DAFI36-3003

BY ORDER OF THE

SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

INSTRUCTION 36-3003

7 AUGUST 2024

Personnel

MILITARY LEAVE PROGRAM

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available for downloading or ordering on the

e-Publishing website at www.e-Publishing.af.mil.

RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.

OPR: AF/A1PA Certified by: SAF/MR

Supersedes: DAFI36-3003, 24 August 2020 Pages: 79

This publication implements Department of the Air Force Policy Directive (DAFPD) 36-30,

Military Entitlements. In collaboration with the Chief of Air Force Reserve (AF/RE), the Director

of the Air National Guard (NGB/CF), and the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human

Capital (SF/S1), the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services (AF/A1)

develops personnel policy for the Military Leave Program. It administers guidance on military

leave, administrative absences, permissive temporary duty (PTDY), and pass programs, to include

Special Leave Accrual (SLA) and Post Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence (PDMRA).

This instruction applies to the Regular Air Force (RegAF), United States Space Force (USSF)

military members, and the Air Force Reserve (AFR) and Air National Guard (ANG) members

serving under the provisions of Title 10 United States Code (USC) or full-time under 32 USC.

This instruction requires the collection and or maintenance of information protected by the Privacy

Act of 1974 authorized by Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 5400.11, DoD Privacy and

Civil Liberties Programs. The applicable SORN F036 AF PC C, Military Personnel Records

System and F036 AF FM A, Leave Request and Approval System are available at:

http://dpcld.defense.gov/Privacy/SORNs.aspx.

Ensure all records generated as a result of processes prescribed in this publication adhere to Air

Force Instruction 33-322, Records Management and Information Governance Program, and are

disposed in accordance with the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule, which is located in the

Air Force Records Information Management System. Refer recommended changes and questions

about this publication to the Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) using the Department of the

2 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

Air Force (DAF) Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication; route DAF Forms 847

from the field through the appropriate functional chain of command. This publication may be

supplemented at any level, but all supplements that directly implement this publication must be

routed to the office of responsibility for coordination. All major command (MAJCOM)-level

supplements must be approved by the Human Resource Management Strategic Board prior to

certification and approval. The authorities to waive wing, unit, delta or garrison level requirements

in this publication are identified with a tier (“T-0, T-1, T-2, T-3”) number following the compliance

statement. See Department of the Air Force Manual (DAFMAN) 90-161, Publishing Processes

and Procedures, for a description of the authorities associated with the tier numbers. Submit

requests for waivers through the chain of command to the appropriate tier waiver approval

authority, or alternately, to the publication OPR for non-tiered compliance items. The use of the

name or mark of any specific manufacturer, commercial product, commodity, or service in this

publication does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Air Force.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This document has been substantially revised and needs to be completely reviewed. This

instruction applies to uniformed members of the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and the

Air National Guard serving under the provisions of 10 USC or full-time under Title 32 USC. This

instruction also applies to the USSF unless and until such time as separate service guidance is

published. In this event, USSF guidance shall prevail in application to the USSF. This instruction

incorporates the updated Military Parental Leave Program (MPLP) implemented by Directive

Type Memorandum (DTM) 23-001, Expansion of Paid Parental Leave, which eliminates the

primary and secondary caregivers’ leave designation and grants service members up to 12 weeks

of non-chargeable leave following the birth, placement of a minor child for adoption (if adopted,

only one 12-week period) or placement of a minor child with the member for long-term foster care.

Additionally, this instruction incorporates the new bereavement leave policy that was implemented

by DTM 23-003, Bereavement Leave for Service Members, effective 25 June 2022, which grants

service members up to 14 days of non-chargeable leave for the death of a spouse or child.

Furthermore, this instruction includes updates to the PTDY Table, which outlines the new rules to

update LeaveWeb for parental (Rules 26-28) and bereavement (Rules 29-30) leave, and

incorporates the new rule (Rule 25) for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care, which allows

commanders to grant service members up to 21 days of an administrative absence to receive, or

accompany a dependent receiving, non-covered reproductive health care, whether or not it is

available within the local area of their duty location. Moreover, this instruction incorporates the

changes to Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1327.06, Leave and Liberty Policy and

Procedures, which reduces the maximum number of days of SLA from 120 to 90, changes the

approval authority for SLA to the first Brigadier General (O-7) in the chain of command, reduces

the time period SLA must be taken from three years to two along with administrative changes to

the convalescent leave guidance. Also, the update includes separate chapters for chargeable and

non-chargeable leave types along with new tables that display the leave types in one location, the

addition of Rule 11 to the convalescent leave table which authorizes convalescent leave for adult

maltreatment, change to Rule 1 of the PTDY table which eliminates the requirement for service

members to end their 10 days of house hunting after signing a lease or buying a house, authority

to use terminal leave when separating under the career intermission program (CIP), an exception

which allows service members to combine ordinary leave with a TDY, PTDY, parental and

DAFI36-3003  7 AUGUST 2024  3 
bereavement leave without the leave having to start or stop in the local area and incorporates the 
Reserve Component Maternity Leave program.  Lastly, this instruction has been substantially 
revised to reduce redundancies and to better clarify the leave policies. 
 
Chapter 1—OVERVIEW    6 
1.1.  Overview. .................................................................................................................   6 
1.2.  Roles and Responsibilities. ......................................................................................   6 
Chapter 2—MANAGING THE LEAVE PROGRAM    9 
2.1.  Military Leave Program. ..........................................................................................   9 
2.2.  Leave Approval Authority. ......................................................................................   9 
2.3.  Leave Disapproval Authority. ..................................................................................   9 
2.4.  Leave Accrual. .........................................................................................................   9 
Table  2.1.  Leave Accrual to Date of Separation. ......................................................................   10 
2.5.  Leave Awaiting Orders as a Result of Disability Proceedings. ...............................   11 
2.6.  Holidays. ..................................................................................................................   11 
2.7.  Miscellaneous Information. .....................................................................................   11 
Chapter 3—CHARGEABLE LEAVE    14 
3.1.  Purpose. ...................................................................................................................   14 
3.2.  Chargeable Leave. ...................................................................................................   14 
Table  3.1.  Chargeable Leave Types. .........................................................................................   14 
Table  3.2.  Emergency Leave Requests. ....................................................................................   20 
Chapter 4—NON-CHARGEABLE LEAVE    24 
4.1.  Purpose. ...................................................................................................................   24 
4.2.  Non-chargeable Leave. ............................................................................................   24 
Table  4.1.  Non-Chargeable Leave Types. .................................................................................   24 
Table  4.2.  Convalescent Leave Requests. .................................................................................   27 
Table  4.3.  Authorizing Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY). .................................................   42 
Table  4.4.  Voluntary Excess Leave Requests. ..........................................................................   52 
Table  4.5.  Non-Accrual Days. ..................................................................................................   54 
Chapter 5—REGULAR AND SPECIAL PASSES    55 
5.1.  Regular and Special Pass Information. ....................................................................   55 
5.2.  Regular Pass. ............................................................................................................   55 
5.3.  Special Pass. .............................................................................................................   55 

DAFI36-3003  7 AUGUST 2024 
4.  Regular and Special Pass Guidelines. ......................................................................   55 
Chapter 6—SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL    57 
1.  Overview. .................................................................................................................   57 
2.  SLA Eligibility. ........................................................................................................   57 
3.  SLA Not Authorized. ...............................................................................................   58 
4.  Calculating SLA Lost on 1 October. ........................................................................   58 
5.  SLA Approval Authority. ........................................................................................   59 
6.  SLA Disapproval. ....................................................................................................   59 
7.  Exceptions To Policy (ETP). ...................................................................................   59 
8.  Members not eligible for SLA. ................................................................................   59 
9.  Submitting SLA Requests. .......................................................................................   59 
10.  Last In, First Out Leave Accounting. .......................................................................   59 
Chapter 7—UNIQUE LEAVE PROVISIONS    60 
1.  Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT). .........................................................................   60 
2.  In-Place Consecutive Overseas Tour (IPCOT). .......................................................   60 
3.  Deferred COT. .........................................................................................................   60 
4.  Scheduling Travel. ...................................................................................................   60 
5.  COT or IPCOT Designated Places. .........................................................................   61 
6.  Special Rest and Recuperation (R&R) or Overseas Tour Extension Incentive 
Program (OTEIP). ....................................................................................................   61 
7.  R&R. ........................................................................................................................   62 
8.  Air Force Academy Leave Program. .......................................................................   63 
9.  RC Carryover Leave. ...............................................................................................   63 
10.  RC OCONUS Leave En route. ................................................................................   65 
Chapter 8—POST DEPLOYMENT/MOBILIZATION RESPITE ABSENCE (PDMRA)    67 
1.  Purpose. ...................................................................................................................   67 
2.  Creditable Time for AC. ..........................................................................................   67 
3.  Creditable Time for RC. ..........................................................................................   67 
4.  PDMRA Accrual Rates. ...........................................................................................   67 
Table  8.1.  PDMRA (for deployment/mobilization accomplished on or after 1 October 
2011). .......................................................................................................................   68 
Figure  8.1.  PDMRA accrual rate for eligible Airmen and Guardians in a CZTE area. .............   69 

DAFI36-3003  7 AUGUST 2024  5 
Figure  8.2.  PDMRA accrual rate for eligible Airmen and Guardians in a CZTE and 10 USC 
§§ 12301(a), 12302, or 12304 RC Airmen outside the US (non-CZTE area). ........   69 
Attachment 1—GLOSSARY OF REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION    70 
 

6 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

Chapter 1

OVERVIEW

1.1. Overview. This instruction is the authority for chargeable and non-chargeable leave, as well

as liberty (regular pass). It also is the authority unit commanders use to grant a 3- or 4-day special

pass for special occasions and circumstances.

1.2. Roles and Responsibilities.

1.2.1. Air Force Military Compensation Policy Division (AF/A1PA). Develops and maintains

personnel guidance for the administration of the military leave program.

1.2.2. Air Force Personnel Center Commander (AFPC/CC).

1.2.2.1. Works directly with Air Force Military Compensation Policy Division

(AF/A1PA) and Space Force Military Compensation and Benefits Policy Division

(SF/S1PA) to support program administration.

1.2.2.2. Implements military leave program policy as outlined in this instruction and in

conjunction with other offices as appropriate.

1.2.3. Major Command Manpower, Personnel and Services (MAJCOM/A1), Direct Reporting

Unit (DRU)/A1 or equivalent.

1.2.3.1. Ensures subordinate units receive updates/changes to the military leave program.

1.2.3.2. Air Force Reserve Command Force Management (AFRC/A1KK) will disseminate

guidance to subordinate units.

1.2.3.3. National Guard Bureau Manpower, Personnel and Services (NGB/A1) ensures

guidance is disseminated and implemented by states/wings.

1.2.3.4. Grants extensions for unfunded Environmental and Morale Leave.

1.2.3.5. A DoD Management or Supporting Activity, as defined in DoDI 5100.73, Major

DoD Headquarters Activities, determines whether Monday or Friday is compensatory time

off with a holiday observed on a Tuesday or Thursday. An authorized 4-day holiday period

consisting of a holiday, compensatory time off day, and a weekend is a regular pass period.

For the purpose of this Department of the Air Force Instruction (DAFI), major DoD

headquarters activities refer to the MAJCOMs and equivalents.

1.2.4. Installation Finance, Comptroller Squadron (CPTS).

1.2.4.1. Functional manager for base-level leave accounting.

1.2.4.2. Monitors LeaveWeb.

1.2.5. Military Personnel Flight (MPF).

1.2.5.1. Updates leave on DAF Form 988, Leave/Request Authorization when a unit does

not have a Unit Leave Monitor.

1.2.5.2. Advises members of limitation on total of 60 days of leave that can be sold back

in a career.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 7

1.2.5.3. Ensures members sign statements of understanding that they normally do not

return to duty when terminal leave begins. Exception: Unit commanders may recall

members from leave due to military necessity or urgent, unforeseen circumstances.

1.2.5.4. Ensures members do not change established dates of separation for the purpose of

taking unused leave.

1.2.5.5. Ensures members remain assigned to their organizations until they separate or

retire.

1.2.6. Unit/Squadron Commanders or Equivalents.

1.2.6.1. Establish annual leave programs to give members opportunity to use leave.

1.2.6.2. Enforce Air Force and Space Force command-approved leave guidelines.

1.2.6.3. Make sure members who refuse to take leave understand their obligation to

comply with unit leave programs and that refusal to take leave may result in the loss of

earned leave at a later date.

1.2.6.4. Instruct members to schedule leave within operational requirements and follow

their leave schedule.

1.2.6.5. Encourage members to use accrued leave and take at least 14 continuous days

each fiscal year whenever possible.

1.2.6.6. Inform members that there may be instances of leave disapproval or cancellation

due to military necessity.

1.2.6.7. Ensure members schedule leave annually at the beginning of the fiscal year and

update their leave schedule periodically.

1.2.6.8. Advise members who schedule “use or lose” leave in August or September that

they risk losing leave on 1 October if military requirements or personal circumstances

prevent them from taking leave at that particular time.

1.2.6.9. Approve or deny emergency leave on a case-by-case basis in accordance with

Chapter 3.

1.2.6.9.1. Seek, if necessary, American Red Cross verification when members request

emergency leave.

1.2.6.9.2. Do not deny emergency leave solely because of lack of funds for funded

travel.

1.2.6.9.3. Do not approve emergency leave for purpose of either increasing the

member’s travel priority or offsetting personal travel costs.

1.2.6.9.4. Advise members to apply for humanitarian or exceptional family member

reassignment, or separation for hardship reasons if leave period is more than 60 days.

1.2.6.10. Charge leave for leave periods such as those taken by members waiting for

family members’ passports or visas or for the outcome of humanitarian reassignment

requests.

1.2.6.11. Combine ordinary leave with other types of leave unless specifically prohibited

and treat the combination of leaves as one leave period.

8 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

1.2.6.12. Charge members leave for travel time, delay en route, and time spent house

hunting in conjunction with a permissive reassignment.

1.2.6.13. Provide an opportunity to use leave to AFR and ANG members serving man-day

tours longer than 30 consecutive days under DAFI 36-2619, Active Duty Operational

Support (ADOS) –Active Component (AC) Man-Day Program. DAFI 36-2619 authorizes

use of accrued leave. See DAFMAN 36-2136, Reserve Personnel Participation, for

reserve personnel appropriation (RPA) tours over 30 days.

1.2.6.14. Normally do not grant leave to members undergoing treatment for an infectious

or contagious disease. Exception: Unit commander may grant leave if the attending

physician provides written verification that the member does not pose a threat to the public

health.

1.2.6.15. Do not grant leave for the purpose of serving sentences in civil confinement

because civil confinement, including probated sentences thereto, is inconsistent with

military status. Exception: Members confined by civil authorities while on approved

leave may continue on leave until the original leave termination date, unless recalled from

leave status to duty. If unit commander recalls member to duty, terminate leave status as

of the recall date and change the member’s status to “absent in the hands of civil

authorities.”

1.2.6.16. Ensure procedures are followed and maintain the protection of privacy rights of

individuals and minimize privacy violations. See AFI 33-332, Air Force Privacy and Civil

Liberties Program, Commander’s Policy, and Department of Defense Manual (DoDM)

5400.07, DoD Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program, for instructions when

transmitting, receiving, collecting, maintaining, storing, or distributing Privacy Act

information.

1.2.6.17. Approval authority for leave outside of the contiguous United States (CONUS).

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 9

Chapter 2

MANAGING THE LEAVE PROGRAM

2.1. Military Leave Program.

2.1.1. Annual Leave Program. Annual leave programs give members the opportunity to take

leave within the constraints of operational requirements. Unit commanders establish these

programs to encourage the use of leave for the maximum benefit of the member. Scheduling

leave prevents loss of leave at fiscal year-end balancing, retirement, or separation from active

duty. Both management and members share responsibility in managing leave balances

throughout the fiscal year.

2.1.2. Safe Travel Guidelines. Members on leave or on other non-duty status should use Risk

Management principles to assess all hazards and control risks prior to excessive or hazardous

travel. Applicable guidelines are in DAFI 90-802, Risk Management. A comprehensive risk

management assessment may conclude that fatigue or road conditions are high risks requiring

a change to travel plans.

2.1.3. Use of Leave. The use of leave is essential to the morale and motivation of members

and for maintaining maximum effectiveness. Lengthy respites from the work environment

tend to have a beneficial effect on an individual’s psychological and physical status. Weekend

absences (regular pass) or short periods of leave do not normally afford a similar degree of

relief. In providing leave, Congress intended for members to use their leave as it accrues.

Congress provides for payment of accrued leave when members are unable to use their leave

because of military necessity. However, Congress did not intend for members to accrue large

leave balances expressly for payment of accrued leave. All members should have the

opportunity to take at least one leave period of 14 consecutive days or more every fiscal year

and are encouraged to use the 30 days accrued each fiscal year. Supervisors and commanders

should encourage members to use leave, military requirements permitting, and consider the

desires of the member.

2.2. Leave Approval Authority. While commanders have final approval authority, they may

delegate approval authority according to the organization’s needs. Normally, commanders

delegate approval authority for annual leave requests to a level no lower than the first-line

supervisor.

2.3. Leave Disapproval Authority. Leave is a right; however, unit commanders can disapprove

leave requests due to military necessity or in the best interest of the Air Force or Space Force (for

USSF personnel). Unit commanders may delegate disapproval authority to a level no lower than

first-line supervisors. Commanders may adjust delegation of authority based on mission

requirements.

2.4. Leave Accrual. 10 USC § 701, Entitlement and Accumulation governs leave accrual and

accumulation.

2.4.1. Accrual. Members accrue 2.5 days of leave for each month of active duty, or 0.5 days

for every 6 days of active duty. See Table 2.1 below.

2.4.2. Accumulation. Members may not carry leave in excess of 60 days into the next FY.

(T-0) At the end of the fiscal year (FY), members lose leave in excess of 60 days unless

10 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

eligible for SLA. (T-0) The Defense Joint Military Pay System (DJMS) drops accrued leave

in excess of 60 days at FY-end leave balancing unless automatic carry-over of SLA applies.

See Chapter 6 for SLA provisions.

2.4.3. Payment for Accrued Leave. 37 USC § 501, Payments for Unused Accrued Leave, is

the authority for payment for accrued leave upon reenlistment, retirement, separation under

honorable conditions, or death. It limits payment of accrued leave to 60 days in a military

career effective 10 February 1976. (T-0) A military career includes former service in enlisted

or officer status. Members should contact the local financial services office for detailed

information on payment of accrued leave.

2.4.3.1. An additional payment for accrued leave is authorized for enlisted service

members when they would lose accumulated leave in excess of 90 days. Members may

exercise this option once and may sell up to 30 days of SLA. (T-0) Such a sell back counts

towards the service member’s cap of 60 days over a career. (T-0)

2.4.3.2. DoD 7000.14-R, Volume 7A, Department of Defense Financial Management

Regulation, Military Pay Policy – Active Duty and Reserve Pay, Table 35-1 outlines when

members may carry leave forward or receive payment for accrued leave when separating

with or without immediate reentry on active duty. Members should contact the local

financial services office for detailed information on payment of accrued leave.

2.4.4. Non-Accrual. Members do not accrue leave in the following circumstances:

2.4.4.1. Absence without leave.

2.4.4.2. Unauthorized leave.

2.4.4.3. Confinement as a result of a sentence of a court-martial.

2.4.4.4. Excess leave.

2.4.4.5. Appellate leave under 10 USC § 876a, Leave Required to be taken Pending

Review of Certain Court-Martial Convictions, Art. 76., Finality of Proceedings, Findings,

and Sentences.

Table 2.1. Leave Accrual to Date of Separation.

Day of

month of

separation

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

1-6

0.5

5.5

10.5

15.5

20.5

25.5

7-12

3.5

8.5

13.5

18.5

23.5

28.5

13-18

1.5

6.5

11.5

16.5

21.5

26.5

19-24

4.5

9.5

14.5

19.5

24.5

29.5

25-31

2.5

7.5

12.5

17.5

22.5

27.5

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 11

2.5. Leave Awaiting Orders as a Result of Disability Proceedings. Charge leave as accrued

and accruing when the commander sends a member home or to another location in a permanent

change of station status to await orders for disability separation. Charge any remaining time as an

authorized absence after the member uses all accrued leave. See DAFI 36-3212, Physical

Evaluation for Retention, Retirement and Separation for additional information.

2.6. Holidays. Public holidays established by federal statute are non-working days, military

operations permitting. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the non-working day is the preceding

Friday. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the non-working day is the following Monday.

Holidays are chargeable leave days if they occur during an authorized period of leave. If departure

on a period of leave is on a holiday, the holiday is a day of leave. If return from an authorized

period of leave is on a holiday, the holiday is not a day of leave. Commanders may be as liberal

as training, mission, and local conditions permit in authorizing leave during the Christmas and

New Year’s Day period.

