Do Soldiers Have to Pay for Their Leaves and Vacations in the US Military?

Military members often inquire about the specifics of taking leaves and vacations in the US armed forces. The question often arises: do soldiers have to pay for their leave and vacation? The answer might surprise you, but in most cases, the service members do not have to pay a fee to receive approved time off.

Accommodations and Resort Properties

The military owns or controls various resort properties that are available to members at a reduced rate. These properties are similar to temporary housing for service members who are in temporary duty status or changing permanent duty stations. The housing provided costs between half and two-thirds of that of similar accommodations in the local area. This arrangement is akin to the private sector, where employees might have access to company housing or benefits, but they still must cover their expenses.

Furthermore, some of these US resort areas are open to members of allied nations, providing a unique benefit to international military personnel. However, the services themselves remain unpaid, and members must cover their expenses while on leave.

Pays for Services but Not Time Off

Service members in the US military accrue 2.5 days of leave (what most civilians would call vacation) every month. They do not pay the military for this time, and it costs the member nothing. However, the expenses incurred during leave, such as travel, meals, and entertainment, are entirely at the service member's expense. This is similar to how employees in the private sector treat their leave and vacation time.

Accrued Leave and Authorizations

During regular leaves and vacations, service members accumulate 30 days of leave per year or their portion thereof. In contrast, civilian employees generally earn two weeks of vacation per year. Both service members and civilian employees must pay for their personal expenses while on leave, such as travel and accommodations.

Calling Back to Duty

While on leave or personal time, service members may still be called back to duty if necessary. They receive their full normal pay and allowances, but they are responsible for all their expenses. If the situation requires, approved leave can be canceled, and service members must comply with the military's orders.

Scam Warnings

Be wary of any claims that a fee is required to replace or certify leave. Scammers often try to exploit service members by claiming they need to pay for certificates or replacements, and these claims are fraudulent. Always verify information through official military channels or seek advice from a reliable source within the service.

Conclusion

While military members do have to cover their service-related expenses while on leave or vacation, they do not pay their service branch for the opportunity to take time off. The responsibilities and benefits of military leave are designed to balance the needs of the service member and the readiness of the military.