Army Leave Policies: Understanding Leave Types, Duration, and Pay During Long-Term Absences

Service members often wonder about the possibility of taking extended leaves from their duties in the army. Understanding the various types of leave, their duration, and the financial implications during these periods is crucial for every service member.

Types of Leave in the U.S. Army

Within the U.S. Army, there are several types of leave available, each with its own rules and conditions:

Annual Leave

Service members typically earn 2.5 days of leave per month, accumulating to a total of 30 days of paid leave per year. Annual leave is a crucial part of ensuring service members have time off to rest and recuperate from their duties.

Emergency Leave

In case of emergencies, an individual may request emergency leave, which does not count against annual leave and can be granted to deal with urgent personal or family issues.

Convalescent Leave

This leave is specifically designed for recovery from illness or injury and is typically issued by a medical authority. It provides service members with the necessary support to regain their health and return to active duty.

Service members can generally request a leave of absence for up to 30 days of paid leave under normal circumstances. However, for longer periods, such as six months, they would need to seek additional options like a formal request for an extended leave or a change in duty status, such as transitioning to the Individual Ready Reserve or a similar status.

Pay During Leave in the U.S. Army

Service members on approved leave, such as annual leave, continue to receive their regular pay. However, for extended leave periods, typically unpaid, service members may not receive any pay during that time. It is crucial to consult with the unit's personnel office or the chain of command to understand the specific policies and options available.

Special Circumstances and Programs

Under special circumstances, such as the Family Medical Leave Act, eligible family members can also apply for additional leave. These policies can provide further support to service members and their families.

Leave Policies in the British Military

In the British military, it is technically possible to take a “career intermission” if there is a need. However, the likelihood of this occurring is low due to the operational requirements of the service.

A career intermission does not carry a fee, but it is typically unpaid. Service members may need to pay for accommodations and other amenities, such as food, during this period. Unlike the U.S. military, British soldiers are charged for food and accommodation.

Leave Accumulation in the Australian Defence Force

The Australian Defence Force offers a unique long service leave (LSL) program, where service members can accumulate LSL at a rate of 3 months for every 10 years of active service. This leave is taken at full or half pay, depending on the approval.

An interesting case has been reported where a service member, due to operational commitments, was unable to take 12 months of LSL with pay before retirement. Instead, they received a lump-sum payment, which was taxed at a higher rate due to the income received outside of their standard service pay.

Conclusion

Understanding the policies and procedures for leave in the military is essential for service members. Whether you are in the U.S., British, or Australian military, it is important to consult with your unit's personnel office or the appropriate authority to navigate the complexities of leave requests and ensure compliance with all relevant policies.