2.7. Miscellaneous Information.

2.7.1. Leave for Enforcement of Child Support Obligation. Unit commanders approve leave

requested to attend hearings to determine paternity or to determine an obligation to provide

child support. (T-3) Unit commanders may disapprove such leave requests if the member is

serving in or with a unit deployed in a contingency operation, or exigencies of the military

service require a denial of such request. See DAFI 36-2906, Personal Financial Responsibility

for further guidance.

2.7.2. Temporary Duty (TDY) from Leave Status. A member ordered TDY while on leave

reverts to duty status as of the TDY effective date.

2.7.3. Recall from Leave. Unit commanders may recall members from leave for military

necessity or in the best interest of the Air Force or Space Force (for USSF personnel). When

recalling a member, do not charge the period of absence as leave when the period between

departure on leave and the member’s receipt of recall is 3 days or less. Consider the remaining

time of absence as travel time, unless the unit commander determines it is clearly excessive to

the circumstances. If determined excessive, charge the entire period of absence as leave. (T-3)

2.7.3.1. Refer to the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), paragraph 033301, Leave or Personal

Travel Combined with Official Travel, to determine whether travel and transportation

allowances apply. If so, member reverts to duty status the day travel to the permanent or

TDY station begins.

2.7.3.2. If the unit commander authorizes the member to resume leave after the member

completes the duty that resulted in recall, prepare a new DAF Form 988. If authorized

travel, publish orders to return the member to the location where he or she received recall

notification.

2.7.4. Absence in Excess of Authorized Leave.

2.7.4.1. See Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DoD FMR)

7000.14-R, Volume 7A to determine whether an absence was unavoidable.

2.7.4.2. Charge leave for an absence in excess of authorized leave or pass if the unit

commander later determines the absence to be unavoidable; otherwise, consider it absence

without leave. (T-0)

12 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

2.7.4.3. Do not charge leave for an absence in excess of authorized leave caused by mental

incapacity, detention by civil authorities, and early departure of a mobile unit due to

operational commitments. (T-0) This applies whether the absence is avoidable or excused

as unavoidable, regardless of duration.

2.7.5. Unable to Return from Leave Because of Illness or Injury. When a member is unable

to return to duty from leave because of illness or injury:

2.7.5.1. The member should advise the leave approving authority by the quickest means.

(T-3)

2.7.5.2. The next of kin, attending military or civilian physician, nearest MTF, or

American Red Cross may act on the member’s behalf when incapacitated to such a degree

that the member is unable to make the notification.

2.7.5.3. Upon return from leave, the member presents a statement from the nearest MTF

or the attending physician regarding the individual’s medical condition. The unit

commander evaluates the statement before authenticating the leave document. (T-3)

2.7.5.4. The unit commander may consult with the local MTF or American Red Cross

providers for clarification or recommendation.

2.7.5.5. Unit commander issues amended leave authorization, if required.

2.7.6. Medical, Dental, Hospitalized or Placed on Quarters.

2.7.6.1. Medical or Dental Care. When a member on leave requires medical or dental care,

he or she reports to the nearest MTF. If treated at civilian facilities, member is authorized

medical and dental treatment at government expense only for emergency and immediate

non-emergency care.

2.7.6.2. Hospitalized or Placed on Quarters. If a member on leave requires hospitalization

or quarters status, do not charge leave while hospitalized or on quarters. (T-0) Chargeable

leave ends the day before and starts again the day following hospitalization or quarters’

status, regardless of the hour of admission or discharge or release from quarters.

2.7.6.3. If a military health care provider places the member on quarters, the member’s

status changes from leave to quarters, and the medical authority directing such status

notifies the individual’s commander. The nearest military health care provider approves

the civilian health care provider’s placement of members on quarters. If the member

desires to revert to a leave status after release from quarters, then, on return to duty, the

member provides the leave approving authority with a statement from the attending

physician or MTF that certifies the period of quarters and date of release. This statement

is usually the admission and disposition list of the MTF.

2.7.6.4. The provisions in paragraph 2.7.6.3 apply to a member hospitalized or placed on

quarters while on emergency leave regardless of leave location. After termination of

hospitalization or quarters status, the member contacts the traffic management office at the

nearest Air Force or Space Force (for USSF personnel) installation for assistance with

return transportation, if required.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 13

2.7.7. Absent Without Leave. The MPF and AFPC Missing Persons Branch (AFPC/DPFCM)

changes members’ leave status to Absent Without Leave when members fail to return to duty

at the end of their leave period. (T-0)

2.7.8. Proceed Time. MPFs procedures for administering proceed time is provided in

DAFMAN 36-2102, Base-Level Relocation Procedures. The financial services office

computes leave for authorized absences in excess of allowed proceed time.

2.7.9. Travel Time with En Route Leave. The time allowed for permanent change of station

or TDY travel is not chargeable leave when members take en route leave. The financial

services office charges leave for any authorized absence in excess of allowable travel time and

proceed time, if applicable.

2.7.10. Missing Port Call. Aerial port passenger section personnel notify the servicing MPF

and AFPC/DPFCM within 72 hours after members miss a port call.

2.7.11. Continuation or Recall of Retirees. Retiring service members who are subsequently

continued on, or are recalled to, active duty may have their leave, which accumulated during

their service before retirement, carried over to their period of military service after retirement.

14 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

Chapter 3

CHARGEABLE LEAVE

3.1. Purpose. Established to provide service members respite from the work environment which

has a beneficial effect on an individual’s psychological and physical status.

3.2. Chargeable Leave. The following types of leave are chargeable against the member’s

annual leave balance (See Table 3.1.):

Table 3.1. Chargeable Leave Types.

Rule

Chargeable

Leave

Use

The unit commander unless otherwise

specified

Annual

for vacation or short

periods of rest from duty,

to attend to parental

family needs such as

illnesses, with a

permanent change of

station or after periods of

arduous duty and

protracted periods of

deployment from the

home station.

may approve the request. See paragraph

3.2.1 for additional guidance.

Advance

granted based on a

reasonable expectation

that a member will accrue

leave during the

remaining period of

active military service.

may approve for members requesting up to

30 days of advance leave and includes leave

requests which, if approved, result in a

negative leave balance of 30 or less days.

Note: Unit commanders normally approve

the lesser of 30 days or the amount of leave

the member will earn during the remaining

period of active military service. may

approved the request. See paragraph 3.2.2

for additional guidance.

Emergency

granted for personal or

family emergencies

involving the immediate

family and may be

approved.

may approve initial emergency leave

periods up to 30 days and extensions up to

30 days. See paragraph 3.2.3 for

additional guidance.

En Route

use in connection with

permanent change of

station, including to their

first permanent change of

station upon completion

of technical training.

may approve up to 30 days en route leave

with any permanent change of station move

if the leave does not interfere with the

reporting date to either a port or new

assignment. See paragraph 3.2.4 for

additional guidance.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 15

Terminal

leave with retirement or

separation from active

duty.

may approve the request. See paragraph

3.2.5 for additional guidance.

Environmental

and Morale

authorized at an overseas

installation where

adverse environmental

conditions require special

arrangements for leave in

desirable places at

periodic intervals.

may approved the request. Note:

Combatant commanders designate the

authorized EML duty locations and

destinations See paragraph 3.2.6 for

additional guidance.

3.2.1. Annual Leave. Another name for annual leave is “ordinary” leave. Normally, members

request leave, as accruing, within mission requirements and other exigencies. Members’

failure to use leave, as accruing, can result in loss of accrued leave at fiscal year-end leave

balancing or upon retirement or separation from active duty.

3.2.1.1. Use of Annual Leave. Members typically use annual leave:

3.2.1.1.1. For vacation or short periods of rest from duty.

3.2.1.1.2. To attend to parental family needs such as illnesses.

3.2.1.1.3. With a permanent change of station or after periods of arduous duty and

protracted periods of deployment from the home station.

3.2.1.1.4. During traditional national holiday periods.

3.2.1.1.5. To attend to family emergencies or personal situations caused by natural

disasters such as floods and hurricanes.

3.2.1.1.6. For attendance at spiritual events or for other religious observances.

3.2.1.1.7. During the pre-processing period incident to release from active duty.

3.2.1.1.8. As terminal leave with retirement or separation from active component

(AC). However, members separating under PALACE CHASE or PALACE FRONT

may carry any unused leave over to the reserve component (RC) as long as there is no

break in service (refer to paragraph 7.9.2.4) for future use.

3.2.1.2. TDY Commanders may approve member’s leave after coordination with the

parent organization. (T-3)

3.2.1.3. Leave in Conjunction With TDY. Unit commanders:

3.2.1.3.1. Determine TDY is clearly essential to the mission. (T-3)

3.2.1.3.2. Ensure members do not take, schedule, plan, or arrange, in fact or

appearance, TDY to serve leave desires of the member. (T-3)

3.2.1.3.3. Authorize leave when operationally feasible. (T-3)

3.2.1.3.4. Ensure the government incurs no additional cost incident to leave. Note:

Members may not use non-duty days to extend the TDY or leave period. (T-3)

16 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

3.2.1.4. Commanders and Deputy Chiefs of Staff (DCS) reporting directly to the Chief of

Staff (AF/CC), or Vice Chief of Staff (AF/CV) approve their own leave. Notification of

the leave should be sent to the AF/CC or AF/CV 7 days in advance and shall include the

following:

3.2.1.4.1. Effective date of leave requested.

3.2.1.4.2. Duration.

3.2.1.4.3. Leave address and telephone number.

3.2.1.5. Leave Extensions. The member must ask, orally or in writing, for the extension

sufficiently in advance of expiration of leave authorized to permit return to duty at the

proper time if the approval authority disapproves the extension. (T-3) See paragraph

2.7.6 for illness or hospitalization. See paragraph 2.7.5.2 for notification when the

member is incapacitated.

3.2.1.6. Leave Begins and Ends in the Local Area. The local area is the place where the

member lives and from which he or she commutes to the duty station. Charge leave for

duty days and non-duty days (for example, Friday through Monday) when members take

leave on the day before and the day after non-duty days. (T-0) This applies to leave taken

in the local area. Exception 1: When a member’s leave ends on a day before a non-duty

day, the commander may authorize leave on the next duty day for an emergency situation

and not charge leave for the non-duty days. If the member knew of the emergency situation

before his or her departure on the original leave, charge the member leave for the weekend

or other non-duty days. If leave effective or return date changes, update LeaveWeb

appropriately or Part II of the leave form/request. Exception 2: When ordinary leave is

combined with a TDY, PTDY, bereavement and parental leave, the leave start and stop

locations may differ and does not have to occur in the local area. (T-1)

3.2.1.7. Leave Overlaps Two Fiscal Years. When a member’s leave period overlaps two

fiscal years, the Defense Joint Military Pay System reduces the member’s leave account in

the fiscal year in which the member takes the leave. Example: The Defense Joint Military

Pay System charges 5 days to the previous fiscal years and 5 days to the next fiscal years

when a member takes 10 days leave, 26 September - 5 October.

3.2.1.8. Finance Service Office. The Finance Service Office computes leave for

authorized absences in excess of allowed travel time, PTDY, and proceed time, if

applicable. Members can ask the Finance Service Office to verify regular and SLA leave

balances to determine “use or lose” leave status. “Use or lose” leave is the number of leave

days over 60 days that a member will lose if not used before 1 October. (T-0)

3.2.1.9. Leave or Duty Status. Commanders should determine leave based on the actual

date members start leave and actual return date from leave and charge leave for non-duty

days, including holidays, if the non-duty days fall between leave days. (T-3) This applies

to members who take leave in, or away from, the local area. Exception: Commanders may

authorize leave on Monday without charging leave for Saturday and Sunday if an

emergency situation requires a member to take unplanned leave and the member is in the

local area. This applies when members take leave on Friday. Note: Leave status is not

necessarily chargeable leave. For example, a member is on leave status after working at

least 50% of the duty day, and the following day is the first day of chargeable leave.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 17

However, a member cannot sign up for space-available transportation before the first day

and time of leave status.

3.2.1.10. Examples of When to Charge Leave. The following examples use a normal work

schedule of Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1630. Note: For members on shift work or

alternate work schedules, equivalent schedules may vary.

3.2.1.10.1. Example 1 . If the member starts leave on Tuesday:

3.2.1.10.1.1. Tuesday is a duty day and Wednesday is the first day of leave when

the leave approving authority determines that the member performed the majority

(over 50%) of scheduled duty on Tuesday.

3.2.1.10.1.2. Tuesday is the first day of leave if the leave approval authority

determines that the member performed less than 50% of scheduled duty on

Tuesday, or if the member signs up for space-available transportation.

3.2.1.10.2. Example 2 . Saturday is a day of leave if the member, regardless of the

hour, starts leave or signs up for space-available transportation on Saturday. This also

applies if the member starts leave on Sunday or a holiday.

3.2.1.10.3. Example 3 . Friday is a day of duty and Thursday is the last day of leave

if the leave approving authority determines the member performed the majority (over

50%) of scheduled duty on Friday.

3.2.1.10.4. Example 4 . If the member returns from leave on Saturday, regardless of

the hour, Saturday shall not be charged as a day of leave. This also applies if the

member returns from leave on Sunday or a holiday.

3.2.1.10.5. Example 5 . If a member’s normal duty day is 2200 to 0600, and the

member performs at least 50% of the duty day and it crosses into the next day. That

day is not chargeable leave. Scenario: Member comes in Tuesday (2200) and performs

duty until 0200 (Wednesday), Wednesday is not a chargeable day of leave.

3.2.2. Advance Leave. Advance leave is leave granted based on a reasonable expectation that

a member will accrue leave during the remaining period of active military service.

3.2.2.1. Purpose of Advance Leave. The purpose of advance leave is to enable members

to take leave, resolve emergencies or urgent personal situations when they have limited or

no accrued leave. Members may not depart on leave before the unit commander approves

the advance leave. (T-3)

3.2.2.2. Advance Leave Not Authorized. Unit commanders will not approve advance

leave:

3.2.2.2.1. For members pending administrative or punitive actions requiring their

separation at the earliest possible date. (T-1)

3.2.2.2.2. In conjunction with excess leave authorized for members awaiting punitive,

administrative, or disability discharge. (T-1)

3.2.2.3. Unit commanders may approve requests for members:

3.2.2.3.1. Requesting up to 30 days of advance leave and includes leave requests

which, if approved, result in a negative leave balance of 30 or less days. Note: Unit

18 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

commanders normally approve the lesser of 30 days or the amount of leave the member

will earn during the remaining period of active military service.

3.2.2.3.2. Completing technical training and requesting up to 10 days advance leave if

the first duty station is in the Continental US or up to 14 days if outside the Continental

US.

3.2.2.4. Delegating Approval Authority.

3.2.2.4.1. Unit commanders may delegate approval authority for advance leave to a

level no lower than squadron section commander, deputies, first sergeants, or

equivalents.

3.2.2.4.2. Headquarters Air Force (HAF) DCS may delegate approval to no lower than

deputy directors or equivalent.

3.2.2.4.3. Airman Development Command (ADC) training commanders may delegate

approval authority to no lower than first sergeants for enlisted members.

3.2.2.4.4. In cases where a deployed member requests 30 days or more of Advance

Leave, the Personnel Support for Contingency Operations Team Chief requests

approval for the advance leave from AFPC’s Special Programs Office

(AFPC/DPMSSM) and notifies the unit of assignment of the final decision. (T-3)

3.2.2.5. Advance Leave Becomes Excess Leave. When a member has taken all the

advance leave that he or she can accrue during the remaining period of active service, unit

commanders change member’s leave status from advance to excess leave. Enlisted

members carry forward advance leave to a new period of service if they separate and

immediately reenlist 3 or more months before expiration of the term of service.

3.2.2.6. Advance Leave and Excess Leave. When authorizing excess leave in conjunction

with advance leave, advance leave does not accrue during the period of excess leave

involved. Example: A member with an Expiration of Term of Service of 15 March 2023

requests 30 days leave effective 1 October 2022. The member has 2 days accrued leave

through 30 September 2022. The member would normally accrue 14 days during the

period 1 October 2022 - 15 March 2023. Therefore, the member would have a total of 16

days accrued and tentative advance leave through expiration of Term of Service. The

tentative excess leave period is 14 days (30 days requested leave minus 16 days accrued

and tentative leave). The member will not accrue 1.5 days during the tentative excess leave

period. Therefore, reduce the 14 days leave that would normally accrue by 1.5 days that

will not accrue during the excess leave period (See Table 4.5.). This results in advance

leave of 12.5 days. In this example, the authorized leave is 2 days accrued leave, 12.5 days

advance leave, and 15.5 days excess leave.

3.2.2.7. Indebtedness. The financial services office stops or collects, if applicable, all pay

and allowances paid after a member’s leave status changes from advance to excess leave.

There is an additional collection for non-accruals of one half-day for every 6 days of excess

leave. Note: See Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 65-116, Vol 2, Defense Joint Military Pay

System Active Component (DJMS-AC) Unit Procedures Excluding Financial Management

Flights, AFMAN 65-116, Vol. 1 Chapter 70, Defense Joint Military Pay System Active

Component (DJMS-AC) FSO Procedures and the DoD FMR Vol. 7A, Chapter 1.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 19

3.2.3. Emergency Leave. Emergency leave is chargeable leave granted for personal or family

emergencies involving the immediate family and may be approved in initial periods of no more

than 30 days and extensions for no more than 30 days. (T-0) See also AFI 65-103, Temporary

Duty/Special Orders, when preparing special orders for emergency leave travel. See DAFI

36-3012, Military Entitlements (Chapter 7, Family Member Travel), for dependents who may

be eligible for emergency travel allowances and when member is ineligible for emergency

leave. Emergency travel allowances are under the JTR, Chapter 4.

3.2.3.1. Emergency Leave Approval. Unit commanders approve initial emergency leave

periods up to 30 days and extensions up to another 30 days. (T-0) If a member has, or

anticipates, a negative leave balance, unit commander considers only that leave which is

absolutely necessary to take care of the emergency situation. (T-3) Note: The TDY

commander or Personnel Support for Contingency Operations Team Chief approves

emergency leave after notifying and receiving approval from the unit of assignment.

3.2.3.2. Delegating Emergency Leave Approval.

3.2.3.2.1. Unit commanders may delegate approval for emergency leave for enlisted

members to a level no lower than the first sergeant. When delegated authority to

approve emergency leave for enlisted members, first sergeants can approve up to 30

days advance leave. They also can approve excess leave when the combination of

accrued, advance, and excess leave is 60 days or less.

3.2.3.2.2. HAF Deputy Chief of Staffs may delegate approval to no lower than deputy

directors or equivalents.

3.2.3.3. Emergency Leave Requiring AFPC Approval. AFPC/DPMSSM approves

emergency leave when:

3.2.3.3.1. Leave requested results in a member having a cumulative negative leave

balance of more than 30 days; or

3.2.3.3.2. Advance, excess and/or emergency leave requests combined exceed 60 days.

3.2.3.4. Emergency Leave Travel.

3.2.3.4.1. The unit commander, without re-delegation, must determine that

government aircraft is not reasonably available before authorizing travel by

commercial transportation, based on frequency, scheduling of flights, and other factors

such as member’s personal circumstances. (T-0) The Traffic Management Office using

guidance in the JTR paragraph 0402, should provide a recommendation to the unit

commander regarding availability of space-required transportation via aircraft owned

or controlled by the Department of Defense (DoD). The unit commander considers the

circumstances to best serve the interest of the Air Force or Space Force (for USSF

personnel) and the member.

3.2.3.4.2. Overseas locations for emergency leave travel purposes include Hawaii,

Alaska, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and possessions of the US; the unit

commander, without re-delegation, may authorize other Outside of Continental US

destinations. Note: See JTR paragraph 0402 for more information.

3.2.3.4.3. Time spent in emergency leave travel via aircraft owned or controlled by

DoD from overseas to the Continental US aerial port of debarkation is not chargeable

20 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

leave. It also is not chargeable from the Continental US aerial port of embarkation to

overseas area or within and between overseas areas and return, when required.

3.2.3.4.4. Chargeable leave begins the day after the member arrives at the aerial port

of debarkation and ends the day before the member returns to the aerial port of

embarkation.

3.2.3.4.5. Active duty members on emergency leave may use space-available

transportation within Continental United States via aircraft owned or controlled by

DoD. There is no guaranteed space for such passengers. The space-available

transportation is on a first-come, first-served basis. The travel time is chargeable leave.

3.2.3.4.6. Different entitlements apply when members travel from the Continental

United States to overseas than when they travel from overseas to the Continental US.

Consult the JTR for specific allowances.

3.2.3.5. The table below explains when to approve or disapprove emergency leave

requests.

Table 3.2. Emergency Leave Requests.

