What if your unit makes you work while on leave? A colleague is getting charged leave but his shop is making him work. Does he have a say?

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 05:00:09 -0400

He has been on leave for three days but has been calling me from his office with work questions. As active duty military members do we have a say in whether or not we should work on leave or if we should get charged? Is it a "suck it up its the military" thing? Appreciate responses.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2017 8:57 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 08:57:27 -0400

I'm not sure what the regulation is on this but I've never had it happen. But then again, whenever I've taken leave I've gotten as far away from post as possible.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2017 9:25 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 09:25:28 -0400

Is your colleague going into the office to perform work, or is he/she just fielding phone calls from people in the office about work questions? This is material to my answer.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Aug 23 at 2017 10:31 AM

SSgt Holden M. — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 10:31:09 -0400

It's a gray area for most people I would say if he's in his uniform and in his office working then they shouldn't charge him leave. But I have also known a few that had use or loose leave so they took leave just to take leave so they wouldn't loose it but after a day or so they came into work to take care of some stuff because they were bored at home.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2017 12:37 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 12:37:58 -0400

The unit SHOULD respect his leave and allow him to relax, however, in many offices, only one person knows things so when they are on leave, the office essentially shuts down. He also has every right to not answer his phone or email during leave without any repercussions.

As a leader, I know that I am always on the clock and will do my best to ensure that I am available around the clock but I shut off and ignore calls/vmails/ and emails especially when my commander reaches out to me.