Q. What is the local leave area?
A. Local leave and liberty areas for all units is now defined as an area not to exceed 50 miles of a member’s home and 50 miles of a member’s worksite, although commuting from home to work and back in excess of 50 miles, each way, will remain authorized. All previously approved leave to travel beyond the local area shall be revisited and approved by the first O-6 in the member’s chain of command.
Q. If I’ve requested a medical exemption or religious accommodation, am I still allowed to go on leave and/or travel outside of the local area?
A. In accordance with ALCOAST 352/21, members who are awaiting adjudication of a medical exemption or religious accommodation request must comply with prescribed risk mitigation measures. Members may request leave/travel outside the local leave area (now defined as no more than 50 miles from home or worksite) from the first O-6 in their chain of command. Commuting from home to work and back in excess of 50 miles, each way, will remain authorized.
Q. If I already have leave outside the local leave area approved and I am not vaccinated, am I required to re-submit for approval?
A. All previously approved leave to travel beyond the local area shall be revisited and approved by the first O-6 in the member’s chain of command, using the updated definition of local area.
Q: Can I travel outside the United States?
A: Vaccinated Personnel: For vaccinated personnel, policies for foreign and domestic leave and travel are returned to pre-COVID procedures, in accordance with ALCOAST 245/21 and Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8. However, leave and travel approving officials should weigh individual member vaccination status (vaccinated versus unvaccinated) and site-specific COVID-19 conditions when conducting readiness risk assessment and approving leave and travel requests.
Unvaccinated Military Personnel: For unvaccinated military personnel, including Reservists on active duty, leave travel to or through foreign countries or territories is prohibited. This includes previously approved leave. Members may request a waiver, with final approval authority at the first Flag Officer/SES in their chain of command, in extenuating circumstances. For personnel stationed over-seas, follow the guidance of the cognizant DOD/CCMD or DOS/COM, as applicable.
Unvaccinated Civilian Personnel, Reservists Not on Orders, Dependents, Auxiliarists, and Non-Appropriated Fund personnel (NAF): Leave or leisure travel, to or through foreign countries or territories is highly discouraged. Consult the CDC and Department of State (DOS) travel advisory websites prior to making any decision. Personnel who travel internationally, may be screened for COVID-19 symptoms when they return to the Unites States.
Contractors: Contract personnel that have traveled (or plan to travel) to or through foreign countries or territories are required to notify their Contracting Officer’s Representative.
Q: Can I travel within the United States?
A: Vaccinated Personnel: For vaccinated personnel, policies for foreign and domestic leave and travel are returned to pre-COVID procedures, in accordance with ALCOAST 245/21 and Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8. However, leave and travel approving officials should weigh individual member vaccination status (vaccinated versus unvaccinated) and site-specific COVID-19 conditions when conducting readiness risk assessment and approving leave and travel requests.
Unvaccinated Military Personnel: Unvaccinated military personnel, including Reservists on active duty, are only authorized local travel while on leave or liberty. Local leave and liberty areas for all units is now defined as an area not to exceed 50 miles of a member’s home and 50 miles of a member’s worksite, although commuting from home to work and back in excess of 50 miles, each way, will remain authorized. Members may request leave/travel outside the local leave area from the first O-6 in their chain of command. All previously approved leave to travel beyond the local area shall be revisited and approved by the first O-6 in the member’s chain of command.
Q: I’m currently stationed in a foreign country. What should I do?
A: Follow the guidance of the cognizant Department of Defense/Combatant Command or Department of State Chief of Mission, as applicable. See the Department of Defense’s Foreign Clearance Guide.
Q: I am returning to the U.S. from a foreign country, what do I need to do?
A: All personnel returning from foreign travel to a country with an active CDC travel advisory should quarantine at home for 14 days. All personnel should contact their supervisor to discuss telework or leave options during quarantine.
Unvaccinated Personnel: Unvaccinated personnel and onsite contractors returning from travel through or through foreign territories or countries, or who live with someone who is subject to self-monitoring due to travel or exposure history (as verified by a positive COVID-19 test) shall not return to a CG workspace within 14 days of completing referenced travel or without the results of a negative COVID test taken within 3 days of return to work.
Unvaccinated Civilian Personnel, Reservists Not on Orders, Dependents, Auxiliarists, and Non-Appropriated Fund personnel (NAF): Unvaccinated personnel who travel internationally, may be screened for COVID-19 symptoms when they return to the Unites States.
Q: What should I do if my spouse or someone in my household has to travel?
A: Being in close contact with someone who has traveled does not trigger quarantine requirements unless the traveler has been tested or diagnosed with COVID-19. CG personnel should contact their supervisor to discuss telework or leave options if they have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19.
Q: What kind of leave is available for medical care of self/dependents?
A: Military Personnel on active duty: If you are sick, sick leave or SIQ may be appropriate under the direction of medical health care professional and approved by the member’s command. All other cases would require members to request annual leave through normal unit procedures. Additionally, when supervisors observe military members exhibiting medical symptoms, the command can order members to seek medical attention. You may also telework from home under a voluntary telework agreement.