If a member requests emergency leave

then the first sergeant, if the unit

commander delegates approval, or the

unit commander

to visit a terminally ill person in the immediate

family of either the member or the member’s

spouse. Immediate family is defined in the

glossary. In-loco-parentis are required to meet

both of the following conditions: a. A person

who stood in place of the member’s parent for

a period of at least 5 years before the member

became 21 years of age or entered military

service. b. The person provided a home, food,

clothing, medical care, and other necessities,

and gave moral, disciplinary guidance, and

affection. Note: Require member to sign a

statement attesting to a person in loco parentis

status. A person is not in loco parentis if he or

she baby-sat, provided day care services, or

gave financial help such as a home where the

parent also lived. A grandparent or other

person normally is not in loco parentis when

the parent also lived at the same residence.

approves the request.

because of a verified death in the member’s or

spouse’s immediate family

approves the request.

because the member, or someone in the

member’s or spouse’s immediate family, has a

life-threatening condition or illness, is having

approves the request.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 21

major surgery, or is admitted to an Intensive

Care Unit in critical condition due to a major

illness or accident

because the member is affected by a natural

disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado, flood, or

earthquake and a severe or unusual hardship

would result if the member failed to return

home

approves the request.

because a severe or unusual hardship may result

from failure to return home, on either the

member, his or her household, or immediate

family

approves the request.

because of spouse’s pregnancy or childbirth

approves the request when a severe or life-

threatening situation exists.

to care for children during a spouse’s illness,

confinement, or surgery

approves the request in unusual cases when

family members or social agencies are not

available to help. Verify and document

such situations.

because of emotional problems caused by

family separation

approves the request only when the

attending physician feels the member could

alleviate severe problems at home.

to resolve marital problems, threatened divorce,

or other personal problems

denies emergency leave.

to attend court hearings

denies emergency leave.

to resolve financial problems

denies emergency leave.

to help harvest crops or manage other business

denies emergency leave.

to settle the estate of a deceased relative

denies emergency leave.

because of an emergency involving other than

immediate family members or for a friend,

fiancée, or fiancé

denies emergency leave.

3.2.4. En Route Leave. En route leave is ordinary leave members use in connection with

permanent change of station, including to their first permanent change of station upon

completion of technical training. Members may request advance leave when they do not have

enough accrued leave to use as en route leave.

3.2.4.1. Approval Authority. Losing unit commanders:

3.2.4.1.1. Approve up to 30 days en route leave with any permanent change of station

move if the leave does not interfere with the reporting date to either a port or new

assignment.

3.2.4.1.2. Ensure members sign a statement agreeing not to report early for a new

assignment when taking en route leave.

3.2.4.2. Delegating Approval of En Route Leave:

3.2.4.2.1. Unit commanders should not delegate approval to a level lower than

squadron section commander, deputies, or equivalents.

22 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

3.2.4.2.2. ADC training commanders delegate approval authority no lower than the

first sergeant for advance leave as en route leave.

3.2.4.3. Technical School and Basic Military Training Commanders:

3.2.4.3.1. Approve at least 10 days of accrued leave if the first permanent duty station

is in the Continental US. (T-3)

3.2.4.3.2. Approve at least 14 days of accrued leave if member’s first permanent duty

station is Outside the Continental US. (T-3)

3.2.4.3.3. Approve advance leave up to 10 days for emergency situations. (T-3)

3.2.4.4. Officer Training School graduates may take up to 30 days ordinary leave (advance

if needed) before reporting to their first permanent duty station.

3.2.5. Terminal Leave. Terminal leave is chargeable leave taken in conjunction with

retirement or separation from active duty which includes entering CIP. Member’s last day of

leave coincides with the last day of active duty.

3.2.5.1. Terminal Leave Approval. Unit commanders approve terminal leave.

3.2.5.2. Delegating Approval. Unit commander may delegate Terminal Leave approval to

a level no lower than the squadron section commander, deputy or equivalent.

3.2.5.3. Disapproving or Denying Terminal Leave. Unit commanders:

3.2.5.3.1. May disapprove terminal leave for military necessity or in the best interest

of the Air Force or Space Force (for USSF personnel).

3.2.5.3.2. Deny terminal leave when governing separation directives require member’s

separation at the earliest possible date. (T-1)

3.2.5.3.3. Deny terminal leave requested in conjunction with authorized PTDY when

governing separation directives require member’s separation at the earliest possible

date. (T-1)

3.2.6. Environmental and Morale Leave (EML). Environmental and Morale Leave is leave

authorized at an overseas installation where adverse environmental conditions require special

arrangements for leave in desirable places at periodic intervals. The EML taken is ordinary

leave. Combatant commanders designate the authorized EML duty locations and destinations.

3.2.6.1. Purpose. The purpose of EML is to make use of DoD-owned or controlled aircraft

to supplement in-country leave schedules established to carry out basic leave programs.

3.2.6.2. Funded Environmental and Morale Leave (FEML). FEML authorizes members

DoD-owned or -controlled air transportation from EML duty locations for purposes of

taking leave in an EML destination site. Do not charge leave for member’s time spent en

route to and returning from an EML destination site. Charge leave for the period of time

at the EML destination site. Leave begins the day after the member arrives at the aerial

port of debarkation that services the destination site. Leave ends the day before the member

returns to the aerial port of embarkation. See JTR, paragraph 0404, Government Funded

Leave.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 23

3.2.6.3. Unfunded Environmental and Morale Leave (EML). Unfunded EML authorizes

members’ space-available air transportation from EML duty locations for purposes of

taking leave in an EML destination site. Charge leave for travel time to and from, and for

the period of time at an EML destination site when traveling on a space-available basis.

The MAJCOM/A1, equivalent or designee grants extensions for unfunded EML. Any

leave-approving authority within the chain of command can deny requests without

referring them to a higher-level.

3.2.6.4. Required Travel Documents. When traveling outside the US, commanders ensure

members review the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide

(https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm) for required travel documents and will instruct

members to comply with foreign government procedures as required by the DoD Foreign

Clearance Guide. (T-0)

24 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

Chapter 4

NON-CHARGEABLE LEAVE

4.1. Purpose. Established to support with medical recuperation and authorized absences from the

duty location without having to use annual leave.

4.2. Non-chargeable Leave. The following leave types in Table 4.1 are not chargeable against

the member’s annual leave balance.

Table 4.1. Non-Chargeable Leave Types.

Rule

Non

Chargeable

Leave

Use

then the unit commander unless

otherwise specified

Convalescent

leave is an authorized

absence normally for the

minimal time essential to

meet the medical needs

for recuperation.

or the director of a medical treatment

facility may grant convalescent leave. The

commander must not approve more than 30

days initial convalescent leave. (T-1)

Extending convalescent leave beyond 30

days requires additional medical review and

consent and must be approved by an O-5

(civilian equivalent) or above. (T-0)

Exception: Convalescent leave due to

pregnancy or childbirth. See paragraph

4.2.1 for additional guidance.

MPLP

authorizes 12 weeks of

non-chargeable leave to

covered service members

after a qualifying birth

event, adoption of a

minor child or who have

a minor child placed for

adoption or long-term

foster care with them to

care for the child.

are encouraged to approve requests for

incremental periods of parental leave. If the

unit commander does not approve the

taking of incremental parental leave, they

must allow the member to take the full 12

weeks of parental leave in one continuous

period. See paragraph 4.2.2 for additional

guidance. (T-0)

Reserve

Component

Maternity Leave

(RCML)

Authorizes 12 RCML

periods after the birth of a

child.

will place eligible RC members in a

parental leave status, excusing them from

attending Inactive Duty Training (IDT) in

accordance with this guidance (T-0) See

paragraph 4.2.3 for additional guidance.

Bereavement

in connection with the

loss of a spouse or child

may allow a service member with less than

30 days of accrued ordinary leave up to 14

days of leave to be used in connection with

the death of a spouse or child. See

paragraph 4.2.4 for additional guidance.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 25

PTDY

is an authorized absence

limited to reasons in

Table 4.3.

may authorize a PTDY in accordance with

the specific rules in Table 4.3. See

paragraph 4.2.5 for additional guidance.

Emergency

Leave of

Absence

a serious medical

condition of an

immediate family

member of the service

member; death of an

immediate family

member (as previously

defined in the glossary);

or any other hardship the

commander or director

determines appropriate.

may grant a service member non-

chargeable emergency leave of absence for

a qualifying emergency with the following

limitations. This authority cannot be

further delegated to a subordinate level.

See paragraph 4.2.6 for additional

guidance.

Excess

is leave members

normally use for personal

or family emergency

situations when members

cannot request advance

leave.

may approve the request. See paragraph

4.2.7 for additional guidance.

4.2.1. Convalescent Leave. Convalescent leave is an authorized absence normally for the

minimal time essential to meet the medical needs for recuperation rather than a predetermined

formula. A member of the armed forces diagnosed with a medical condition is allowed

convalescent leave if the medical or behavioral health provider of the member determines that

the member is not yet fit for duty as a result of that condition and recommends such leave for

the member to provide for the convalescence of the member from that condition. This may

include convalescence to enable healthy coping mechanisms following traumatic events such

as loss of a child due to stillbirth or miscarriage where other types of non-chargeable leave are

not authorized. A service member may only be authorized convalescent leave for their own

medical condition and not in connection with a medical condition of their dependent or other

family member. The Air Force Surgeon General (AF/SG) oversees the convalescent leave

program. The guidance can be found in AFMAN 41-210, Tricare Operations and Patient

Administration. See Table 4.2.

4.2.1.1. Convalescent Leave Approval. A service member’s commander or the director of

a medical treatment facility may grant convalescent leave. The commander must not

approve more than 30 days initial convalescent leave. (T-1) Extending convalescent leave

beyond 30 days requires additional medical review and consent and must be approved by

an O-5 or civilian equivalent or above except for convalescent leave due to pregnancy or

childbirth. (T-0) Note: During short absences of the unit commander, the commander’s

designated representative may approve convalescent leave.

4.2.1.2. Convalescent leave will be forfeited if unused at separation from active service.

(T-0)

4.2.1.3. Convalescent Leave due to pregnancy or birth. Maternity convalescent leave is

limited to a covered service member birthparent after a qualifying birth event. (T-0) In

26 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

cases where a baby is stillborn, miscarried, or where the baby is given up for adoption

immediately following birth, convalescent leave may be granted. (T-0) Commanders and

equivalents may approve more than 30 days of maternity convalescent leave. (T-0)

4.2.1.3.1. Absence From Duty Because of Pregnancy. During pregnancy, members

continue to perform normal duties as long as they are medically fit to do so. If it

becomes medically necessary for the member’s or fetus’ health and safety,

convalescent leave is appropriate.

4.2.1.3.2. Maternity convalescent leave will be approved for the recovery of the birth

parent from giving birth if such leave is specifically recommended, in writing by the

health care provider of the birth parent, to address a diagnosed medical condition and

is approved by the unit commander. (T-0)

4.2.1.3.2.1. Must be taken immediately following childbirth, except that the leave

shall not commence until the first full day after the birth of the child or the date of

release of the member from the hospital or similar facility where the birth took

place, whichever is later. (T-0)

4.2.1.3.2.2. Must be taken prior to any parental leave. (T-0)

4.2.1.3.2.3. Must be taken in only one increment. (T-0)

4.2.1.3.2.4. May be taken in conjunction with parental leave, and/or with approved

ordinary (chargeable) leave. (T-0)

4.2.1.4. Medical Authority. The medical authority or attending physician determines:

4.2.1.4.1. When a medical condition warrants continuance of convalescent leave.

4.2.1.4.2. Whether the member can depart the local area while on convalescent leave.

4.2.1.4.3. Convalescent Leave Begins. Convalescent leave begins the day of release

from the MTF and continues through the day before the member’s return to duty, if

applicable, or return to in-hospital status.

4.2.1.5. Voluntary Termination. A member may voluntarily terminate convalescent leave

earlier with the attending physician approval.

4.2.1.6. Combining Leave. Convalescent leave may be taken in conjunction with ordinary

leave, PTDY and terminal leave.

4.2.1.7. Terminating Convalescent Leave. The unit commander may terminate

convalescent leave status if the member’s continued absence from duty would clearly have

an adverse impact on the readiness or operational mission of the unit. The unit commander

must consult the attending military health authority to determine whether such action is

medically advisable prior to terminating convalescent leave. (T-1)

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 27

Table 4.2. Convalescent Leave Requests.

If member

and

then the unit commander unless

otherwise specified

is discharged from

inpatient status

medical condition is not

pregnancy related

normally approves the number of days

that the attending physician deems

necessary, not to exceed 30 days.

medical condition is

childbirth

normally approves 42 days. Note: If

member does not retain child,

convalescent leave guidance is provided

in AFMAN 41-210.

is treated in an

outpatient status

medical condition is

pregnancy related

normally approves the number of days

that the attending physician deems

necessary for the member’s or fetus’s

health and safety.

medical condition is not

pregnancy related

normally approves the number of days

that the attending physician deems

necessary, not to exceed 30 days.

is in inpatient status at

Air Force medical

facility

will be returning to the

medical facility as an

inpatient

Medical facility service chief or

department chairman normally approves

up to 30 days that the attending

physician deems necessary. Medical

facility commander may approve more

than 30 but less than 90 days. More

than 90 days requires Major Command

Chief of Aerospace Medicine

(MAJCOM/SGP) approval and National

Guard Bureau Surgeon General

(NGB/SG) for ANG. (T-3)

is a patient at an Army,

or Navy medical

facility, or at a

Veterans’ Affairs (VA)

hospital in inpatient

status at a civilian

medical facility when a

MTF is not available in

the area.

medical condition is not

pregnancy related

Army or Navy medical facility

commander or VA Director normally

approves up to 30 days that the

attending physician deems necessary.

Continued convalescent requires

additional medical review. (T-0)

elected medical

procedure at own

expense

Air Force physician

previously determined

member required the

medical procedure

normally approves the number of days

that the attending physician deems

necessary, not to exceed 30 days.

28 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

elected medical

procedure at own

expense

Air Force physician

previously determined

member did not require

the medical procedure

cannot approve. Note: Members take

ordinary leave to cover the period of

absence unless approved for

administrative absence pursuant to

reproductive health care policy in Table

4.3., Rule 25. The period of absence

includes the time actually spent as an

inpatient in a civilian hospital and any

convalescent period deemed necessary

by the attending physician.

paid for medical

procedure which Air

Force medical authority

determined member did

not require

is subsequently treated at

an Air Force medical

facility after experiencing

complications

normally approves the number of days

that the attending physician deems

necessary, not to exceed 30 days.

if member is a survivor

of a sexual assault

and has either a restricted

or an unrestricted report

may approve up to 30 days during the

member’s permanent duty station

assignment, with medical authority

recommendation; not all of which may

be used consecutively; instead, to be

used as needed by either male or female

Airmen and Guardians to authorize

convalescent leave to receive support or

allow time for recovery either locally or

outside the local area. Requests will be

made without jeopardizing the

confidentiality of the restricted report.

(T-3)

if the member is a

victim of adult

maltreatment

are being supported by the

Family Advocacy

Program

may approve up to 30 days during the

member’s permanent duty station

assignment, with medical authority

recommendation; not all of which may

be used consecutively; instead, to be

used as needed by either male or female

Airmen and Guardians to authorize

convalescent leave to receive support or

allow time for recovery.

4.2.2. Military Parental Leave Program. The MPLP authorizes 12 weeks of non-chargeable

leave to covered service members after a qualifying birth event, adoption of a minor child or

who have a minor child placed for adoption or long-term foster care with them to care for the

child. The 12 weeks will be authorized during the 1-year period following a qualifying event.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 29

4.2.2.1. Covered Members. AC service members, dual military couples, RC service

members performing Active Guard and Reserve duty or Full-time National Guard Duty

(FTNGD) for more than 12 months consecutively, and RC service members performing

duty under a call or order to active service for more than 12 months consecutively, referred

to collectively in this guidance as “members” are covered by this policy. Do not extend a

period of active service of a RC member for the sole purpose of taking leave under the

MPLP. (T-0)

4.2.2.2. Authorized Use.

4.2.2.2.1. Parental Leave for Birth. Members will be authorized parental leave for the

birth of their child and to care for the child. (T-0)

4.2.2.2.1.1. For the birth parent. 12 weeks of parental leave will be authorized

following a period of convalescence from childbirth as described in paragraph

4.2.1.3.2.1 - 4.2.1.3.2.4. (T-0)

4.2.2.2.1.2. For the non-birth parent, 12 weeks of parental leave will be authorized

during the 1-year period beginning no earlier than on the date of birth of the child.

If the child is born outside of marriage, the non-birth parent’s parentage of the child

must be established using the guidance in DAFI 36-3026V1, Volume 1,

Identification Cards for Members Of The Uniformed Services, Their Eligible

Family Members, And Other Eligible Personnel. (T-0)

4.2.2.2.2. Parental Leave for Adoption Placement or Adoption. Members will be

authorized parental leave following the date of placement of a minor child with the

member for adoption, or the date of adoption of a minor child by the member. (T-0)

4.2.2.2.2.1. A member will be authorized parental leave for either the placement

or finalized adoption, but not both, for the same child. (T-0)

4.2.2.2.2.2. If a member uses a surrogate and becomes the legal parent of a child,

the event will be treated as an adoption and each member will be authorized parental

leave. (T-0)

4.2.2.2.3. Parental Leave for Long-term Foster Care Placement. Members will be

authorized parental leave after the date of placement of a minor child with the member

for long-term foster care of the placed child. A member is not authorized an additional

12 weeks of parental leave when the placement of a minor child with the member for

long-term foster care is:

4.2.2.2.3.1. Converted to a placement for adoption with the member. (T-0)

4.2.2.2.3.2. Finalized as an adoption by the member of a minor child already

residing within the member’s household. (T-0)

4.2.2.3. Multiple Qualifying Events. Multiple qualifying events are subject to these

limitations.

4.2.2.3.1. Multiple qualifying events that do not occur within the same 72-hour period

will be treated as separate events for the allocation of parental leave. (T-0) Example:

A birth parent has two qualifying events separated by 50 days. The birth parent gives

birth to a child, and then a minor child is placed with the birth parent for adoption 50

30 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

days later. Specifically, in this example, the birth parent’s child is born on 1 January

and the birth parent is released from the hospital on 5 January to begin a period of

convalescent leave that ends on 4 February. On 5 February, the birth parent begins a

12-week period (i.e., 84 days) of parental leave. On 20 February, the birth parent adopts

a minor child. In this example, the birth parent used 15 days of parental leave between

the two events and has 69 days of unused parental leave from the birth of the child.

The birth parent is authorized an additional 15 days for the placement of the minor

child to be added to the 69 days remaining from the birth of the child. Any of these

days that the birth parent does not use within 1 year of the second event will be

forfeited. (T-0)

4.2.2.3.2. Multiple qualifying events occurring within the same 72-hour period will be

treated as a single event for the allocation of parental leave. Example: A member

adopts two children separated by 48 hours. In this example, the member is authorized

a total of 12 weeks (i.e., 84 days) of parental leave because the two adoptions are treated

as a single adoption. Any parental leave that the member does not use within 1 year of

the second adoption will be forfeited. (T-0)

4.2.2.3.3. In separate qualifying events, any new parental leave must run concurrently

with any pre-existing parental leave that has not expired or been used as of the date of

the new event. Example: A member adopts a minor child on 1 March and a minor

child is placed with the member for long-term foster care on 1 September. The member

used all 12 weeks (i.e., 84 days) of parental leave from the adoption before 1

September. In this example, the member is authorized an additional 12 weeks (i.e., 84

days) of parental leave for the placement of the minor child for long term foster care

because the member used all the parental leave from the adoption before the placement

event in September. Any parental leave of 12 weeks (i.e., 84 days) that the member

does not use within 1 year of the placement will be forfeited. (T-0)

4.2.2.4. Taking Parental Leave. Members may take parental leave in one continuous

period or in increments. Parental leave may be taken together with ordinary leave. (T-0)

4.2.2.4.1. Incremental Periods of Parental Leave. Parental leave may be taken in one

or more increments. Increments will be taken consistent with operational requirements.

