If you’re planning to join the military or just curious about the jargon used in the armed forces, one term that might come up is “vacation.” However, in the military, vacation is not referred to as such.
Instead, it’s called “leave.” In this article, we will take a closer look at what leave is, how it works in the military, and some of the rules and regulations surrounding it.
What Is Leave?
In the military, leave is a period of time when a service member is granted permission to be away from their duty station or base. It can be used for a variety of reasons such as personal or family emergencies, rest and relaxation, or to attend to important matters outside of work.
Types of Leave
There are different types of leave that a service member can take depending on their situation and length of time required. Some common types include:
- Ordinary Leave: Also known as regular leave, this is the type most commonly used by service members for personal reasons. It can be taken for up to 30 days at a time.
- Emergency Leave: This type of leave is granted for urgent family situations such as illness or death.
The length of time granted depends on the specific circumstances.
- Convalescent Leave: This type of leave is granted when a service member requires medical treatment that requires them to be away from their duty station for an extended period. The length of time varies depending on the treatment needed.
Earning and Using Leave
Service members earn leave based on their time in service and rank. They can accumulate up to 60 days of unused leave at any given time. However, depending on their branch and duty station, they may have restrictions on when they can take leave to ensure adequate coverage and readiness.
When a service member wants to take leave, they must submit a request through their chain of command outlining the reason for their request, the dates requested, and any other pertinent information. The request is then reviewed by higher-ups and either approved or denied.
Rules and Regulations
While on leave, service members are still subject to military rules and regulations. They must maintain proper conduct and follow all laws and regulations. Additionally, they must be reachable in case of an emergency or recall to duty.
Service members are also responsible for their travel arrangements while on leave unless it’s for military-related purposes. They must return to their duty station on the designated date or request an extension if needed.
Conclusion
In summary, vacation is not a term used in the military. Instead, it’s referred to as leave.
Service members earn leave based on their time in service and rank and can use it for personal or emergency reasons. However, they must follow rules and regulations while on leave and be reachable in case of emergencies or recalls to duty.