Taking leave doesn't just mean 'leaving'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tiffany Colburn
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE,Turkey --  Taking advantage of the Air Force's Leave Program may positively impact an Airman's morale, but their time away from Incirlik might be enhanced further if they took time to deal with a few leave-related issues before departing.

Master Sgt. Sonya Mason, 39th Mission Support Squadron first sergeant, said keeping the chain of command advised of on-going projects is always a sound practice.

"Make sure your supervisor knows what projects you were working on so they're not scrambling around when you're gone," she said.

Sergeant Mason also recommends Airmen become familiar with Air Force leave policies and guidelines and the Air Force Form 988, Leave Request/Authorization.

"Your commander has the discretion of determining how many days of leave you may take," she said. "While requests for advanced and emergency leave may be approved by first sergeants, commanders have the final say."

Airmen planning to travel outside a 20-mile radius of the wing are required to fill out the travel request form found on the Air Force Portal.

"This form is required in case we need to contact you and it allows commanders to track where their Airmen are," said Sergeant Mason.

Qualified travelers may also consider taking the "Patriot Express," from Incirlik to Ramstein Air Base or Baltimore.

Patriot Express customers are allowed to sign-up for space-available seats during their first day of chargeable leave but to do so, they must bring their North American Treaty Organization orders, signed leave form, Common Access Card and if applicable, Environmental Morale Leave orders.

According to Ali Temiza, 728th Air Mobility Command customer service representative, Incirlik dependants are also required to bring their residency card and no-fee passport when signing-up for seats.

Available Patriot Express seats are given out by categories: priority one through priority six. Members on emergency leave status are assigned priority one, sponsors traveling on EML orders with family members priority two and Incirlik personnel taking regular leave priority three. Dependants traveling on EML orders without their sponsor are assigned priority four status, priority five is allotted to dependants not on EML orders and traveling without their sponsor, and priority six given to retirees on leave.

Customers planning to take the Patriot Express may visit the terminal to research the flight schedule, which can be given approximately four months in advance, said Mr. Temiza.

Safety considerations are another factor for those choosing to drive while on leave.

"Anyone intending to drive for an extended period of time needs to be aware of driver's fatigue and have a plan to rest and recuperate," said Tech. Sgt. Russell Cooper, 39th Air Base Wing safety office. Drivers should keep road and weather conditions in mind and be aware of any dangers, such as black ice, snow or sleet."

Incirlik members planning to be out of the area for more than five days may contact 39th Security Forces Squadron dispatch desk at 676-3200 and patrolmen will conduct quarter's checks on their residences.

All in all, taking leave can be an involved process but with a little common sense, can be a rewarding experience.

"The ultimate goal when taking leave is to return safe and refreshed," said Sergeant Mason.