(T-0)

4.2.2.4.1.1. Members choosing to take parental leave in more than one increment

must request such proposed leave in blocks of at least 7 days each for a maximum

of 12 increments and must submit such request within the timelines established by

normal unit procedures. If the commander disapproves the request, the member

may appeal the decision to the next level in the chain of command. (T-0)

4.2.2.4.1.2. Commanders are encouraged to approve requests for incremental

periods of parental leave. If the unit commander does not approve the taking of

incremental parental leave, they must allow the member to take the full 12 weeks

of parental leave in one continuous period. (T-0)

4.2.2.4.2. Combining Types of Leave. Members may take ordinary (i.e., chargeable)

leave in between increments of parental leave or consecutively with parental leave. No

particular order or sequence of such leave is required. (T-0)

DAFI36-3003  7 AUGUST 2024  31 
4.2.2.5.  Unused Parental Leave. 
4.2.2.5.1.  Any amount of parental leave remaining unused at the time of separation 
from active service will be forfeited.  Such forfeiture does not apply to a member who 
qualifies for Reserve Component Maternity Leave (RCML) as described in paragraph 
4.2.3.9 (T-0) 
4.2.2.5.2.  Parental  leave  may  not  be  transferred  to  create  a  shared  benefit,  even 
between members of a dual military couple. (T-0) 
4.2.2.5.3.  Parental leave that is not taken before the expiration of 1 year from the date 
of a birth of the child, adoption of a minor child, or placement of a minor child with the 
members for adoption or long-term foster care will be forfeited, unless paragraph 
4.2.2.6 applies. (T-0) 
4.2.2.5.4.  Any parental leave that this guidance authorizes for a RC member that is not 
taken by the time they are separated from active service will be forfeited unless such 
forfeiture does not apply as described in paragraph 4.2.2.5.1 in this guidance: (T-0) 
4.2.2.5.4.1.  The period of active service of a RC member may not be extended 
solely to permit them to take leave that this guidance authorizes. (T-0) 
4.2.2.5.4.2.  RC members will not be recalled to active service to use any category 
of leave, either singly or in combination, that this guidance authorizes. (T-0) 
4.2.2.5.5.  AC service members or RC members on active duty who are released from 
active duty, or who transition to the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve in an active 
status may be eligible for the RCML program as described in paragraph 4.2.3.9.1. 
(T-1) 
4.2.2.5.6.  To the extent they are otherwise eligible, covered service members who take 
maternity convalescent leave and parental leave may be authorized terminal leave. 
(T-0)  Guidance for terminal leave can be found in DoDI 1327.06 and the guidance for 
the sell back of leave can be found in DoD 7000.14, Volume 7A, Chapter 35. 
4.2.2.5.7.  If the placement of a minor child with the member for adoption or long-term 
foster care is terminated, any amount of parental leave remaining unused on the date of 
such termination will be forfeited.  Such forfeiture does not apply if the placement of 
the minor child for adoption or long-term foster care is finalized as an adoption by the 
member. (T-0) 
4.2.2.6.  Extension of the 1-Year Parental Leave Period. 
4.2.2.6.1.  A member is authorized to take parental leave after the 1-year period, if they 
would ordinarily lose unused parental leave at the end of the 1-year period because of 
one or more of these conditions: (T-0) 
4.2.2.6.1.1.  A member’s participation in a deployment and/or military exercise for 
a  consecutive  period  of  90  or  more  consecutive  days  within  the  1-year  period 
concerned. (T-0) 
4.2.2.6.1.1.1.  The deferment period will begin on the first day following the 
member’s post-deployment reintegration, recovery, and reconstitution. (T-3) 

32 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

4.2.2.6.1.1.2. Operationally deployed members must normally defer parental

leave until their deployment is completed. However, in exceptional and

compelling circumstances, a unit commander may approve parental leave if the

unit commander determines that the unit’s readiness will not be adversely

impacted. (T-0)

4.2.2.6.1.2. A member’s attendance at an in-residence professional military

education course for a consecutive period of 90 or more days within the 1-year

period concerned. (T-0)

4.2.2.6.1.3. A member’s execution of permanent change-of-station orders with

temporary duty en-route to a new permanent duty station, of 90 or more consecutive

days, that would interfere with the taking of parental leave within the 1-year period

concerned. (T-0)

4.2.2.6.1.4. A member conducted routine temporary duty away from the

permanent duty station for a consecutive period of 90 or more days within the 1-

year period. (T-0)

4.2.2.6.1.5. A member was hospitalized or in an in-patient status for 90 or more

consecutive days within the 1-year period concerned. (T-0)

4.2.2.6.1.6. A member serving on an unaccompanied tour for 90 days or more.

(T-0)

4.2.2.6.1.7. Secretary of the Air Force or designated representative may approve

other extenuating circumstances, on a case-by-case basis, that exceed a consecutive

period of 90 or more days within the 1-year period concerned. Requests due to

extenuating circumstances must be initiated by the unit through the member’s chain

of command via their servicing Military Personnel Section to AF/A1PA or

SF/S1PA. (T-1)

4.2.2.6.2. For such qualifying circumstances outlined in paragraph 4.2.2.6.1, the 1-

year period will be extended on a day-for-day basis based on the period of such

circumstance. (T-0) The extension will not exceed 2 years from the date of birth,

adoption or long-term fostering of the child. (T-3)

4.2.2.7. Non-Chargeable Leave for Surrogacy or Child Placed for Adoption. Non-

Chargeable Leave for Surrogacy or Child Placed for Adoption.

4.2.2.7.1. A member who either places their child for adoption or has their parental

rights terminated by consent or court order is not eligible for parental leave. However,

the member may be authorized convalescent leave as recommended by the DoD health

care provider in accordance with medical practice standards. (T-0)

4.2.2.7.2. A member whose spouse meets the conditions of paragraph 4.2.2.7.1 is not

authorized parental leave. (T-0)

4.2.2.8. Parental Leave Following a Stillbirth or Miscarriage.

4.2.2.8.1. Non-Chargeable Leave Following a Stillborn or Miscarriage. In cases when

a member experiences a stillbirth or miscarriage, neither the member nor their spouse

(if a member) is eligible for parental leave. However, the DoD health care provider

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 33

may recommend convalescent leave in accordance with medical practice standards or

may be authorized emergency leave. (T-0)

4.2.2.8.2. Leave Following Death of a Child. Parental leave eligibility, or the parental

leave, if started, terminates upon the death of the child, adopted child, or child placed

for adoption or long-term foster care. However, in such cases, members may be

transitioned to convalescent leave if recommended by a DoD health care provider in

accordance with medical practice standards or transitioned to types of leave such as

emergency leave or other types of leave as appropriate. (T-0)

4.2.2.9. Transitioning Primary and Secondary Caregivers to the Expanded MPLP.

4.2.2.9.1. Parental leave authorized by this guidance also applies to members who have

unused caregiver leave or maternity convalescent leave by 27 December 2022, if such

unused leave was authorized by the 23 March 2018, Under Secretary of Defense for

Personnel and Readiness memorandum. In such cases, the member is authorized a total

of 12 weeks of parental leave as described in paragraph 4.2.2.2, but the member’s unit

commander must approve the taking of this parental leave in accordance with

paragraph 4.2.2.4.1.2. All provisions in this guidance apply to such members. (T-0)

4.2.2.9.2. Any used caregiver leave of a member when combined with the parental

leave authorized by this guidance must not exceed a total of 12 weeks. A birth parent

who is in a maternity convalescent status as of 27 December 2022, is authorized to

continue in such a status until the birth parent completes the approved period of

maternity convalescent leave. Any maternity convalescent leave granted to a birth

parent by 27 December 2022, is assumed to meet the requirements for convalescent

leave authorized in this issuance. (T-0) Example 1: A service member designated as

the primary caregiver is granted 6 weeks of maternal convalescent leave following the

birth of a child. The service member completes 3 of the 6 weeks of maternal

convalescent leave and does not use any Caregiver Leave as of 27 December 2022,

would be eligible to transition into the new policy and take up to 12 weeks of parental

leave because they would have unused caregiver leave as of 27 December 2022.

Example 2: A service member designated as a secondary caregiver used 2 of the 3

weeks of caregiver leave as of 27 December 2022, would be eligible to transition into

the new policy and take up to 10 weeks of parental leave because they would have

unused caregiver leave as of 27 December 2022. Example 3: A service member

designated as the primary caregiver uses 5 of the 6 weeks of caregiver leave as of 27

December 2022, would be eligible to transition into the new policy and take up to 7

weeks of parental leave because they would have unused caregiver leave as of 27

December 2022.

4.2.2.9.3. Such leave that remains unused within 1 year of the qualifying event will be

forfeited unless paragraph 4.2.2.6 applies. (T-0)

4.2.3. RCML.

4.2.3.1. Eligible RC Members. For purposes of eligibility for RCML and its associated

benefits, a “covered member” is a member of the Ready Reserve of an RC in an actively

participating status who gives birth, and as of the date of a qualifying birth event:

34 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

4.2.3.2. Is a participating member of the Selected Reserve in good standing who is entitled

to receive inactive duty pay when attending or participating in periods of IDT either as a

member of a unit or individually; or,

4.2.3.3. Is a member of the Individual Ready Reserve who is entitled to receive inactive

duty pay when attending or participating in a sufficient number of periods of IDT over the

course of a year to count the year as a qualifying year of creditable service toward eligibility

for a non-regular retirement; and,

4.2.3.4. But for giving birth, would otherwise be required to, or would be scheduled to,

attend or participate in up to 12 periods of IDT as specified in paragraphs 4.2.3.1 – 4.2.3.3

of this instruction within 1 year following the date the member gives birth, or the member’s

remaining military service obligation, whichever is less.

4.2.3.5. Ineligible RC Members. RC members in the following categories or statuses are

not eligible for RCML or associated program benefits (T-0):

4.2.3.5.1. Members in the Retired Reserve in a retired status, members on the inactive

status list of an RC or assigned to the Standby Reserve, members of the Ready Reserve

(including the Individual Ready Reserve) who: (a) Are not entitled to inactive duty pay

when performing IDT; or (b) May be entitled to such pay, but only as a result of

performing IDT on an occasional or sporadic basis, and whose performance of IDT

over the course of a year would be insufficient to be counted as a qualifying year of

creditable service toward eligibility for a non-regular retirement.

4.2.3.5.2. Members in the Selected Reserve who were dropped from the roles

according to the guidance in DAFI 36-3211, Military Separations, paragraph 8.46.7.

4.2.3.6. RCML Program Parameters.

4.2.3.6.1. Conditions for Entitlement to RCML.

4.2.3.6.1.1. Is limited to a covered service member who gives birth, defined as the

parent following a qualifying birth event. (T-0)

4.2.3.6.1.2. Is limited to covered service members who are not on active duty, as

that term is defined in Section 101(18) of Title 37, USC, and are not entitled to

basic pay during any RCML period taken by the covered member. (T-0)

4.2.3.6.1.3. Must be used within 1 year following the date of a qualifying birth

event. (T-0)

4.2.3.6.1.4. May not be taken for any IDT period for which RCML may otherwise

be authorized, but for which the IDT period is rescheduled or excused. (T-0)

4.2.3.6.1.5. Must be taken in increments equivalent to a 4-hour IDT period of

which a maximum of two such increments may be taken per day. Each such 4-hour

increment will constitute an “RCML period.” (T-0)

4.2.3.6.1.6. May be taken in multiple non-consecutive segments (e.g., in non-

consecutive months). However, if taken in segments that are not consecutive, each

segment must consist of a minimum of two RCML periods. (T-0)

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 35

4.2.3.6.1.7. May not exceed 12 RCML periods or, if fewer than 12, the number of

IDT periods at which a covered member was otherwise required or scheduled to

attend or participate (and for which the member was entitled to receive inactive

duty pay and retirement points) within the 12 months following the date of a

qualifying birth event. (T-0)

4.2.3.6.1.8. May not be disapproved by a commander if taken during the IDT

periods occurring within the first 3 months following the date of a qualifying birth

event. However, commanders may disapprove RCML due to operational

requirements and training workloads if it is requested outside these 3 months. (T-0)

4.2.3.6.1.9. In disapproving RCML, commanders will take into consideration the

member’s health (including any health effects related to their recovery from

childbirth), whether the member’s health impacts their ability to safely return to

military duty and will propose alternate dates for which the member may take

RCML. (T-0)

4.2.3.6.1.10. In no case will commanders establish limitations on scheduling

RCML that would cause covered members to forfeit one or more periods of the

leave. (T-0)

4.2.3.6.1.11. May not be transferred to create any kind of shared benefit. (T-0)

4.2.3.6.2. Treatment of Periods of RCML.

4.2.3.6.2.1. A period of RCML taken by a covered member will count toward

meeting the minimum requirements for achieving a satisfactory year of

participation in the Ready Reserve by the member. (T-0) Guidance is provided in

DoDI 1215.13, Ready Reserve Member Participation Policy, (i.e., it will not be

treated as an unexcused absence).

4.2.3.6.2.2. The associated retirement point credited for each period of RCML

taken by a covered service member will count toward the minimum 50 retirement

points necessary to achieve a qualifying year of creditable service for non-regular

retirement. (T-0) Guidance can be found in DoDI 1215.07, Service Credit for Non-

Regular Retirement.

4.2.3.7. RCML Benefits.

4.2.3.7.1. Inactive Duty Pay. A covered service member is entitled to compensation

at the rate of 1/30 of the basic pay authorized for a service member entitled to basic pay

in accordance with Section 204 of Title 37, Entitlement, of a corresponding grade and

longevity (as computed for purposes of entitlement to basic pay) for each period, not

to exceed 12 periods, during which the covered member is on RCML.

4.2.3.7.2. Special and Incentive Pay(s) and Bonuses. Subject to the laws, regulations,

and policies governing a specific special or incentive pay or bonus (including

provisions governing payment of such pays or bonuses to service members during

periods while they are on leave), a covered service member is entitled to payment of

any special or incentive pay or bonus during each period of RCML, not to exceed 12

periods, that they would have otherwise been entitled to receive while attending or

participating in IDT periods had they not been on RCML.

36 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

4.2.3.7.3. Retirement Points. For each paid period of paternal leave used, the RC

members will accumulate one retirement point. Covered RC member who gives birth

will be granted a maximum of 12 paid periods within the 12 months following a birth.

In addition to the 12 paid periods birth parents are authorized an additional 4 unpaid

period absences that can be rescheduled as appropriate. (T-0)

4.2.3.7.4. Commanders will place eligible RC members in a parental leave status,

excusing them from attending IDT in accordance with this guidance. Eligible RC

members will receive compensation and retirement points only for regularly scheduled

IDT that fall within the authorized parental leave period. (T-0)

4.2.3.7.5. Other Forms of Military Compensation and Benefits. RCML does not

confer entitlement to any form of military pay, allowance, or other benefit not expressly

provided for by Directive-type Memorandum 22-004, Reserve Component Maternity

Leave Program.

4.2.3.8. RCML As it Relates to Surrogacy.

4.2.3.8.1. In cases where a Military Service allows its members to act as surrogates,

RCML following a qualifying birth event is authorized for covered service members

who act as surrogates.

4.2.3.8.2. In cases where a covered service member uses a surrogate, and the member

becomes the legal parent or guardian of the child, the event will be treated as an

adoption, and the member will not be entitled to RCML. (T-0)

4.2.3.9. Special Rule for RC Members Who Give Birth While on Active Duty.

4.2.3.9.1. Transitioning Service Members Who are Eligible for MPLP. The following

may apply to RC members on active duty who are released from active duty, or regular

Component service members who transition to the Selected Reserve of the Ready

Reserve in an active status.

4.2.3.9.2. Such service members must be eligible for parental leave under the MPLP

as defined in the 23 March 2018, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and

Readiness memorandum, and have parental leave remaining unused at the time of

release or separation from active duty. They will receive a proportionate amount of

RCML as described in paragraph 4.2.3.9.2.2 of this instruction if the following

conditions are met:

4.2.3.9.2.1. The member who gives birth is the birth parent. (T-0)

4.2.3.9.2.2. The member at the time of separation or release from active duty (or

within 3 months following the date of separation or release) is affiliated with the

Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve in an actively participating status and is

required or scheduled to attend or participate in up to 12 periods of IDT, either as a

member of a unit or individually, within the 12 months following the date of the

MPLP qualifying birth event. (T-0)

4.2.3.9.2.3. The member is not ineligible for RCML as described in paragraph

4.2.3.5 of this attachment. (T-0)

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 37

4.2.3.9.2.4. The proportionate RCML period(s) that represent the unused parental

leave are used within 1 year of the date the member gave birth while on active duty.

Any unused RCML remaining at the end of the 1-year period will be forfeited.

(T-0)

4.2.3.9.3. Qualified members will be eligible for one period of RCML for each full

week of unused parental leave under the MPLP. For example, a member with 6 weeks

of MPLP parental leave remaining unused as of the date of release or separation from

active duty would be eligible for a maximum of six periods of RCML. (T-0)

4.2.3.9.4. Transitioning RC Members on Active Duty Who Are Ineligible for MPLP.

service members on active duty who transition to the Selected Reserve of the Ready

Reserve in an actively participating status and who, while on active duty, gave birth,

but were not eligible for parental leave under the MPLP may be eligible for RCML for

a qualifying birth event (as defined by this instruction if the conditions in paragraphs

4.2.3.9.1 - 4.2.3.9.4 are met.

4.2.3.9.5. Other. Eligibility, or the leave itself if started, will continue even if the

parental rights are immediately terminated and the baby is given up for adoption, or a

live birth followed shortly thereafter by the death of the baby, stillbirth, or late term

miscarriage (i.e., a stillbirth or late term miscarriage that occurs at or after 20

gestational weeks) of a child(ren) to an RC covered member who is the parent who

gives birth for emotional recovery and well-being (non-chargeable) in consultation

with medical providers. (T-0) Guidance can be found in AFMAN 41-210 and DoDI

1327.06.

4.2.3.9.6. Multiple births resulting from a single pregnancy (e.g., twins or triplets) will

be treated as a single birth event so long as the multiple births occur within the same

72-hour period. Multiple births that do not occur within the same 72-hour period will

be treated as separate birth events (in this case, however, any new periods of RCML

must run concurrently with any pre-existing period(s) of such leave that have not

expired or been used as of the date of the new birth event). (T-0)

4.2.3.9.7. Federal Civilian Employees. A Federal civilian employee who is a member

of a RC, including dual-status Military Technicians as defined in Section 10216(a)(1)

of Title 10, USC, and who also meets the requirements to be considered a covered

member in accordance with paragraph 4.2.3.1 of this attachment may, as appropriate,

receive both RCML and any form of Federal civilian parental leave.

4.2.3.10. Unused RCML. Any amount of RCML will be forfeited if it remains unused:

4.2.3.10.1. One year after the date of a qualifying birth event. (T-0)

4.2.3.10.2. At the time of separation from the Department of the Air Force. (T-0)

4.2.3.10.3. At the time of transfer from an eligible RC category or status to an

ineligible Category or status (including transfer to the Standby Reserve, any other non-

pay status, or the Retired Reserve with or without entitlement to retired pay) (T-0); or

4.2.3.10.4. The commencement of an active-duty period that is at least 30 calendar

days. (T-0)

38 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

4.2.4. Bereavement Leave. The loss of a spouse or child has detrimental effects on a member’s

ability to perform assigned duties. Guidance in section 701(l) of Title 10, USC, authorizes a

member who experiences such a loss will be allowed up to 14 days of leave to be used in

connection with the death of a spouse or child. A member with less than 30 days of accrued

ordinary leave may be authorized bereavement leave for this purpose. (T-0)

4.2.4.1. Retroactive Period. A member whose spouse or child died on or after 25 June

2022, and before the publication date of DTM 23-003, Bereavement Leave for Service

Members, and who was charged leave in connection with such death, may request such

leave be restored if the member would have been eligible for bereavement leave as

described in this guidance and the member has not separated (includes transfer to the Fleet

Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve) or retired from active service before the effective

date of this guidance. (T-0) Impacted service members will work with their Commander

Support Staff (CSS) to submit a request to the local finance office to have the leave

restored. (T-1)

4.2.4.2. Covered Members. AC service members, RC service members performing active

Guard and Reserve duty or full-time National Guard Duty for longer than 12 months

consecutively, and RC service members performing duty under a call or order to active

service for more than 12 months consecutively are covered by this policy. (T-0)

4.2.4.3. Authority to Grant Bereavement Leave. Authority to grant bereavement leave

will be extended to unit commanders. Swift and sensitive action on bereavement leave

requests will be made to avoid additional stress on the member and their family. (T-0)

4.2.4.4. Eligibility.

4.2.4.4.1. A member whose spouse or child dies on or after 25 June 2022 and has fewer

than 30 days of accrued ordinary leave on the date of such death is eligible for

bereavement leave. Bereavement leave is non-chargeable leave. (T-0)

4.2.4.4.2. A member whose spouse or child dies on or after 25 June 2022 and who has

30 or more days of accrued ordinary leave on the date of such death is eligible for

bereavement leave once their accrued ordinary leave is less than 30 days. (T-0)

4.2.4.5. Allocation of Bereavement Leave. Members shall be authorized up to 14

consecutive days of bereavement leave, based on the member’s request, to be used in

connection with the death of their spouse or child. (T-0)

4.2.4.6. Period of Bereavement. The period of bereavement is the timeframe in which a

member may take bereavement leave. The period of bereavement begins on the date of

death of the spouse or child and ends on the date that is no later than 14 consecutive days

after the deceased person’s funeral, burial, or memorial service, whichever occurs last.

