Some Airmen can carry over 'use or lose' leave

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Airmen who were recalled from or unable to take annual leave this past year for reasons such as support for contingency operations will be allowed to accumulate more than the normal 60 days after the fiscal year ends.

Special leave accrual carry-over also applies to Air Force reservists and Air National Guardsmen who performed full-time training or other full-time duties for more than 29 days.

Airmen who lost leave may carry the following leave amounts:

-- Up to 120 days for Airmen deployed or assigned to hostile fire/imminent danger pay areas.

-- Up to 90 days for Airmen who deployed or were assigned to other than hostile fire/imminent danger locations.

-- Up to 90 days for Airmen affected by significant and unforeseen operational mission requirements as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

Additionally, Airmen who lost leave as a consequence of assignments supporting contingency operations as of Sept. 30, 2005, are authorized restoration of the leave they lost.

"This program is meant to enable people to take leave they've earned," said Tech. Sgt. Deitra Mathis, noncommissioned officer in charge of field operations, leave and commander's support staff programs at the Air Force Personnel Center here. "For the program to work as planned, though, those affected need to take not only the leave they are carrying over now, but also the leave they will earn during the next fiscal year, or they may lose leave next year."

Those Airmen who meet the criteria for having excess leave should contact their local military personnel flight, customer service element for additional guidance such as eligibility to carry over leave beyond the following fiscal year. (Courtesy of AFPC News Service)