IG Corner

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Natalie Bonetti
  • 341st Missile Wing Inspector General
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Common IG Complaints

A typical complaint heard in the IG community by Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen they serve is "I was unfairly denied (or recalled) from leave."

Leave is essential to sustaining the morale, motivation and effectiveness of our Air Force members. AFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, not only enforces the use of leave, but it also designates leave as an individual right. However, for leave to be appropriately and equitably managed, it must be planned and used within the constraints of mission requirements.

So when does the disapproval of leave or recall from leave become a violation in accordance with Air Force policy?

When violations to Air Force leave policy occur, they typically happen after a request is already approved. Though unit commanders generally delegate the authority to approve or disapprove annual leave requests to a lower level (e.g. section/deputy commanders, first-line supervisors), once a leave request is approved, the unit commander is the only person authorized to disapprove it unless he or she designated disapproval authority to someone in writing. Additionally, once members depart on leave, unit commanders are the only persons authorized to recall them from leave. The authority to recall, however, cannot be delegated to a lower level and should only be exercised due to military necessity or in the best interests of the Air Force.

For questions or concerns about this or any other matter you think needs IG attention, contact the local IG office at 731-7076/7091 or the 24-hour hotline at 731-6669.