(T-0)

4.2.4.6.1. The Secretary of the Air Force or designated representative may extend the

period of bereavement due to operational requirements or other extenuating

circumstances.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 39

4.2.4.6.2. Written requests for extending the period of bereavement due to operational

requirements or other extenuating circumstances must be initiated by the unit through

the member’s chain of command via their servicing Military Personnel Section to

AF/A1PA or SF/S1PA. (T-1)

4.2.4.7. Leave in Connection With The Death of a Spouse or Child.

4.2.4.7.1. General Provisions. Members will be afforded the opportunity to take up to

14 days of leave in connection with the death of a spouse or child, consistent with

operational requirements. Additionally, chargeable leave may be authorized. (T-0)

4.2.4.7.2. Bereavement Leave. Eligible members may be authorized up to 14 days of

bereavement leave, to be taken in one increment of consecutive calendar days, during

the period of bereavement described in paragraph 4.2.4.6 of this guidance. A member

who initially requests and is authorized less than 14 consecutive days of bereavement

leave may be authorized to extend the period of bereavement leave up to 14 consecutive

days, so long as all the bereavement leave is taken in one increment. (T-0)

4.2.4.7.3. Other Leave in Addition to Bereavement Leave. Bereavement leave may be

authorized in combination with chargeable leave (e.g., emergency leave, ordinary

leave, and advance leave) and other types of non-chargeable leave (e.g., convalescent

leave and emergency leave of absence). When more than one type of leave is

authorized, bereavement leave does not need to be taken prior to using other types of

leave but, unlike other types of leave, bereavement leave must be used during the period

of bereavement described in paragraph 4.2.4.6 of this guidance. (T-0)

4.2.4.7.4. Transition From Chargeable Leave to Bereavement Leave. During the

period of bereavement, a member with 30 or more days of accrued ordinary leave who

is authorized to take chargeable leave (e.g., emergency leave) will be charged leave

until such point that the member’s accrued ordinary leave is less than 30 days. Up to

14 consecutive days of bereavement leave may be authorized to begin after such point.

(T-0)

4.2.4.8. Limitations.

4.2.4.8.1. Absent an exception due to operational requirements or other extenuating

circumstances, a member will not be authorized bereavement leave for a period that

extends past the end of the period of bereavement. (T-0)

4.2.4.8.2. A member will not be extended on, or recalled back to, active service solely

to permit the member to be authorized bereavement leave. (T-0)

4.2.4.8.3. A member will not be authorized bereavement leave in connection with the

death of a person who is not their spouse or child but may be authorized other forms of

leave. (T-0)

4.2.4.8.4. A member will not be authorized bereavement leave in connection with a

stillbirth or miscarriage, but may be authorized other forms of leave. (T-0)

4.2.4.8.5. A member whose misconduct resulted in the death of his or her spouse or

child will not be authorized bereavement leave. (T-0)

40  DAFI36-3003  7 AUGUST 2024 
4.2.4.9.  Validation  of  Spouse  or  Child’s  Death.    Unit  commanders  may  consider  a 
member’s self-certification of the death of their spouse or child to approve a request for 
bereavement leave.  Unit commanders will require the member to provide administratively 
acceptable documentation within 30 calendar days after returning to duty.  If the member 
fails  to  provide  the  required  documentation, the  unit  commander will  direct  that their 
ordinary leave account be reduced by the number of days of bereavement leave taken. (T-0) 
4.2.5.  PTDY.  This section describes PTDY, an administrative absence for which funded TDY 
is not proper.  PTDY is non-chargeable leave of absence; commanders should not grant PTDY 
solely because the unit lacks official TDY funds. 
4.2.5.1.  General Information. PTDY is an authorized absence limited to reasons in Table 
4.3 below.  Unit commanders may not authorize PTDY in place of leave or special pass 
nor in conjunction with special passes, or for reasons in paragraph 4.2.5.6. 
4.2.5.2.  Commander PTDY Approval. 
4.2.5.2.1.  Ensure the reason for PTDY is outlined in the specific rules in Table 4.3. 
4.2.5.2.2.  Do not approve PTDY to conduct official business for which funded TDY 
is appropriate. 
4.2.5.2.3.  Do not authorize PTDY in place of leave or special pass, or in conjunction 
with a special pass. 
4.2.5.2.4.  Judiciously approve PTDY consistent with organizational mission needs and 
the actual time necessary to complete the PTDY. 
4.2.5.2.5.  May authorize PTDY in conjunction with  ordinary  leave.  This requires 
separate LeaveWeb update or DAF Form 988.  The ordinary leave start date must begin 
the next calendar day after termination of PTDY.  If ordinary leave is taken prior to 
PTDY, the  end date  must  be  the  calendar day prior  to the  PTDY start  date.    The 
combination of leaves will serve as one leave period. (T-1) 
4.2.5.2.6.  May authorize PTDY with TDY.  This requires a DAF Form 988. 
4.2.5.2.7.  Charge leave for any additional absence beyond the approved PTDY. 
4.2.5.2.8.  May  deny  PTDY  requests  without  referring  them  to  higher-level 
headquarters. 
4.2.5.2.9.  Do not grant PTDY for reasons in paragraph 4.2.5.6. 
4.2.5.2.10.  Unit  commanders  may  delegate  approval  authority  to  no  lower  than 
deputies or equivalents. 
4.2.5.2.11.  HAF DCS  may delegate approval to no lower  than  deputy directors or 
equivalents. 
4.2.5.2.12.  When a specific time period is provided for in Table 4.3. 
4.2.5.2.12.1.  Unit commanders (or equivalents) may approve the period of PTDY 
up to that specified in the table. 
   

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 41

4.2.5.2.12.2. Commanders at all levels are not authorized to approve PTDY in

excess of that allowed by Table 4.3.

4.2.5.2.13. When a specific time period is not provided for in Table 4.3.

4.2.5.2.13.1. Squadron commanders or equivalent commanders on G-series orders

are authorized to approve, when the period of absence is 10 days or less.

4.2.5.2.13.2. Wing commanders or equivalent commanders in the grade of colonel

and above are authorized to approve, when the period of absence is 30 days or less.

They may delegate the approval authority to the squadron commander level for

requests for transition PTDY or excess leave together with involuntary or voluntary

separation.

4.2.5.2.13.3. Commander, Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC/CC) is delegated

Service Secretary authority to approve PTDY exceeding 30 days. Send requests

with supporting documentation to AFPC, Special Programs Branch

(AFPC/DP3SA), 550 C Street West, JBSA - Randolph, TX 78150 or email to

[email protected].

4.2.5.3. Exceptions to Policy. Only the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of

Defense, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness may approve exceptions

or waivers. (T-0) A request for waiver or exception to policy must be submitted through

respective chains of command through AFPC and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower,

Personnel and Services (AF/A1). (T-1) The request for exception or waiver may be

disapproved at any level. Exceptions or waivers include:

4.2.5.3.1. Requests for extension to authorized PTDY limits for rules outlined in Table

4.3. Barring extraordinary circumstances, these should normally be disapproved.

4.2.5.3.2. If commanders believe a requested PTDY falls within the criteria provided

by DoDI 1327.06, but is not addressed within the rule set in Table 4.3, then the

Exception to Policy request must clearly detail which DoDI criteria apply to the

requested PTDY. AF/A1PA will make a determination of compliance with DoDI

guidance, or forward for Office of the Secretary of Defense consideration if applicable.

(T-1)

4.2.5.4. PTDY or Duty Status. Unit commanders account for member’s PTDY for non-

duty days when they are on PTDY before and after non-duty days, including holidays.

4.2.5.5. The following table explains authorized PTDY.

42 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

Table 4.3. Authorizing Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY).

If a member requests

PTDY

Then

Comments

for traveling to or in

the vicinity of a new

permanent duty station to

secure off-base housing, with

a TDY en route, or when

authorized to relocate family

members to a designated place

en route to or returning from

an overseas-unaccompanied

tour. (This includes

separatees under Air Force

Reserve Officers’ Training

Corps (AFROTC) programs

to secure housing in the

vicinity of the institution they

will attend).

losing or gaining unit

commander may

approve up to 10 days.

(1) Member must have formal assignment

notification. (T-3) (2) Advise member to report to

the base Housing Office before entering into any

rental, lease, or purchase agreement for off-base

housing. (3) Member must take PTDY days

consecutively. (T-3) (4) Member is authorized

PTDY under this rule to procure housing prior to

permanent change of station or upon arrival to new

duty station, but not both. (5) Ensure the member

completes their in-processing and travel voucher

prior to starting house hunting at the new duty

station.

for a pre-separation or

retirement relocation activity

such as job or residence search

and

is eligible under a: (1)

Voluntary separation due to a

force reduction or force

shaping program. (2)

Transition by a member who

is retiring (including disability

retirements). (3) Involuntary

separation under honorable

conditions. Example: Service

members denied reenlistment

or separated due to a

disability.

Losing unit commander

may approve up to 20

days for Continental US

(CONUS) based

members and up to 30

days for members

stationed (OCONUS),

unless to do so would

interfere with the

military mission. Note:

Members who are

involuntary separated

under honorable

conditions are

authorized PTDY not to

exceed 10 days.

(1) Commanders cannot authorize terminal leave to

“for cause” separatees authorized PTDY or other

involuntary separatees required to separate at the

earliest possible date. (2) PTDY occurs within 180

days of the separation or retirement date. (3)

Members may take PTDY: (a) In increments up to

the maximum permitted, but not successive

Mondays through Fridays. (b) taken prior to

terminal leave. (c) As requests that require final

processing in CONUS or that qualify as a stand-

alone round trip. (4) Air Reserve Component

(ARC) members who are completing an extended

military personnel appropriation or reserve

personnel appropriation tour of duty, completing an

Air Guard Reserve assignment (without qualifying

for a 20- year active duty retirement) and returning

to Selected Reserves or Individual Ready Reserve

status, or separating from active duty to

subsequently transfer to the Retired Reserve, are not

authorized PTDY. However, Recalled Reserve

members are eligible when retiring with an active

duty retirement or involuntarily separated “under

honorable” conditions. (5) Approve requests when

members lived in Alaska, Hawaii, the

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, territory, or foreign

country and after entering active duty they kept the

overseas address for the duration and want to return

there. (6) Member can request PTDY in lieu of

excess leave, but not both, if eligible.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 43

If a member requests

PTDY

Then

Comments

for a pre-separation or

retirement relocation activity

such as job or residence search

and

is eligible under a: (1)

Voluntary separation due to a

force reduction or force

shaping program. (2)

Transition by a member who

is retiring (including disability

retirements). (3) Involuntary

separation under honorable

conditions. Example: Service

members denied reenlistment

or separated due to a

disability.

losing unit commander

may approve up to 30

days for CONUS-based

members who have

(OCONUS) domiciles,

unless to do so would

interfere with the

military mission. Note:

Members who are

involuntary separated

under honorable

conditions are

authorized PTDY not to

exceed 10 days.

(1) Commanders cannot authorize terminal leave to

“for cause” separatees authorized PTDY or other

involuntary separatees required to separate at the

earliest possible date. (2) PTDY occurs within 180

days of the separation or retirement date. (3)

Members may take PTDY: (a) In increments up to

the maximum permitted, but not successive

Mondays through Fridays. (b) Taken prior to

terminal leave. (c) As requests that require final

processing in CONUS or that qualify as a stand-

alone round trip. (4) ARC members who are

completing an extended military personnel

appropriation or reserve personnel appropriation

tour of duty, completing an Air Guard Reserve

assignment (without qualifying for a 20- year active

duty retirement) and returning to Selected Reserves

or Individual Ready Reserve status, or separating

from active duty to subsequently transfer to the

Retired Reserve, are not authorized PTDY.

However, Recalled Reserve members are eligible

when retiring with an active duty retirement or

involuntarily separated “under honorable”

conditions. (5) Approve requests when members

lived in Alaska, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of

Puerto Rico, territory, or foreign country and after

entering active duty they kept the overseas address

for the duration and want to return there. (6)

Member can request PTDY in lieu of excess leave,

but not both, if eligible.

to accompany or join a

dependent patient or a

member patient to a

designated medical facility

when the medical authority

deems it essential

unit commander may

approve up to 14 days.

Do not authorize PTDY if funded TDY is

appropriate. (T-0) This applies if medical authority

appointed member as a non-medical attendant to

accompany a dependent. See JTR, Chapter 3, Part

D, Medical Travel, AFI 65-103 and AFMAN 41-

210, for more information.

to attend a DoD-sponsored

employment assistance

seminar under Transition

Assistance Program when the

service member cannot

schedule one locally and when

the service member will

separate or retire within 365

days

unit commanders may

approve at their

discretion.

Applies to members eligible for transition

assistance. Guidance can be found in DAFI 36-

3009, Military and Family Readiness Centers.

44 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

If a member requests

PTDY

Then

Comments

to attend meetings or seminars

sponsored by elements of the

Department of the Air Force,

inter-Service organizations, or

DoD, or to participate in

regional, national, or

international sports events

pre-approved by Air Force

Services Center, Fitness

Branch (AFSVA/VMSE).

Approved events include

specifically listed AF/Armed

Forces Sports Calendar sports,

Conseil International du Sport

Militaire (CISM-International

Sports Council) supported

sports, and official Olympic

sports.

unit commanders may

approve at their

discretion.

(1) AFSVA oversees and controls sports, recreation,

and talent events. (2) Coordinate with the local

Force Support Squadron (FSS) division before

approving the request. (T-2) Exception: For events

exceeding 30 days, Air Force Services Center

(AFSVA) may approve up to the length of events,

plus travel time.

Members can contact Air Force Services Activity,

Operations Directorate, Sports and Fitness Branch

(AFSVA/VMSE), at DSN 969-7699 or commercial

(210) 977-7699 with any questions.

for attendance as a witness at

a state or federal criminal

investigative proceeding or

criminal prosecution, in

response to a subpoena,

summons, or request in lieu of

process. Note: Such

attendance involves

unit commanders may

approve at their

discretion.

Coordinate with installation servicing legal office.

(T-3)

46 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

If a member requests

PTDY

Then

Comments

substantial public interest,

such as major crimes, and

where the member would be

an essential witness.

as an organ or bone marrow

donor to travel to and from a

medical facility

unit commanders may

approve at their

discretion.

Place the member in an in-patient status when

admitted to the medical facility, and on convalescent

leave. (T-1) (See AFI 44-102, Medical Care

Management.)

to participate in events,

activities, or gatherings which

have been pre-approved by

AF Recruiting Services

(AFRS) commander because

of potential positive impact on

the Air Force recruiting

mission as part of the WEAR

and Recruiter Assistance

Program (RAP)

unit commander may

approve up to 14 days.

AFRS oversees and controls We Are All Recruiters

(WEAR).

(T-2)

Note: AFRS oversees RAP. For assistance, contact

the local recruiting squadron and request a copy of

the RAP Operations Handbook for detailed

instructions.

to travel to a DoD

Laser Center for Refractive

Surgery, including Laser-In-

Situ-Keratomileusis (LASIK)

or Photorefractive

Keratectomy (PRK)

unit commanders may

approve at their

discretion.

1) Military personnel who are approved by their

local medical facility as candidates to have

Refractive Surgery (RS) performed for operational

readiness enhancement at a DoD Laser Center. (2)

After undergoing RS, there is an average of 1-week

convalescence before the individual returns to work.

This period is not chargeable leave (Reference

paragraph 4.2.1.) (3) Normal duties may be limited

for 1 to 2 weeks depending upon the specific vision

requirements of the duty location. Exception: If the

DoD Laser Center is unable to complete the process

on both eyes, then the commander may grant

additional days of PTDY to return to the DoD Laser

Center to complete process.

(1) to attend funeral

services of an immediate

family member who is also on

active duty; (2) to actively

participate in funeral services

of another military member

(e.g., pallbearer, bugler, etc.);

or (3) to attend funeral

services when the deceased is

a military member currently

assigned or temporarily

attached to the same unit.

unit commanders may

approve at their

discretion.

The intent of this PTDY is for the purposes of

Wingman representation at military funeral

services. Members assigned OCONUS are granted

emergency leave and provided government

procured transportation (See JTR, paragraph

032005B). See paragraph 3.2.3. and Table 3.3 for

situations warranting emergency leave. If a member

is OCONUS and receives funded emergency leave,

PTDY is not authorized. Commanders should not

approve both forms of travel concurrently.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 47

If a member requests

PTDY

Then

Comments

to obtain a legal marriage

OCONUS

unit commanders may

approve up to 10 days

for members assigned to

an OCONUS duty

station located more than

100 miles from a US

state, the District of

Columbia or another

jurisdiction that allows

the couple to be married.

The 10-day period

includes up to a

maximum of 5 days for

travel. The total number

of days will be based on

travel time plus the

waiting period. *See

Note in column C.

1) When two service members are a couple and

desire to get married, both members may be granted

PTDY; (2) Each member may be granted the

applicable number of days based on his or her

individual assignment location; (3) Extensions of

this PTDY period, for the convenience of the

Service member(s), will be charged to the member’s

leave account; (4) Marriage PTDY may be granted

only once during the career of a service member; (5)

If a unit commander intends to deny Marriage

PTDY, he/she should coordinate with the next

senior commander in the chain of command. *Note:

Wait time to obtain a marriage license and/or

required wait time after the license is obtained but

before the marriage may be performed required by

law, to obtain a legal marriage from the jurisdiction

nearest the duty assignment location).

to be the presiding official for

a military retirement

ceremony.

unit commander may

approve up to 3 days.

(1) Mere attendance is not considered participation;

the member must be officiating the ceremony. (T-0)

(2) Participation is limited to one presiding official

per retirement ceremony. (T-0)

to support and/or participate in

youth organization activities

consistent with the best

interests of the DAF and as

mission permits.

unit commanders may

approve at their

discretion.

If approved, PTDY travel is limited to travel in

support of the Jamboree and similar annual events

held by the other youth organizations listed in 5

USC § 301, Departmental Regulations. (T-0)

To participate in the

SkillBridge Program, which

offers service members in the

last 180 days of their service

obligation the opportunity for

civilian training for post-

Service employment and

facilitating their access to

civilian employment upon

transition.

DoDI 1322.29, Job Training,

Employment Skills Training,

Apprenticeships, and

Internships (JTEST-AI) for

Eligible Service Members and

DAFI 36-2670, SkillBridge,

paragraph 6.10

when mission permits,

unit commanders may

judiciously approve up

to 180 days for

SkillBridge training.

PTDY dates and number

of days must match the

commander-approved

SkillBridge application.

(T-1) Note: Ideally,

SkillBridge Programs

are 120 days or less.

(1) Member and commander must follow

SkillBridge policy in DAFI 36-2670, Total Force

Development, para 6.10. (T-1) (2) Ordinary and

terminal leave may be used in conjunction with

SkillBridge PTDY, but all combined dates must be

within 180 days from separation or retirement. (T-1)

(3) PTDY for House Hunting may be used

consecutively with a PTDY for SkillBridge .(4)

Members will upload their approved AFVEC

SkillBridge application in LeaveWeb as the PTDY

source document. (T-1) Note: Service members

cannot separate or retire in a SkillBridge PTDY

status.

48 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

If a member requests

PTDY

Then

Comments

For fertility treatments

commanders may

authorize up to 35

Permissive Temporary

Duty (PTDY) days

during the member’s

permanent duty station

assignment, not all of

which must be used

consecutively; instead,

the days are to be used as

needed and as

recommended by

medical authority for

both male and female

Airmen and Guardians,

who are participating in

a fertility treatment

program at a military

medical treatment

facility (MTF).

This 35-day period should be divided into separate

PTDYs as deemed appropriate by medical

authorities. Members are required to notify their

commands with documentation from medical

authorities detailing the duration of the treatments

and the potential dates for medical procedures. (T-1)

Note: This rule is used for treatments at a MTF.

Non-Covered Reproductive

Health Care

Commanders may

authorize up to 21

administrative absence

days for both male and

female service members

to receive, or accompany

a dependent receiving,

non-covered

reproductive health care.

The period of absence

must be limited to the

minimum number of

days required to receive

such care and for round-

trip travel between the

duty location and

medical facility where

the care is received by

the most expeditious

means of transportation

practicable. (T-0)

If a member receives funded travel, then

administrative absence is not authorized. Note: 1.)

For non-local treatment, the service member will

determine if they request travel on TDY orders or

request an administrative absence. ARC members

must be on active duty orders for 30 or more

consecutive days to be eligible. (T-1) 2.) whether or

not it is available within the local area of their duty

location. Administrative absence days are non-

chargeable leave.

Parental Leave – Child by

birth

Unit commanders will

approve up to 12 weeks

and the leave must be

taken within one year of

qualifying birth,

Parental Leave for the birth of a child is non-

chargeable leave. However, until the LeaveWeb

system can create the appropriate category use this

rule when approving the leave. See paragraph

4.2.2.2.1 for additional guidance.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 49

If a member requests

PTDY

Then

Comments

adoption of a minor

child or placement of a

minor child for adoption

or long-term foster care.

