Can I file an EO complaint over being denied leave due to the COVID19 restrictions?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 13:12:49 -0400

I was trying to get to Puerto Rico due to my father passed away, and I did a red cross message put the da 31 as my unit requested when I get to the airport my COC called me and turned down my leave form because they said since the covid they cannot allow me to go to PR can I use the IG for this?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2020 1:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 13:24:59 -0400

What would make you think this is an EO complaint? There’s a DOD wide travel restriction that requires a General to approve your travel and you think this is an EO issue? In what way did your COC terget your race, sex, or religion?

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Jun 13 at 2020 2:48 PM

SMSgt Bob W. — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 14:48:21 -0400

Go for it. Death in the family does carry a high priority. The big question is do you still want leave to see family?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 13 at 2020 4:06 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 16:06:02 -0400

If there weren’t a DOD wide travel and leave restriction due to COVID19 I would agree but EO complaints wouldn’t be applicable unless you can verify that you alone are being denied while others are being approved.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 13 at 2020 6:02 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 18:02:37 -0400

NO all travel was locked down period due to the virus for EVERYONE, how in the HEll could it be an EO complaint.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2020 6:25 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 18:25:17 -0400

1. Can you demonstrate how you were targeted because of your race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation? Don't see how this falls under EO

2. The commander has every right, and more importantly in this case, responsibility to cancel your leave.

From AR 600–8–10
Leaves and Passes:

10–13. Rules to recall Soldier from leave
a. The commander is the recall authority when Soldiers are on authorized leave and are needed for return to duty for reasons of military necessity.
b. If travel and transportation allowances are authorized (JFTR, Vol 1, U4105 or U7220–A through U7720–D) orders will be used to recall Soldiers (see AR 600–8–105). Direct travel questions to the local travel or transportation officer.

In this instance, military necessity means protecting the health and welfare of troops under a given command to make sure they are given the best opportunity to remain healthy and mission capable. This can range from a very focused control such as a company commander restricting Soldiers to barracks just prior to deployment movement to a much broader scope where combatant commanders and army wide issue stop movements to limit potential spread of a pathogen that has been known to kill 3-5% of a population.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2020 6:44 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 18:44:57 -0400

First and foremost, my condolences for the loss of your father.

Based on the information you have provided here I’m not seeing how your COC denying your leave would be an EO violation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2020 12:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 00:18:27 -0400

Although there is a travel band due to COVID-19, Soldiers can request leave, however, an exception to policy is needed and the approval authority is the first General Officer in your chain of command. (DOD policy) Even if the Company Commander recommends disapproval, it MUST be forwarded to the General Officer. The Battalion Commander signs the 4187 recommending approval or disapproval and from there it’s forwarded to the GO.

So your Commander must forward the request to the Battalion, his disapproval does not stop the request. Make sure you attach the copy of the Red Cross message.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 14 at 2020 8:46 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 08:46:03 -0400

You're going to have a hard time proving to IG that every country on the planet is in league with the DOD to create a global pandemic, orchestrated as part of their master plan to deny you leave...

Not impossible though, I've heard weirder hypothesis on Fox and InfoWars...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2020 12:52 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 12:52:05 -0400

Your command did not violate EO nor IG when denying your leave. All movement for the military is ceased until further notice unless missions are critical need to happen.