Military Leave Regulations & Directives
Comprehensive guidance governing personnel absence, emergency transit authorizations, convalescent waivers, and military travel allowances pursuant to DoD Directive 1327.02.
Accrual Standards
Active service members earn 2.5 calendar days of chargeable leave per month of active service (30 days per fiscal year). A maximum of 60 days of unused accrued leave may be carried over into the next fiscal year under normal readiness conditions.
Emergency Leave Rules
Emergency leave is granted for critical illness, severe injury, or death in the service member's immediate family. Emergency requests coordinated through the American Red Cross Hero Care Center receive expedited 4–12 hour priority command clearance.
Space-A Travel (Category III)
Service members on authorized ordinary or emergency leave (possessing a verified Form DA-31 or NAVPERS leave pass) are eligible for Department of Defense Space-Available (Space-A) military air transit under Category III priority status.
Authorized Leave Categories & Provisions
1. Ordinary / Annual Leave
Chargeable absence taken voluntarily by the service member. Requires unit commander approval and must not compromise tactical operational readiness.
2. Emergency & Compassionate Leave
Expedited leave granted upon verification of immediate family crisis. Government-funded military transportation may be authorized for overseas personnel.
3. Convalescent / Medical Leave
Authorized non-chargeable absence recommended by a military medical officer for recuperation following inpatient hospitalization, surgery, or serious trauma.
4. Terminal / Transition Leave
Final accrued leave taken in conjunction with separation, discharge, or official retirement from active military duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is my official leave pass verified during airport transit?
Transit checkpoints, military airport passenger terminals (PAX), and airline gate agents scan the cryptographic QR code on your printed or digital Form DA-31 / NAVPERS Leave Pass. This opens the live DoD database record validating your authorized dates and clearance status.
What occurs if an emergency recall order is broadcast?
All personnel on active leave are required to maintain contact capability. In the event of readiness escalation or recall, the command desk will alert both the service member and the designated emergency sponsor to initiate immediate return to station.
Can a family member or sponsor initiate an emergency leave request?
Yes. Next of kin may file emergency clearance requests on behalf of deployed service members by submitting the service member's DoD ID and coordinating directly through the American Red Cross Hero Care Network.