(T-0)

Parental Leave -Adoption

Unit commanders will

approve up to 12 weeks

and the leave must be

taken within one year of

qualifying birth,

adoption of a minor

child, or placement of a

minor child for adoption

or long-term foster care.

(T-0)

Parental Leave for the adoption of a child is non-

chargeable leave. Until the LeaveWeb system can

create the appropriate category, use this rule when

approving the leave. See paragraph 4.2.2.2.2 for

additional guidance. (T-0)

Parental Leave – Foster

Placement

Unit commanders will

approve up to 12 weeks

and the leave must be

taken within one year of

qualifying birth,

adoption of a minor

child, or placement of a

minor child for adoption

or long-term foster care.

(T-0)

Parental Leave for the adoption of a child is non-

chargeable leave. Until the LeaveWeb system can

create the appropriate category, use this rule when

approving the leave. See paragraph 4.2.2.2.3 for

additional guidance. (T-0)

Bereavement Leave - Spouse

Unit commanders may

approve up to 14 days

for a member who has

fewer than 30 days of

accrued ordinary leave.

(T-0)

Bereavement Leave for the death of a spouse is non-

chargeable leave. Until the LeaveWeb system can

create the appropriate category, use this rule when

approving the leave. See paragraph 4.2.4 for

additional guidance. (T-0)

Bereavement Leave - Child

Unit commanders may

approve up to 14 days

for a member who has

fewer than 30 days of

accrued ordinary leave.

(T-0)

Bereavement Leave for the death of a child is non-

chargeable leave. Until the LeaveWeb system can

create the appropriate category, use this rule when

approving the leave. See paragraph 4.2.4 for

additional guidance. (T-0)

Emergency Leave of Absence

(ELA)

unit commanders may

authorize a period of no

more than 14

consecutive days.

ELA is non-chargeable leave. However, until the

LeaveWeb system can create the appropriate

category use this rule when approving the leave.

See paragraph 4.2.6 for additional guidance.

4.2.5.6. PTDY Not Authorized. Unit commander cannot authorize PTDY if a member

requests PTDY to (this list is not all-inclusive):

4.2.5.6.1. Search for a house or search for a job when the separation program

designator code renders member ineligible for full benefits and services, (for example,

50 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

a member voluntarily separating for miscellaneous reasons or on completion of

required active service).

4.2.5.6.2. Search for a house, under the following circumstances:

4.2.5.6.2.1. For a close proximity permanent change of station move, such as Joint

Base San Antonio, TX and Lackland Air Force Base, TX.

4.2.5.6.2.2. In conjunction with a permissive reassignment.

4.2.5.6.2.3. When called to active duty for accession training. This applies to

members in the ARC.

4.2.5.6.2.4. At initial assignment for accession training.

4.2.5.6.2.5. If the member already has housing in the area (e.g., from a previous

assignment) unless the house is currently rented or leased and not available upon

the member’s permanent change of station.

4.2.5.6.3. Travel to interview at new or prospective duty station or assignment (other

than as AFROTC faculty applicants).

4.2.5.6.4. To participate in sporting events not sponsored by the Air Force, Space

Force or other DoD Components. The approved events is outlined in Table 4.3., Rule

12.

4.2.5.6.5. Attend funeral of non-immediate family members or military members other

than authorized in Table 4.3., Rule 17.

4.2.5.6.6. Appear in court or for personal matters, such as divorce, or bankruptcy.

4.2.5.6.7. Combine with excess leave for pre-separation or retirement relocation

activities such as job or residence search, if eligible. Note: Member can request PTDY

in lieu of excess leave, but not both.

4.2.5.6.8. Use as their final duty status prior to separating or retiring.

4.2.6. Emergency Leave of Absence (Non-Chargeable Leave). Unit/squadron commanders

or civilian directors may grant a service member non-chargeable emergency leave of absence

for a qualifying emergency with the following limitations. This authority cannot be further

delegated to a subordinate level:

4.2.6.1. The commander or director must verify the qualifying emergency to his or her

satisfaction based upon information or opinion from a source other than the service member

that the commander or director considers to be objective and reliable. (T-0)

4.2.6.2. The qualifying emergency must be due to (T-0):

4.2.6.2.1. A serious medical condition of an immediate family member of the service

member; or

4.2.6.2.2. Death of an immediate family member (as defined in the Glossary at

Attachment 1); or

4.2.6.2.3. Any other hardship the commander or director determines appropriate.

4.2.6.3. Only grant such leave once during an entire career for any service member. (T-0)

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 51

4.2.6.4. Only grant non-chargeable emergency leave of absence to prevent the service

member from entering advanced or excess leave status that could result in recoupment of

any pay and allowances. (T-0)

4.2.6.5. Do not extend such leave for a period of more than 14 consecutive days. (T-0)

Use PTDY Table 4.3, Rule 51 until LeaveWeb is updated to allow for an emergency leave

of absence leave type.

4.2.7. Excess Leave. Excess leave is normally used for personal or family emergency

situations when members cannot request advance leave. Excess leave is a no-pay status;

therefore, authority for pay and allowances and leave accrual stops on member’s first day of

excess leave and members cannot receive disability pay if they incur a disability injury or

illness while on excess leave. Guidance can be found in DoD FMR Vol. 7A, Chapter 1 and

AFMAN 65-116, Vol. 1 Chapter 70, Defense Joint Military Pay System Active Component

(DJMS-AC) FSO Procedures.

4.2.7.1. Unit commanders or an officer with General or Special Court-Martial Convening

Authority:

4.2.7.1.1. Approve or deny members’ requests for excess leave.

4.2.7.1.2. If approving excess leave, advise members to use all accrued leave first.

4.2.7.1.3. Advise members excess leave begins the day after accrued leave ends. Note:

When unit commanders send requests recommending approval through the chain of

command, any approval authority in the chain may subsequently deny the requests.

4.2.7.2. Convening Authority Directing Appellate Review Leave. When directing

appellate review leave, approve travel according to the JTR, paragraph 051004B, Service

Member Discharged from the Service under Other than Honorable Conditions, and

DAFMAN 36-2102 and advise members they may take either:

4.2.7.2.1. Ordinary leave and then excess leave.

4.2.7.2.2. Payment for accrued leave (if authorized) and then excess leave.

4.2.7.2.3. Some ordinary leave, payment for remaining accrued leave, and excess

leave.

4.2.7.3. Reverting to Pay Status from Appellate Review Leave. For overruled or set-aside

court-martial sentences, members:

4.2.7.3.1. Qualify for pay and allowances for excess leave taken when directed by the

unit commander.

4.2.7.3.2. Do not qualify for pay and allowances for voluntary excess leave taken.

4.2.7.3.3. Do not get credit for accrued leave for which they elected payment before

departing on appellate review leave.

4.2.7.4. See Table 4.4 which explains voluntary excess leave requests.

4.2.7.5. Involuntary Excess Leave. With the concurrence of the Show Cause Authority

concerned, commanders may place on involuntary excess leave, regular officers

recommended for discharge (i.e., not recommended for retention on active duty) by a Board

52 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

of Inquiry (“Show Cause Board).” The officer may be required to begin such leave at any

time following the officer’s receipt of the report of the board of inquiry including the

board’s recommendation for discharge/removal from active duty, and the expiration of any

period allowed for submission by the officer of a rebuttal to that report. The leave may be

continued until the date on which action by the Secretary of the Air Force (or his or her

designee, normally the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council) on the officer’s case

is completed or may be terminated at an earlier time.

4.2.7.6. Excess Leave Periods. Unit commanders advise members:

4.2.7.6.1. Excess leave is leave without pay and allowances, and members do not

receive disability pay, if injured, for time spent on excess leave.

4.2.7.6.2. The financial services office stops all pay and allowances effective the first

day of excess leave. The financial services office collects, if applicable, any pay and

allowances paid. When members separate from active duty, there is an additional

collection for non-accrual of leave resulting from periods of excess leave. This is one

half-day for each six-day period of excess leave. (See Table 4.5 below). Note: See

Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 65-116, Vol 2, Defense Joint Military Pay System Active

Component (DJMS-AC) Unit Procedures Excluding Financial Management Flights.

Table 4.4. Voluntary Excess Leave Requests.

If the member

requests leave

Then

Comment

for an emergency or

urgent personal

situation

unit commander may

approve number of days not

to exceed 60 cumulative

days of ordinary, advance,

and excess leave. First

sergeant may approve when

delegated authority to

approve emergency leave

for enlisted personnel.

Advise members to consider

humanitarian reassignment for

emergencies requiring more

than 60 days absence from duty.

(T-3)

AFPC/DP3SA may approve

number of days exceeding

60 cumulative days of

ordinary, advance, and

excess leave.

N/A

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 53

for separation or

retirement relocation

activities such as job

search and is eligible

as a: (1) Voluntary

separation incentive

separatee. (2)

Special separation

benefit separatee. (3)

Involuntary separatee

(including for cause

separatees eligible

under DoDI 1332.35,

Transition Assistance

Program (TAP) for

Military Members,

para 7.3.e (4) Retiree

unit commander may

approve up to 30 days unless

to do so would interfere with

the military mission.

(1) Unit commander can

disapprove a request for excess

leave if approval would

interfere with the military

mission. (2) Normally approve

under emergency circumstances

since excess leave is a no-pay

status. (3) Excess leave occurs

within 180 days of the

separation of retirement date.

(4) Members may take excess

leave: (a) In increments up to

the maximum permitted, but not

successive Mondays through

Fridays. (b) In conjunction with

terminal leave, if applicable.

(5) A member can request

excess leave in lieu of PTDY,

but not both.

to participate in the

Judge Advocate

Accession Program

the Office of the Judge

Advocate General

Professional Development

Directorate (AF/JAX) may

approve length of program,

plus travel time.

Advise members they can retain

their leave balance up to 60

days. (T-3)

while awaiting

completion of

administrative

discharge

proceedings under

DAFI 36-3211

leave may be approved for

an unlimited number of days

in 60-day increments.

Under DAFI 36-3211,

paragraph 20.35, the Show

Cause Authority may grant

an officer’s request for

excess leave.

Note: Leave is authorized

for members who complete

administrative discharge

proceedings while awaiting

a final grade determination.

Approve when the commander

no longer needs the member

there and when the member

meets medical criteria for

separation. When reviewing

requests, any approving

authority may deny leave based

on military necessity or in the

best interests of the Air Force or

Space Force (for USSF

personnel). (T-3)

54 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

as an officer

resigning in lieu of

court martial

the wing commander or

FOA A1 may approve

unlimited days in 60-day

increments.

If applicable, approve when:

(1) The commander no longer

needs the member there, (2) The

member meets medical

criteria for separation, and (3)

The member serves all adjudged

confinement, or (4) The court-

martial convening authority

commutes, remits, suspends, or

defers the member’s sentence.

Note: When reviewing requests,

any approving authority may

deny leave based on military

necessity or in the best interests

of the Air Force or Space Force

(for USSF personnel). (T-3)

as a member pending

sentence by a court

for a dismissal or

punitive discharge

the court martial convening

authority may approve.

N/A

combined with

PTDY for pre-

separation or

retirement relocation

job or residence

search and meets the

same criteria as in

rule 3

the unit commander

disapproves.

N/A

awaiting entry into

the Air Force

Academy in a cadet

status

the preparatory school

commander may approve

the period awaiting entry in

cadet status.

Approve ordinary leave when

members have accrued leave

before approving excess leave.

Excess leave begins after

ordinary leave. (T-3)

Table 4.5. Non-Accrual Days.

For Excess Leave Period

Subtract this Amount of Leave

1/2-6 days

1/2 day.

6 1/2-12 days

1 day.

12 1/2-18 days

1 1/2 days.

18 1/2-24 days

2 days.

24 1/2-31 days

2 1/2 days.

Over 31 days

Compute in 30-day increments.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 55

Chapter 5

REGULAR AND SPECIAL PASSES

5.1. Regular and Special Pass Information. A pass period is an authorized absence from duty

for a relatively short time. Note: For an extension beyond the authorized pass period, a service

member shall be charged leave for the entire period if the absence exceeds 3 days and is deemed

unauthorized and avoidable. (T-0) For unavoidable circumstances, a service member will be

charged leave only for those days beyond the authorized pass period. (T-0)

5.2. Regular Pass.

5.2.1. A regular pass (liberty) is the period between the end of the duty day and the beginning

of the next duty day. It normally begins at the end of the workday day on Friday afternoon

until the beginning of the workday the following Monday when Saturday and Sunday are non-

duty days (days off). (T-0)

5.2.2. A regular pass period (non-duty days) for units on non-traditional work schedules

(alternate or compressed work schedules) may not exceed the 4-day special pass limitation.

The combination of non-duty days and a public holiday may not exceed the 4-day special pass

limitation. (T-0) The combination of 3 non-duty days and a public holiday during a

compressed work schedule is a regular pass period.

5.3. Special Pass. Unit commanders may award 3- or 4-day special passes for special occasions

or circumstances, such as reenlistment or for some type of special recognition or compensatory

time off. They may delegate approval to a level no lower than squadron section commander,

deputies, or equivalents. (T-1) Special passes start after normal working hours on a given day.

They stop at the beginning of normal working hours on either the 4th day for a 3-day special pass

or the 5th day for a 4-day special pass. A 3-day special pass can be Friday through Sunday,

Saturday through Monday, or Tuesday through Thursday. A 4-day special pass can be Thursday

through Sunday or Saturday through Tuesday or Friday through Monday. This applies to a normal

Monday through Friday workweek. See paragraph 2.1.2 for safe travel guidelines.

5.4. Regular and Special Pass Guidelines. Unit commanders:

5.4.1. Impose no mileage restrictions. However, they may require members to be able to

return to duty within a reasonable time in the event of an operational mission requirement such

as a recall, unit alert, or unit emergency. (T-3) At training bases, commanders can require

members to be able to return in time to resume training or class attendance. Commanders must

base all restrictions on reasonable and legitimate military requirements. (T-3)

5.4.2. Inform members that the authorized absence that exceeds the pass period is chargeable

leave if they fail to return from an authorized pass period. (T-1) Example: Member is on a 4-

day pass from Friday to Monday and was unable to return to work on Tuesday. If the absence

was authorized by the supervisor/commander, the member would be charged 1 day of leave

since they were unable to return to work on Tuesday.

5.4.3. A special pass may be taken in conjunction with leave without a duty day between the

special pass and leave period. The member must be physically present in the local area when

departing and returning from leave. (T-0) The local area is the place where the member lives

56 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

and from which he or she commutes daily to the duty station. Leave may be taken either prior

to or following the special pass but not both before and after the special pass.

5.4.4. Do not grant regular passes in succession or in series. (T-0)

5.4.5. Ensure the Unit Leave Monitor processes a LeaveWeb request or an DAF Form 988

when members fail to return from pass and need unplanned leave. (T-3)

5.4.6. Charge members leave for absence not excused under DoD 7000.14-R, Volume 7A.

(T-0)

5.4.7. Inform members they cannot use special pass periods to extend TDY periods. Regular

pass, at no cost to the government, may be authorized at the beginning or the end of the TDY

period. (T-0)

5.4.8. Do not grant a special pass in conjunction with non-duty days exceeding the 3-day or

4-day special pass limitation. (T-0)

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 57

Chapter 6

SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL

6.1. Overview. This chapter describes the SLA provisions when deployments or assignments to

a hostile-fire or imminent-danger pay area prohibit members from using leave. SLA also applies

when deployments or assignments to designated operational missions at the national level prohibit

members from using leave. It provides information on restoring leave lost at the end of the fiscal

year, when permitted by Congress.

6.2. SLA Eligibility.

6.2.1. Leave in Excess of 60 Days at the End of the Fiscal Year. SLA allows members

assigned to hostile fire/imminent danger pay areas for 120 consecutive days or who are

otherwise assigned to qualifying duties in an operational mission, as designated by Assistant

Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (SAF/MR), to accumulate leave

in excess of 60 days. Furthermore, it should be a result of the member’s inability to take leave

or to reduce their leave balance to 60 days before the end of the fiscal year while being assigned

to said activities. (T-0)

6.2.2. Members assigned to a non-hostile fire pay and/or non-imminent danger pay area in

support of an operational mission who are on Contingency, Exercise, and Deployment orders

(and in rare cases, Department of Defense Form (DD Form) 1610, Request and Authorization

for TDY Travel of DoD Personnel orders) are authorized to retain such leave up to 90 days

until the end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the leave was lost.

(T-0) Example: A deployment to Qatar or UAE may qualify a member for SLA under this

paragraph since they are non-hostile fire and/or non-imminent danger pay locations at the time

of this publication. (T-1)

6.2.3. Members eligible for (or approved for) SLA are authorized to retain such leave (not to

exceed 90 days) until the end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which SLA

was lost. (T-0)

6.2.4. SLA must not be used as a means to authorize the accumulation of leave in excess of

60 days that is a result of members’ failure to properly manage their leave balance. (T-1)

6.2.5. The situation preventing members from using leave must have been caused by a

catastrophe, national emergency and/or crisis, or operations in defense of national security.

6.2.6. The member’s support of an operational mission in defense of national security for 120

or more consecutive days, whether in a hostile fire or imminent danger area or not, will not

automatically qualify a member for SLA. (T-1)

6.2.7. SLA Transition. A service member with a total leave balance of 90.5 or greater on 31

December 2022, may carry forward into FY24 no more than 60 days of ordinary leave and no

more than the number of days of SLA leave the service member had on 31 December 2022.

The original date of expiration of the SLA leave will remain unchanged except the portion of

SLA leave days that exceed 30 days which will expire no later than 30 September 2026, if not

used on or before that date. (T-0) Example: On 31 December 2022, a service member had a

total leave balance of 107.5 days, 47.5 of which were SLA leave days (30 of the 40 days of

SLA were approved in FY21 with an original expiration date of 30 September 2024, 10 days

58 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

were approved in FY22 with an original expiration date of 30 September 2025 and 7.5 were

approved as SLA in FY23). Assuming the member used 22.5 days of leave from 1 January

2023 through 30 September 2023, 17.5 days will expire on 30 September 2026 if not used by

that date.

6.3. SLA Not Authorized. Members are ineligible for SLA when the following precludes using

leave (this list is not all-inclusive):

6.3.1. Normal permanent change of station moves and TDY.

6.3.2. Base closures.

6.3.3. Hospitalizations, aeromedical evacuations, quarters, and convalescent leaves.

6.3.4. Details and special working groups.

6.3.5. Attending training exercises, schools or courses, unless they are required for the

deployment that resulted in the loss of leave.

6.3.6. Pending separations and retirements.

6.3.7. Workload after return from deployment.

6.3.8. Post-deployment recovery time.

6.3.9. Post deployment/mobilization respite absence.

6.3.10. On alert status.

6.4. Calculating SLA Lost on 1 October.

6.4.1. The maximum amount of SLA leave that may be carried forward is the leave balance at

the end of the fiscal year following the end of the SLA qualifying period, not to exceed 90

days. (T-1)

6.4.2. The maximum amount will be reduced to a new level whenever the leave balance drops

below the previously set level. If, at any time, the leave balance drops to or goes below 60

days, then there is no longer any SLA protected leave. Therefore, the actual maximum leave

that can be carried forward into succeeding fiscal years is the lowest leave balance achieved

following the completion of the SLA duty or the usual 60 days, whichever is greater. (T-1)

6.4.3. If the SLA qualifying period crosses a fiscal year, then the entire leave balance (not to

exceed 90 days) will be carried forward and the leave accrued from the beginning of the new

fiscal year through the end of the SLA qualifying period will be added to establish the

maximum. Only that portion of a leave balance in excess of 60 days that could not have been

taken before the end of the fiscal year because the member was assigned to SLA-qualifying

duty will be included in the carryover amount. Example: On 31 August 2023, a member had

a leave balance of 80 days. On 15 September 2023, he was assigned to duty qualifying for

SLA. Had the member not been assigned to SLA duty, he could have possibly taken 15 days

leave from 16 September through 30 September. If the member had taken leave during this

period, then there would still have been a loss of 7.5 days (82.5 days accrued through 30

September, less the 15 days potentially taken and the normal 60-day carryover restriction) at

the end of the fiscal year. Therefore, since only the portion that potentially could have been

taken is protected, the member may carry forward 75 days and will lose 7.5 days of leave.

