Leaves and Travel Expenses in the Marine Corps: Understanding Your Rights and Obligations
Introduction
Leaves and travel expenses in the Marine Corps, like in any other branch of the military, are policies that many service members find both intriguing and sometimes confusing. This article aims to demystify these aspects, providing a comprehensive understanding of leaves, including annual leave and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) leave, as well as the associated travel expenses. Understanding the nuances of these policies can help service members make informed decisions and ensure they are making the most of their time off.
Annual Leave
Marine Corps service members are entitled to 30 days of annual leave per year. However, it's crucial to understand that leave policies can vary significantly between units. For instance, in my battalion, the unit maintained a high state of readiness. This meant that pre or post-deployment, block leave was given, but only with half the unit on leave at one time. This highlights the need for flexibility and strategic planning in taking leave.
It's often advised that service members take leave as soon as possible, even if travel plans involve going 'in the hole' or having to go into the local area. This advice is based on the fact that actual leave availability can be limited, especially during critical readiness periods. Early planning can help secure these limited opportunities.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave
When PCSing (moving to a new base), service members are typically reimbursed for travel expenses. Additionally, after spending a year in Iceland, I received 30 days of PCS leave. This is in line with the standard leave policies. However, during normal leave periods, service members must pay for their travel and living expenses.
During my service, it was possible to enjoy many perks during leaves. Base dining facilities were free, and one could even travel to a different state and eat for free by presenting an ID card at the gate. Interestingly, during the Vietnam War, service members could get free air travel to certain countries, but they had to cover everything else once they landed. This was a streamlined approach to manage resources during that critical period.
Personal Time Off (PTO) and Mac-Flights
In any branch of the military, time off away from a base incurs travel and living expenses. However, during specific periods, RR (Rest and Recreation) flights provided by Military Airlift Command (MAC) offered an exception. For example, personnel could take a flight from the Philippines to Hawaii or Japan at no cost, provided they had their liberty chit and were in uniform. While such arrangements were not always scheduled, some managed to benefit from them.
Mac-flights were particularly advantageous for some. A service member from the Air Force, stationed in the Philippines, would 'hitch' on a MAC flight to Hawaii, then to Edwards Air Force Base. His family would pick him up and drive him back to his hometown of Torrance, California. Despite the initial commercial flight cost, he managed to save on subsequent trips. This illustrates the importance of staying aware of such opportunities.
Marine Corps Leave Policies
All US military branches, including the Marine Corps, offer a baseline of leave. Specifically, Marines receive 2.5 days of leave monthly. This can be saved up and accumulated, leading to a maximum of 60 days. However, it's important to note that this leave is generally tied to the needs of the unit. While the 2.5-day leave and the 60-day cap are standard, the ability to use the saved leave is highly dependent on the unit's operational requirements.
Service members, whether at the rank of private or general, are expected to pay for their travel and living expenses when on leave. This underscores the importance of personal financial planning and budgeting during such periods.
Conclusion
Understanding the complexities of leave policies and travel expenses in the Marine Corps is crucial for every service member. By knowing what to expect and how to plan accordingly, service members can ensure they are best positioned to maximize their time off and personal well-being. Whether it's taking advantage of block leave or saving up leave for a significant event, being proactive and informed can greatly enhance the quality of life for military personnel.