirements, staffing levels, and other variables.
Some sources report that military members are expected to apply for leave in any workday where they are not available for duty. Some of these same sources say service members are expected to be on leave anytime they are away from their duty station (distances specified by command).
These sources are technically correct, but sometimes fail to mention that service members may be authorized to report for duty elsewhere while on TDY or PCS orders.
A period of approved absence for military duty during which full state pay and benefits continue. Includes paid time granted by statute and time during which an employee has elected to apply his or her accrued leave as permitted by policy.