(T-1)

DAFI36-3003  7 AUGUST 2024  59 
6.5.  SLA Approval Authority.  For eligible members, the first O-7 in the chain of command will 
be  the  final  approval  authority  for  SLA  requests.    At  other  organizations  (e.g.,  Air  Staff, 
MAJCOM, FOA, DRU) the senior officer representative (O-7 and above) or equivalent at the 
directorate level approves SLA for his/her organization.  At joint organizations, the senior Air 
Force or  Space Force  (for  USSF  personnel)  officer representative  on staff  approves SLA  for 
eligible members assigned to units, HAF, and supporting staffs. (T-0) 
6.5.1.  Prior to approving a request for SLA, commanders must assess whether a member has 
used all means to reduce their leave balance by looking at the entire fiscal year, including the 
time period prior to and after the event that drove the SLA request. (T-1) 
6.5.2.  Once the SLA package receives approval, the package is sent to AFPC to validate if the 
request meets the criteria outlined in paragraphs 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 and then on for processing. 
6.6.  SLA Disapproval.  Any commander in the chain of command may deny a member’s request 
for SLA without referring it to a higher-level authority when the member’s request does not meet 
the criteria for SLA consideration. 
6.7.  Exceptions To Policy (ETP).  Members who believe they are eligible but do not meet the 
criteria in paragraphs 6.2.1 – 6.2.2 may submit an ETP.  Reasons for lost leave should have DAF- 
or DoD-wide significance.  These exceptions will be considered on a case-by case basis and the 
approval authority resides at AF/A1 or SF/A1 (for USSF personnel). (T-1) Example 1: Service 
member was selected to lead an investigation, major project or program that prevented them from 
taking ordinary leave.  Example 2: Service member was preparing for retirement and the Air Force 
requested/directed the member to extend their service commitment.  Example 3: The installation 
was impacted by a natural disaster requiring base personnel to assist with recovery actions thus 
preventing the use of leave. 
6.8.  Members not eligible for SLA.  Members not eligible for SLA, for the reasons listed in 
paragraph 6.3 can request recovery of days lost by submitting a DD Form 149 to the Board for 
Correction of Military Records (BCMR).  See DAFI 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of 
Military Records.  Applications must clearly establish that an error or injustice by the Air Force or 
Space Force (for USSF personnel) caused the member’s lost leave.  If the Board restores leave to 
current leave account, members must use these days before the end of the current FY. (T-1)  Refer 
to Personnel Services Delivery Guide (PSDG) for processing procedures. 
6.9.  Submitting SLA Requests.  Refer to the Leave PSDG located on myFSS for processing 
procedures. 
6.10.  Last  In,  First  Out  Leave  Accounting.  Leave  will  be  accounted  for  by  crediting  it 
sequentially in the chronological order in which it is accrued.  Generally, when used, leave will be 
charged with the most recently accrued leave charged first.  This method is known as Last In, First 
Out. As an exception, Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE) leave will be charged first, regardless 
of when it was earned. (T-0) Example: If a service member had 70 days of leave as of 1 Oct 23 
and took 10 days of leave from 1 - 10 Dec 23; they would have earned 5 days of leave which would 
put their leave balance at 75 as of 1 Dec 23.  Since they’ve only earned 5 days (Last In/First Out), 
those days would be reduced from their 30 days balance, while the other 5 days would come from 
their SLA balance leaving them with 25 days of use of lose. 

60 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

Chapter 7

UNIQUE LEAVE PROVISIONS

7.1. Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT). COT refers to members stationed OCONUS who are

ordered to a consecutive overseas assignment at the same duty station, or are reassigned/PCS to

another overseas duty station. Service members and dependents on a COT may be paid travel and

transportation allowances in connection with authorized leave after completing the initial tour if

remaining at the same duty station or while transitioning to the new OCONUS duty station.

Members and dependents may travel together or independently, and all travel must be completed

before end of the second OCONUS tour. (T-0)

7.2. In-Place Consecutive Overseas Tour (IPCOT). IPCOT refers to members assigned to a

consecutive tour at the same overseas duty station. Members cannot initiate the travel until they

have entered the new IPCOT tour and have until the end of the IPCOT tour to use the travel and

transportation allowances. Otherwise, the authority expires. (T-0) The leave taken is ordinary

leave charged based on authorized allowable travel. See paragraph 7.4.3 for exception to the end

of tour limitation when members are unable to use the travel due to duty in connection with a

contingency operation.

7.3. Deferred COT. Deferred COT refers to members unable to use the COT leave travel and

transportation allowances between the two tours because of military necessity, or when requested

by member and approved by the commander and placed in the permanent change of station orders.

Members have until the end of their new tour to use the COT leave travel and transportation

allowances, otherwise, the authority expires. (T-0) The leave taken is ordinary leave charged

based on authorized allowable travel time. See paragraph 7.4.3 for exception to the end of tour

limitation when members are unable to use the travel due to duty in connection with a contingency

operation.

7.3.1. If the member takes 11 days or more en route, the COT leave travel entitlement has

been used. Note: The number of non-COT leave days the member may take en route is limited

to 10 days. Members who had their COT leave travel entitlement deferred but exceeded the

10-day leave limitation may request a review of their circumstances. (T-1)

7.3.2. Members must submit a written request for review of their circumstances through their

chain of command via their servicing Military Personnel Section to AF/A1PA or SF/S1PA.

(T-1) See AFMAN 65-114, Travel—Procedures for Financial Management Flights, Finance

Offices-Reserve Components, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center-Finance

Component for specifics.

7.4. Scheduling Travel. The unit works with the member to schedule the IPCOT or COT travel

and makes sure the member uses the travel opportunity. Since the IPCOT and COT travel is a

statutory allowance, members forfeit this opportunity if not used within the specified period

covered in paragraph 7.4.1 or 7.4.2 below. Use DD Form 1610 for COT, deferred COT or IPCOT

travel.

7.4.1. Scheduling IPCOT Leave Travel. A member cannot initiate the travel until they have

entered the new IPCOT tour and has until the end of the IPCOT tour to use the travel and

transportation allowances. Otherwise, the allowance expires. (T-0)

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 61

7.4.2. Scheduling Deferred COT Leave Travel. When a member arrives at the new duty

station, permanent change of station orders should show that the member is authorized deferred

COT. Members have until the end of their new tour to use the COT leave travel and

transportation allowances. Otherwise, the allowance expires. (T-0)

7.4.3. Exception to End of Tour Limitation. Members unable to use the authority before

completing the new tour due to duty in connection with contingency operations may defer

travel until not more than 1 year after the completion of the duties precluding travel. In this

case, the member is still authorized to leave travel from the new Permanent Duty Station (i.e.,

the permanent duty station after departure from the OCONUS location from which deferred

travel could not be taken) to an authorized location. The cost limitation for travel from this

new permanent duty station and return is the cost from the permanent duty station from which

deferred travel could not be taken to the home of record and return. The cost limitations are

established in the JTR. Note: The additional deferment based solely on duty performed in

connection with a contingency operation is a one-time additional authority and cannot be

further extended. If members do not qualify for an extension based on duty in connection with

a contingency operation, they may submit a DD Form 149. See DAFI 36-2603. Member’s

application must establish that an error or injustice by the Air Force or Space Force (for USSF

personnel) prevented the member from using the authority within the specified time frame.

(T-0)

7.4.4. Members should contact Traffic Management Office/Commercial Travel Office for

travel arrangements. Failure to do so may result in non-reimbursement of travel costs. Note:

The JTR authorizes travel and transportation allowances to members in connection with

authorized leave from, and return to, the overseas duty station. The JTR, paragraph 050812,

Consecutive Overseas Tour Leave, explains the allowances for members and their command-

sponsored dependents who travel from the overseas duty station to the home of record or place

of residence and return. The government reimburses authorized travel and transportation

expenses.

7.5. COT or IPCOT Designated Places. An authorized destination is the member’s home of

record or an alternate authorized place to which travel is no more expensive than to the home of

record.

7.5.1. If travel to the selected alternate place is more expensive than travel to the home of

record, the member is financially responsible for the additional cost unless travel to the more

expensive alternate place is authorized/approved by the Secretarial Process. If the member

travels to a more expensive alternate place (and the Secretarial Process has not

authorized/approved travel to that destination), city-pair airfares are not authorized to that

alternate place. (T-0) See JTR 050812, para C.1 for further information.

7.5.2. Commanders send requests for travel via a designated place or alternate location with

COT or IPCOT travel through AFPC/DP3SA to AF/A1PA or SF/S1PA. (T-1) Guidance can

be found in the JTR, paragraph 051202, Travel to/from a Designated Place.

7.6. Special Rest and Recuperation (R&R) or Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program

(OTEIP). Another name for Special R&R is OTEIP as described in DAFI 36-2110, Total Force

Assignments. Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program is non-chargeable leave authorized in

lieu of special pay for certain enlisted members who voluntarily extend their tour at designated

62 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

overseas locations under the OTEIP 30-day special R&R leave or 15-day special R&R leave

option. (T-1)

7.6.1. OTEIP. Eligibility requirements are in DAFI 36-2110. Eligible members agree to

extend at a designated overseas location for a period of exactly one year. (T-1)

7.6.2. OTEIP Leave Options:

7.6.2.1. 30-day non-chargeable leave. Use DAF Form 988 for this option.

7.6.2.2. 15-day non-chargeable leave and round-trip transportation at government expense

for the military member only. This applies to travel from the designated overseas location

to the nearest CONUS port and return. Dependents are not authorized travel under this

incentive. The financial services office uses the AF Form 985, Report of Travel

Time/Leave Joint Uniform Military Pay System (JUMPS) to determine chargeable leave

based on authorized allowable travel time. (T-1)

7.6.3. OTEIP Leave Time Frame. Members use the 15-day or 30-day leave in one increment

within 6 months after the effective date of extension. The 6-month requirement may be waived

if a member is unable to take the OTEIP within 6 months after the effective date of extension

because of military requirements. (T-3) Since the OTEIP leave option is a statutory authority,

members forfeit their leave options if not used within 12 months after entering the extension.

(T-0)

7.6.4. OTEIP Approval. Unit Commanders:

7.6.4.1. Approve 30-day option and 15-day option leave requests within 6 months after

the member’s effective date of extension. (T-1)

7.6.4.2. May not approve OTEIP for members to bank leave for use at later time or en

route leave with a member’s permanent change of station. (T-1)

7.6.4.3. Set the time frame for member to take OTEIP prior to expiration of extension.

7.6.4.4. May approve the 30-day option in conjunction with valid TDY and emergency

leave, but not with ordinary leave, special passes or PTDY.

7.6.4.5. May approve the 15-day option in conjunction with valid TDY and emergency

leave, as well as up to 15 days ordinary leave, but not with special passes or PTDY.

7.6.4.6. Cannot approve 15- or 30-day option in conjunction with reassignment or in

conjunction with retirement or separation from active duty. (T-1)

7.6.4.7. Use the DD Form 1610 for 15 days of OTEIP. (T-1)

7.7. R&R. R&R programs are for members in a designated hostile-fire or imminent-danger pay

area when military necessity restricts the annual leave program and the use of ordinary leave.

7.7.1. The Assistant Secretary of Defense approves R&R programs.

7.7.2. R&R Program Management. Combatant commanders manage R&R programs for their

theaters of operation.

7.7.3. MAJCOMs/Field Command (FLDCOM) submit requests to AF/A1PA or SF/S1PA

respectively, to establish R&R leave programs for units in their command that meet DoD

criteria.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 63

7.7.4. AF/A1PA and SF/S1PA works with the Office of the Secretary of Defense to coordinate

MAJCOM/FLDCOM requests for R&R leave programs.

7.7.5. Members are authorized transportation on a space-available basis to and from

designated R&R areas. (T-0)

7.7.6. The travel time to and from R&R areas is not chargeable leave. (T-0)

7.7.7. R&R chargeable leave periods are limited to one per 12-month period. (T-0)

7.7.8. R&R leave can be combined with parental leave. However, it cannot be combined with

a special pass, PTDY, TDY, or travel for other purposes. (T-0)

7.8. Air Force Academy Leave Program. The Superintendent of the US Air Force Academy

(USAFA) manages the leave programs for its faculty and staff and for newly commissioned

officers upon graduation from the USAFA. (T-2)

7.8.1. Graduation Leave. Graduation leave is non-chargeable leave for graduates of the

service academies.

7.8.1.1. The USAFA Superintendent may authorize up to 60 days of non-chargeable leave,

military requirements permitting.

7.8.1.2. Graduates take and complete graduation leave within 3 months after the member’s

graduation and before the member reports to the first permanent change of station or port

of embarkation for permanent duty located OCONUS.

7.8.1.3. Graduates placed on TDY or hospitalized during the leave period may revert to

leave status to complete the leave provided completion of the leave occurs within 3 months

after graduation. In such cases, the activity having responsibility for the member when

TDY or hospitalization occurs approves continuation of graduation leave status.

7.9. RC Carryover Leave. RC members may carry over leave earned during an active duty tour

for use during a future active duty tour of 30 days or longer (long tour). RC members are not

required to use, sell or lose their earned leave at the end of an active duty tour. Carryover leave

usage is not restricted to the next tour and may be used on future/subsequent active duty tours.

Members are authorized to carry leave forward, but commanders should strongly encourage

members to take leave during the tour in which the leave was earned, as there is no guarantee that

leave carried forward can be used due to unforeseen mission requirements.

7.9.1. Carryover Leave Usage (See Total Force PSDG, Military Leave Program on myFSS).

7.9.1.1. Members will not be placed on orders for the sole purpose of using carryover

leave. (T-3)

7.9.1.2. Members must obtain their gaining commander’s approval for carryover leave

usage prior to issuance of orders. (T-3) The commander’s approval must include validation

of resource availability, to include Operations and Maintenance funding, if appropriate.

(T-3) Members who wish to take carryover leave during a tour must contact their finance

office for verification documentation (e.g., Defense Finance and Accounting Service,

Defense Joint Military Pay System, previous orders) reflecting the member’s previous

leave balance(s). (T-3)

64 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

7.9.1.3. If the gaining commander approves, the carryover leave days will be included as

part of the overall tour length and carryover leave will be taken during that tour. (T-3)

Example for RC only: RC member agrees to a 60-day tour and asks to use 10 days of

carryover leave. Commander approves an overall 70-day tour length that includes

authorized travel, duty time, annual leave accrued during the tour (5 days) and the 10 days

of carryover leave.

7.9.1.4. The gaining commander has discretion to approve and cancel approved leave if

mission or circumstances (e.g., disciplinary actions) dictate.

7.9.1.5. If the request that led to approved leave is withdrawn by the member, or the

commander cancels previously approved carryover leave, the unused carryover leave is

credited back to the member’s leave balance and tour length adjusted.

7.9.1.6. When a member does not take leave during a tour of duty and chooses not to sell

it, this leave may be carried forward to a future active-duty long tour.

7.9.1.7. ARC AGR orders will not be extended to account for carryover leave. (T-1)

7.9.2. Carryover Leave Limitations.

7.9.2.1. Members will not take carryover leave in conjunction with an annual tour. (T-1)

7.9.2.2. Members cannot use carryover leave to justify entering sanctuary for the purpose

of an active duty retirement. (T-1)

7.9.2.3. Members may not carry more than 60 days of leave from one fiscal year to the

next unless authorized SLA (See Chapter 6). (T-0)

7.9.2.4. Members transferring from the RegAF to the ARC may carry over their leave for

use during a future active duty tour.

7.9.2.4.1. RegAF leave cannot be used when a service member transfers to an ARC

Traditional Reservist, Air Reserve Technician, Individual Reservist, ANG Technician,

or Drill Status Guardsman position until they are put into an active duty status. (T-1)

7.9.2.4.2. Members must settle their leave balances using the AF Form 1089 prior to

transferring statuses. (T-1)

7.9.2.5. Sell back of carryover leave will be limited to 60 days per career (not including

excepted leave). For additional details on selling back leave, contact servicing Military

Personnel Section (MPS) or visit MyFSS to download the leave PSDG. (T-1)

7.9.3. Tracking Payout of Carryover Leave.

7.9.3.1. Carryover leave is tracked via the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and

Defense Joint Military Pay System.

7.9.3.2. Leave earned in one active duty status may be authorized and taken in a different

active duty status funded by a distinct and different appropriation to include AGR, statutory

tour, or ADOS.

7.9.3.3. When a member has a leave balance at the end of the tour and does not elect to

carry it forward utilizing a 1089 prior to the orders end date, that leave will be sold and

paid to the member. (T-2) See AFMAN 65-116 Vol 3, Defense Joint Military Pay System

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 65

- Reserve Component (DJMPS-RC). Note: Exceptions to the 60-Day career leave payment

limitation can be found in DoD 7000.14, Volume 7A, Chapter 35.

7.10. RC OCONUS Leave En route. While downtime is generally observed prior to leave, a

commander has the discretion to approve deployed leave en route (or leave in conjunction with

temporary duty performed in an overseas location) and allow downtime to occur upon return from

leave. As force providers to Air Force MAJCOMs, ANG units and members must comply with

both supported MAJCOM and Combatant Command leave en route policies and procedures. (T-3)

7.10.1. Post-deployment OCONUS leave en route must be requested and approved by the first

General Officer in the member’s home station chain of command and deployed commander

prior to departure. (T-3)

7.10.1.1. For ANG members serving in any Area of Responsibility (AOR) and on

restricted length Title 10 Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) orders, leave en route

approval will be limited to leave earned during the current deployment. (T-3)

7.10.1.2. Tour lengths, combined with travel days, overlap, leave and downtime are

calculated in the Manpower MPA Man-day Management System (M4S).

7.10.1.3. Members of the Air Force Reserve are not authorized leave en route when

transitioning from a deployed Area of Responsibility or the Deployment Transition Center

to home station. (T-1)

7.10.2. ANG requirements for official military travel OCONUS are codified in Chief, National

Guard Bureau Instruction (CNGBI) CNGBI 1002.01A, National Guard Official Military

Travel Outside U.S. Areas, 4 June 2020. Drill Status Guardsmen (DSG), AGR and Dual Status

Technicians must be in a Title 10 duty status when performing OCONUS duty. (T-3)

7.10.2.1. Members may travel in a Title 32 status only if they do not land on any foreign

territory while transitioning between CONUS and OCONUS. Members may travel to or

between Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands in a Title 32 status

but may not transit any point OCONUS.

7.10.2.2. Airmen are not authorized to “break” orders for the purposes of taking leave.

Official travel outside US areas, which incorporates coming off orders for the purpose of

taking leave only to regain military duty status for return travel, is not authorized.

7.10.2.3. While OCONUS on Title 10 orders, Technicians are not permitted to break their

Title 10 orders for the purpose of taking technician leave.

7.10.2.4. Contingency Exercise Deployment (CED) orders and DAF Form 988 or

LeaveWeb remarks must include current leave balance, number of days and dates of

authorized leave, leave address, member’s cell phone number and emergency contact

phone number. (T-3)

7.10.2.5. Home station unit commanders are responsible for ensuring:

7.10.2.5.1. Notification to the Installation Personnel Readiness (IPR) and Unit

Deployment Manager (UDM) of leave dates. This allows for proper personnel

accountability and reporting and verifying the requested leave does not exceed leave

earned during the tour or end of tour/orders date.

66 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

7.10.2.5.2. Member arrives at home station with adequate days remaining on orders to

complete finance, medical and force support in-processing and/or downtime prior to

orders end date.

7.10.2.5.3. Leave is limited to leave earned in current deployment.

7.10.2.5.4. Members comply with foreign government procedures as outlined in the

DoD Foreign Clearance Guide (https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm) to include the

DoD Travel Security Advisory.

7.10.2.5.5. Member completes MAJCOM leave en route redeployment checklist with

required approval/signatures by deployed commander, deployed First Sergeant,

deployed Office of Special Investigations (OSI), deployed medical unit, deployed

Traffic Management Office, and the deployed UDM.

7.10.2.5.6. IPR and UDMs track members on leave (via Deliberate and Crisis Action

Planning and Execution Segments (DCAPES) notification) until member returns.

7.10.2.5.7. Members are responsible for commercial travel costs from point of

departure to leave location and for the difference in airfare from leave location to home

station.

7.10.2.5.8. Administrative control (ADCON) will remain with the 201th Mission

Support Squadron Commander until the member in-processes at home station. (T-2)

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 67

Chapter 8

POST DEPLOYMENT/MOBILIZATION RESPITE ABSENCE (PDMRA)

8.1. Purpose. The PDMRA is established for members who are required to mobilize or deploy

with a frequency beyond established rotation goals. The yearly rotation goal consists of a

deployment-to-dwell ratio of 1:2 years for AC personnel and 1:5 years for the RC. That is, for

every 1 year an AC service member is deployed, member requires 2 years at the home station; and

for every 1 year a RC service member is deployed, member requires 5 years at the home station.

This policy applies to all members with creditable deployments and mobilizations underway on,

or commencing after, 1 October 2011. PDMRA is a type of administrative absence. Note:

Guidance for PDMRA on or after 19 January 2007, but before 1 October 2011 can be found in the

Personnel Services Delivery Guide, Military Leave Program on myFSS.

8.2. Creditable Time for AC. Regular DAF personnel who, on the first day of their current

deployment, deployed in excess of 12 months out of the previous 36 months, and who meet the

other eligibility criteria contained in this instruction, qualify for PDMRA days. Example: If a

regular DAF service member cumulative deployments of 30 consecutive days or longer and is

more than 12 months out of the previous 36 months, the member is eligible to accrue PDMRA if

deployed to a location authorized for PDMRA accrual.

