Action Line #90707 -- Leave Policy

  • Published
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint: 

I have a question in regards to your leave policy for it includes terminal leave. I have extended to my date of separation here at Incirlik and was looking to take terminal leave for a large portion of my extension. The first line in paragraph two of the policy letter dated June 8, 2008, states, "Leave exceeding 30 consecutive days is not permitted due to operational requirements." For someone that extends beyond their original DEROS, the operational requirement portion should not apply. My replacement will be here prior to my original DEROS, and therefore should not affect operations.

I feel I have rightfully earned the leave I have, and worked diligently through tough times here when manning wasn't quite as adequate as desired; doing this while other members of our community took their 30 consecutive days. Also, some employers will not allow you to apply until you have a DD 214. This in itself is hindering my ability to get a head start on future employment. I was trying to have a "nest egg" of a couple months pay while I apply and try to find a job in our struggling economy.

I am fully appreciative of everything the Air Force has given me but feel it is my time to depart. I am trying to land a DoD job with the Air Force and come back in as a civilian, yet the Air Force is taking precious time away from my employment opportunities. Possibly even missing a job window completely due to a policy letter I feel shouldn't apply to someone who extends to match their DOS. If manning was an issue I would completely understand the reasoning behind a denial. On that same note though, if manning is not an issue I do not understand why something that could benefit a servicemember for future endeavors would not be approved.

Response:

Thanks for writing. Your information is completely in error.

The policy letter you quote is out of date, Guidance memorandum 36-01 dated 3 June 2009 is the current wing policy regarding leave. Bottom line is terminal leave is specifically not included in the 30 day policy. If the commander can afford to allow you to leave early and you have the accrued leave, you can take more than 30 days terminal leave.

Current policy letters are easily accessible on the Incirlik Web site inside the AF Portal. Please review them all to make sure you have the latest information.

Good luck in your future endeavors.