Leave
References:
A. PACMAN Vol 1 Chap 5
B. CA Directive 04/05 Leave Management of Army Personnel
C. DI (A) ADMIN 31-1 Defence Leave Administration - Policy and Management of 30 Nov 06
Introduction
1. Leave is an important component of every soldier's condition of employment. Regular
leave is essential for providing respite and ensuring soldiers are able to continue performing to the highest standards.
2. The Defence policy on leave is detailed in ref A. For the leave system to work effectively its management must be timely and accurate. Additionally, policy pertaining to all forms of leave must be applied equally across the unit and the impact of leave upon operations must be minimised.
Aim
3. The aim of this Standing Order is to outline the unit's policy on leave. It is not intended that this document replace ref A or any other Defence leave policy rather, it is intended to give specific guidance as a means of standardising options for the granting of leave.
Leave Policy & Guidance for Full Time Personnel
4. Recreation or War Service Leave (FAN). The purpose of Recreation Leave is to provide full time members with leisure periods so that they may relax and recuperate away from their work environment for a substantial period or periods each year in order to enhance their continued efficiency and effectiveness. Recreation Leave should be applied for, and granted, subject to the operational, training and administrative needs of the unit.
5. Short Leave (FSL). SL may be granted at the discretion of the CO/OC IAW ref A. Short Leave is a form of leave unique to the ADF and is granted to enable Full Time members to meet short notice contingencies in their personal or family life, such as a family member's sudden illness, injury or hospitalisation. Unlike Recreation Leave, Short Leave is not accumulated by the individual over time, and it should not be applied for as an alternative to Recreation Leave, or in conjunction with Recreation Leave.
6. Leave Accumulation. Leave credits expire at the end of three years. Ref B states that the CDF may approve the carry-over of recreational leave credits that would otherwise expire. This will only occur where it is proven that the accumulation has been caused by exceptional service reasons: for example, operational service. Thus it is essential that leave is taken on a regular basis and that sub-unit commanders review leave credits annually.
7. Members, in discussion with their supervisors, are to plan, obtain delegate approval and take leave to which they are entitled. Members are to ensure that their leave is approved before proceeding on leave except in the case of unscheduled short-term absences, where submission of an application and approval is to be sought immediately on return from leave.
8. Guidance on different types of leave and administration of leave and entitlements can be found at Army HQ Administration Guide website.
9. Members need to review their leave records periodically for accuracy and completeness. A review can be affected through PMKeyS Self Service (PSS), and PMKeyS leave inquiry panels and reports.
Leave Policy & Guidance for Part Time Personnel
10 . Part time personnel are expected to attend all directed activities IAW the issued Regimental Parade Card, unless directed otherwise or unless the activity is listed as optional. If a member is unable to attend a directed activity a Form AD 097 (ADF Leave Application) must be submitted to their supervisor as soon as practicable.
11 . If a member is unwell and unable to attend a directed activity, they must advise their supervisor by phone and submit a Form AD 097 form at their next parade activity.
12 . AR members applying for leave for periods greater than three months are to make application on Form AD 097 and submit it to the CO.
13. The CO may only grant periods of leave to AR members up to a maximum of 12 months.
Conclusion
14. This leave policy has been implemented to standardise options for leave and stand down while providing Commanders with maximum possible flexibility. Additionally, it will afford the soldiers and officers adequate and opportune rest whilst maintaining capability.
Leave Form 