8.3. Creditable Time for RC. RC Airmen who, on the first day of their current qualifying

mobilization/deployment, mobilized pursuant to 10 USC § 12301(a), Reserve Components

Generally, 10 USC § 12302, Ready Reserve – The Under Secretary of Defense, or 10 USC § 12304,

Selected Reserve and Certain Individual Ready Reserve Members; Order to Active Duty other than

During War or National Emergency in excess of 12 months out of the previous 72 months, and

who meet the other eligibility criteria contained in this enclosure, qualify for PDMRA days. In

addition, voluntary deployments on 10 USC § 12301(d) orders to a CZTE area will be used for

determining creditable time for PDMRA accrual. (T-0)

8.4. PDMRA Accrual Rates. PDMRA begins to accrue when a member has boots on ground for

30 consecutive days and is provided for each month or fraction of a month beyond 30 consecutive

days. PDMRA days cannot be carried forward or rolled over to a new deployment or mobilization

period.

8.4.1. Two Administrative Days Per Month. (See Figure 8.1.)

8.4.1.1. Regular DAF personnel accrue 2 administrative absence days per month when

exceeding the deployment threshold in paragraph 8.2 of this DAFI and the Airman is

entitled to CZTE for deployment to a combat zone. Creditable time starts when the Airman

has boots on ground at the CZTE location (the same day they become eligible for CZTE.

8.4.1.2. RC Airmen serving pursuant to 10 USC §§ 12301(a), 12301(d), 12302, or 12304

accrue 2 administrative absence days per month when exceeding the mobilization or

deployment threshold in paragraph 8.3 of this DAFI and the Airman is entitled to CZTE

for active service in a combat zone. Creditable time starts when the Airman has Boots on

the Ground at the CZTE location (the same day they become eligible for CZTE).

68 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

8.4.2. One Administrative Day Per Month. (See Figure 8.2.)

8.4.2.1. Regular DAF service members accrue 1 administrative absence day per month

when the deployment threshold established in paragraph 8.2 of this instruction is

exceeded for deployments to a qualifying CZTE area when the CZTE area has been

designated as a 1-day per month PDMRA accrual location.

8.4.2.2. RC Airmen serving pursuant to 10 USC §§ 12301(a), 12302, or 12304 accrue 1

administrative absence day per month when exceeding the mobilization threshold in

paragraph 8.3 of this instruction and the Airman is outside of the US, not in a CZTE area.

Creditable time starts when the Airman has boots on the ground outside of the US.

Table 8.1. PDMRA (for deployment/mobilization accomplished on or after 1 October

2011).

Deployed/Mobilized

Beyond

Deployed/Mobilized

Location

Active

Component

PDMRA

Earned Per

Month

10 USC §§

12301(a),

12302, 12304

RC PDMRA

Earned Per

Month

10 USC §

12301(d) RC

PDMRA Earned

Per Month

12 months

CZTE area

2 days

12 months

Outside the United

States (other than a

CZTE area)

0 days

1 days

0 days

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 69

Figure 8.1. PDMRA accrual rate for eligible Airmen and Guardians in a CZTE area.

Number Days in

CZTE

Number

PDMRA days

120

150

180

210

240

270

300

330

360

390

Each additional

30 days

2 additional

PDMRA days

Figure 8.2. PDMRA accrual rate for eligible Airmen and Guardians in a CZTE and 10

USC §§ 12301(a), 12302, or 12304 RC Airmen outside the US (non-CZTE area).

Number Days

outside the US

Number

PDMRA days

120

150

180

210

240

270

300

330

360

390

Each additional

30 days

1 additional

PDMRA day

ALEX WAGNER

Assistant Secretary of the Air Force

(Manpower and Reserve Affairs)

70 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

Attachment 1

GLOSSARY OF REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION

References

5 USC § 301, Departmental Regulations

5 USC § 552a, Records maintained on individuals (Privacy Act of 1974)

10 USC, Armed Forces

10 USC § 701, Entitlement and Accumulation

10 USC § 876a, Leave Required to be Taken Pending Review of Certain Court-Martial

Convictions

10 USC § 9013, Secretary of the Air Force

10 USC § 12301 (a), (d), Reserve Components Generally

10 USC § 12302, Ready Reserve

10 USC § 12304, Selected Reserve and Certain Individual Ready Reserve Members; Order to

Active Duty other than During War or National Emergency

10 USC § 1552, Correction of Military Records: claims incident thereto.

32 USC, National Guard

37 USC, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services

37 USC § 204, Entitlement

37 USC § 501, Payments for Unused Accrued Leave

CNGBI 1002.01A, National Guard Official Military Travel Outside U.S. Areas, 4 June 2020

DoDM 5400.07, DoD Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program, 25 January 2017

DoD 7000.14-R, Vol 7A, Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation, Military

Pay Policy - Active Duty and Reserve Pay, April 2023

DoDI 1322.29, Job Training, Employment Skills Training, Apprenticeships, and Internships

(JTEST-AI) for Eligible Service Members, 24 January 2014

DoDI 1327.06, Leave and Liberty Policy and Procedures, 16 June 2009

DoDI 1332.35, Transition Assistance Program (TAP), 26 September 2019

DoDI 5100.73, Major DoD Headquarters Activities, 1 December 2007

DoD Foreign Clearance Guide

DoD Guidance for Implementation of the Military Parental Leave Program

Joint Travel Regulations, current edition

DAFPD 36-30, Military Entitlements, 26 April 2023

AFI 33-322, Records Management and Information Governance Program, 23 Mar 2020

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 71

AFI 33-332, Air Force Privacy and Civil Liberties Program, 10 March 2020

DAFMAN 36-2102, Base-Level Relocation Procedures, 16 December 2020

DAFI 36-2110, Total Force Assignments, 2 August 2021

DAFI 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), 4 October 2022

DAFI 36-2619, Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) –Active Component (AC) Man-Day

Program, 25 November 2019

DAFI 36-3009, Military and Family Readiness Centers, 4 November 2022

DAFI 36-3012, Military Entitlements, 6 April 2023

DAFI 36-3026V1_IP, Inter-service Publication Volume 1, Identification Cards for Members Of

The Uniformed Services, Their Eligible Family Members, And Other Eligible Personnel, 1 June

2023

DAFI 36-3211, Military Separations, 24 June 2022

DAFI 36-3212, Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement and Separation, 22 February 2024

AFI 44-102, Medical Care Management, 17 March 2015

AFI 65-103, Temporary Duty/Special Orders, 15 August 2019

AFI 90-802, Risk Management, 1 April 2019

DAFMAN 36-2136, Reserve Personnel Participation, 15 December 2023

AFMAN 41-210, TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration,10 September 2019

AFMAN 65-116, Volume 1, Defense Joint Military Pay System Active Component (DJMS-AC)

FSO Procedures, 1 April 2007

AFMAN 65-116, Volume 2, Defense Joint Military Pay System – Active Component (DJMS-AC)

Unit Procedures Excluding Financial Management Flights, 23 December 2019

AFMAN 65-116, Volume 3, Defense Joint Military Pay System - Reserve Component (DJMS-

RC), 7 November 2019

DAFMAN 90-161, Publishing Processes and Procedures, 18 October 2023

Directive-type Memorandum 22-004, Reserve Component Maternity Leave Program, 9 June

2022

Directive Type Memorandum 23-001, Expansion of the Military Parental Leave Program, 4

January 2023

Directive Type Memorandum 23-003, Bereavement Leave for Service Members, 29 March 2023

AFR Component Leave Carryover Guide

Leave Personnel Services Delivery Guidance

Prescribed Forms

None

72 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

Adopted Forms

DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Records Under the Provisions of Title 10,

USC, Section 1552

DD Form 1610, Request and Authorization for TDY Travel of DoD Personnel

DAF Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication

AF Form 985, Report of Travel Time/Leave (JUMPS)

AF Form 972, Request and Authorization for Emergency Leave Travel

DAF Form 988, Leave Request/Authorization

DAF Form 1089, Leave Settlement Option

Abbreviations and Acronyms

AC—Active Component

ADCON—Administrative Control

ADOS—Active Duty Operational Support

ADC—Airman Development Command

AF—Air Force

AFI—Air Force Instruction

AFIT—Air Force Institute of Technology

AFMAN—Air Force Manual

AFPC—Air Force Personnel Center

AFRC—Air Force Reserve Command

AFPD—Air Force Policy Directive

AFR—Air Force Reserve

AFROTC—Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

AFRS—Air Force Recruiting Service

AFSVA—Air Forces Services Center

AGR—Active Guard Reserve

ANG—Air National Guard

AOR—Area of Responsibility

ARC—Air Reserve Component

BCMR—Board for Corrections of Military Records

CED—Contingency Exercise Deployment

CIP—Career Intermission Program

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 73

CISM—Conseil International du Sport Militaire

CNGBI—Chief, National Guard Bureau Instruction

CONUS—Continental United States

COT—Consecutive Overseas Tour

CPTS—Comptroller Squadron

CSS—Commander Support Staff

CZTE—Combat Zone Tax Exclusion

DAF—Department of the Air Force

DAFI—Department of the Air Force Instruction

DAFMAN—Department of the Air Force Manual

DAFPD—Department of the Air Force Policy Directive

DCAPES—Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and Execution Segments

DCS—Deputy Chiefs of Staff

DD—Department Defense

DJMS—Defense Joint Military Pay System

DoD—Department of Defense

DoDD—Department of Defense Directive

DoD FMR—Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation

DoDI—Department of Defense Instruction

DoDM—Department of Defense Manual

DRU—Direct Reporting Unit

DSG—Drill Status Guardsmen

DTM—Directive Type Memorandum

ELA—Emergency Leave of Absence

EML—Environmental and Morale Leave

ETP—Exception to Policy

FEML—Funded Environmental and Morale Leave

FLDCOM—Field Command

FOA—Field Operating Agency

FOIA—Freedom of Information Act

FTNGD—Full-time National Guard Duty

FSS—Force Support Squadron

74 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

FY—Fiscal Year

HAF—Headquarters Air Force

IDT—Inactive Duty Training

IPCOT—In-place Consecutive Overseas Tour

IPR—Installation Personnel Readiness

JTEST-AI—Job Training, Employment Skills Training, Apprenticeships, and Internships

JTR—Joint Travel Regulations

JUMPS—Joint Uniform Military Pay System

LASIK—Laser-In-Situ-Keratomileusis

MAJCOM—Major Command

MPA—Military Personnel Appropriation

MPF—Military Personnel Flight

MPLP—Military Parental Leave Program

MPS—Military Personnel Section

M4S—Manpower MPA Man-day Management System

NGB—National Guard Bureau

OCONUS—Outside the Continental United States

OSI—Office of Special Investigations

OTEIP—Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program

O-7—Brigadier General

PDMRA—Post Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence

PRK—Photorefractive Keratectomy

PSDG—Personnel Services Delivery Guide

PTDY—Permissive Temporary Duty

RAP—Recruiter Assistance Program

RC—Reserve Component

RCML—Reserve Component Maternity Leave

RPA—Reserve Personnel Appropriations

RegAF—Regular Air Force

RS—Refractive Surgery

R&R—Rest and Recuperation

SG—Surgeon General

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 75

SLA—Special Leave Accrual

SORN—System of Records Notice

TDSP—Technical Degree Sponsorship Program

TDY—Temporary Duty

UDM—Unit Deployment Manager

US—United States

USAFA—United States Air Force Academy

USC—United States Code

USSF—United States Space Force

WEAR—We Are All Recruiters

Office Symbols

AF/A1—Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services

AF/A1PA—Air Force Military Compensation Policy Division

AF/CC—Chief of Staff of the Air Force

AF/CV—Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force

AF/HC—Air Force Chief of Chaplains

AF/JAX—Office of the Judge Advocate General Professional Development Directorate

AF/RE—Chief of the Air Force Reserve

AF/SG—Air Force Surgeon General

AFPC/CC—Commander, Air Force Personnel Center

AFPC/DPFCM—AFPC Missing Persons Branch

AFPC/DPFD—AFPC Physical Disability Division

AFPC/DPMSSM—AFPC Special Programs Office

AFPC/DP3SA—AFPC Special Programs Branch

AFRC/A1KK—Air Force Reserve Command Force Management

AFSVA/VMSE—Air Force Services Center, Fitness Branch

DRU/A1—Direct Reporting Unit Manpower, Personnel and Services

DRU/HC—Direct Reporting Unit Chief of Chaplains

FOA/HC—Field Operating Agency Chief of Chaplains

MAJCOM/A1—Major Command Manpower, Personnel and Services

MAJCOM/HC—Major Command Chief of Chaplains

MAJCOM/SGP—Major Command Chief of Aerospace Medicine

76 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

NGB/CF—Director of the Air National Guard

NGB/A1—Air National Guard Directorate of Manpower, Personnel, and Services

NGB/SG—National Guard Bureau Surgeon General

SAF/MR—Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs

SF/S1—Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital

SF/S1PA—Space Force Military Compensation and Benefits Policy Division

Terms

Accrued Leave—Leave earned by a service member at a rate of 2 1/2 calendar days for each

month of active service and credited to the service member’s leave account. The account balance

of accrued leave must be reduced to 60 days at the end of the fiscal year, unless approved for SLA.

Accrued leave is also referred to as “earned leave.”

Active Duty—Full-time duty in active military service of the United States, including active duty

or full-time training duty in the Reserve Component.

Active Duty Long Tour—Air Reserve Component members who are called to active duty for a

period of 30 days or more.

Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Duty—Active Duty performed by a member of the Reserve

Component of the Air Force or full-time National Guard for a period of 180 consecutive days or

more for organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the Reserve components.

Adoption—An adoption that is arranged by a “qualified adoption agency” as that term is defined

in 10 USC § 1052.

Air Reserve Component—The component of the United States Air Force that includes the AFR

and ANG.

Appellate Leave—Leave required to be taken pending review of certain court-martial convictions.

Bereavement Leave—A period of non-chargeable paid leave to make arrangements required by

the death of a member’s spouse or child and to attend the funeral, burial, or memorial service of

the spouse or child.

Carry-over Leave—The transfer of accrued leave across a fiscal year or to the next period of

active service for ARC personnel.

Child—A person born alive who is the biological, adopted, step, or foster son or daughter of the

member, a person who is a legal ward of the member or was a legal ward of the member when the

person was a minor or otherwise required a legal guardian, a person for whom the member stands

in loco parentis or stood in loco parentis when the person was a minor or otherwise required

someone to stand in loco parentis, or a son or daughter of the member’s spouse.

Commander—A commissioned officer who, by virtue of rank and assignment, exercises

command authority over a military organization or prescribed territorial area, which under

pertinent official directives is recognized as a ‘command.’ This designation is used in all Air Force

organizations authorized to be led by a commander, except the US Air Force Academy, which is

commanded by a superintendent, and school/academic organizations, which may be commanded

by commandants.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 77

Continental United States—48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia.

Divorce—Dissolution of marriage that completely severs the marital relationship, as opposed to

limited divorce, legal separation, or so-called “divorce from table and bed or bed and board”. A

divorce includes an annulment.

Duty Status—A member is considered to be in a duty status during any period of Active Duty,

funeral honors duty or Inactive Duty Training; while traveling directly to or from the place at

which funeral honors duty or inactive duty is performed; while remaining overnight immediately

before the commencement of inactive duty training or between successive periods of inactive duty

training, at or in the vicinity of the site of the Inactive Duty Training; if the site is outside

reasonable commuting distance of the member’s residence and while remaining overnight at or in

the vicinity of the place the funeral honors duty is to be performed immediately before serving

such duty, if the place is outside of a reasonable commuting distance from the member’s residence.

Excepted Leave—Leave accrued by member of a Reserve Component or retired Reserve; a retired

member of the Regular Army, Regular Navy, Regular Air Force, or Regular Marine Corps; or a

member of the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve as an exception to the 60-day career

leave sell-back limitation.

Excess Leave—Leave granted that exceeds accrued and advance leave and for which the service

member is not entitled to pay and allowances. Generally, a negative leave balance at the time of

release from active military duty, discharge, first extension of an enlistment, desertion, or death

shall be considered excess leave regardless of the authority under which the leave resulting in the

negative balance was granted.

Family Member—For the purpose of this instruction only, a family member includes: (1) An

Airman/Guardian’s present spouse. A former spouse is not a family member. (2) An

Airman/Guardian’s minor children from the present marriage. (3) An Airman/Guardian child by

any former marriage if the Airman/Guardian has a current obligation to provide support to that

child. A family member does not include the child of an Airman/Guardian who has been legally

adopted by another person. (4) Minor children born out of wedlock to: (a) a female

Airman/Guardian; (b) a male Airman/Guardian if evidenced by a court order, or the functional

equivalent of a court order, identifying the Airman/Guardian as the father or if the Airman is

providing support to the child under the terms of this regulation. (5) Any other person (for

example, parent, stepchild) for whom the Airman/Guardian has a legal obligation to provide

financial support under the applicable law. This includes court orders directing the

Airman/Guardian to provide financial support to a child 18 years of age or older or to some other

person. It does not include financial support voluntarily provided to a child 18 years of age or

older or to some other person. Minor children include unmarried children under 18 years of age

who are not on active duty with the Armed Forces.

Financial Support—The amount of money or support in kind provided to one’s family members

on a periodic or other continuing basis in accordance with a written or oral support agreement,

court order, or this instruction. Financial support includes court-ordered spousal support (or

alimony) and child support. It does not include any division of marital or nonmarital property

between spouses or former spouses or financial payments made as part of a property settlement.

Foster Care—A 24-hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardian

and for whom the State agency has placement and care responsibility. This includes, but is not

78 DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024

limited to, placements in foster family homes, foster homes of relatives, group homes, emergency

shelters, residential facilities, childcare institutions, and pre-adoptive homes. See also the term

and definition of placement for long-term foster care.

Immediate Family—For the purpose of approving emergency leave, the immediate family

includes the member or spouse’s parents (including stepparents), children (including illegitimate

children and stepchildren), brothers and sisters, sole surviving blood relative, and in loco parentis

person.

In loco parentis—A person who stood in place of the member’s parent for a period of at least 5

years before the member became 21 years of age or entered military service. In addition, the

person provided a home, food, clothing, medical care, and other necessities, and gave moral,

disciplinary guidance, and affection.

Leave Master Record—Leave Master Record contains all leave that has been accrued, taken,

used, or lost for a member’s leave account for orders over 30 days.

Long Tour—A long tour is one that authorizes (both) an accompanied tour, and the

unaccompanied tour is 18 months or more.

Multiple Qualifying Events—When a member experience any of these events within 1 year:

giving birth to more than one child from a multiple pregnancy, giving birth to a child from a back-

to-back pregnancy, adopting more than one minor child, having more than one minor child placed

with the member for adoption or long-term foster care, or a combination of any of these events.

Outside the Continental United States—Outside the 48 contiguous states and the District of

Columbia.

Parental Leave—A period of non-chargeable leave granted to a member following the birth of

the member’s child, adoption of a minor child by the member, or placement of a minor child with

the member for adoption or long-term foster care in order to care for the child.

Placement for Adoption—The action of placing a minor child with the prospective adoptive

parents in which there is a contractual agreement between the prospective adoptive parents and the

qualifying adoption agency occurring before the legal finalization of the adoption.

Placement for Long-Term Foster Care—The action of placing a minor child in foster care in

which there is an expectation and contractual agreement between the foster parents and the

child‑placing agency that the child remain in the home of the foster parents for a minimum of 24

months.

Proceed Time—A period of 4 consecutive days’ absence in conjunction with PCS to/from an

unaccompanied overseas assignment for individuals (regardless of marital status) who relocate

dependents and/or household goods. See DAFMAN 36-2102 for further guidance and definitions.

Separate(d)/Separation—Severance of military affiliation as opposed to release from active duty.

For the purposes of this Air Force Instruction, separate(d)/separation refers to discharge from the

Air Force (either Regular or ARC).

Spouse—An individual, to include service members, lawfully married to a service member, as

recognized by any state, possession, or territory of the United States.

Surrogacy—A legal agreement whereby a person agrees to undergo pregnancy to deliver a child

for another party to whom they will surrender and transfer the child for custody and care.

DAFI36-3003 7 AUGUST 2024 79

Title 10 Status—Federal authority over active duty, reservists and Guard service members who

are ordered to federal level active duty for federal level missions.

Title 32 Status—Full-time National Guard Duty means training or other duty, performed by a

member of the National Guard which can be found in 32 USC § 502.

Use or Lose Leave—The number of leave days over 60 days that a member will lose if not used

before 1 October.

Wing Commander (or equivalent)—An officer in the rank of colonel or above who is a senior

rater in the officer’s chain of command.