Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/17/2008

Question
Hello! I am currently enlisted Army, and have been accepted for a direct commission program in the Coast Guard. I have accrued about 25 days of leave in the Army, and was wondering if that would transfer upon my transition into the Coast Guard. (I will only have a 24 hour break in service.)

Answer
Dear Gabriella --

You should have two choices.  When you leave the Army, you can take a lump sum payment for your remaining leave.  Otherwise, you can have your remaining leave roll into your new service's Leave and Earnings statement.

I caution however, that during your first year as an officer you will not get a lot of opportunities to take leave.  You cannot accrue more than 60 days of leave.  As an officer, you will not be able to cash out unused leave until you resign or retire.  Any unused days over 60 days, you will lose on 1 October of each year.

I recommend you talk with the officer working your direct commission, and determine how much leave you will actually need in your fist two years of service as an officer.  Ensure they support you rolling over some of your Army leave.  Then cash out the leave you will not need (knowing you will accrue 30 days of leave each year) so you can maximize cash value, have sufficient leave, and not lose any leave two Octobers from now.

Good luck to you.  Thank you for your service.