Doc Jargon explains DONSA

Photo By Collen McGee | Doc Jargon, cutting through the jargon that is the U.S. Army.  

UNITED STATES

03.03.2023

Story by Collen McGee 

Fort Riley Public Affairs Office

Dear Doc Jargon,
My husband said that the day after July 4th was probably going to be a DONSA and he wouldn’t have to go to work. I think that’s pretty cool as it means my guy gets to be home with me and the kids. Can you tell me what the letters actually stand for? I mean — even my husband, when I asked him said only, “I don’t know, it means I don’t have to go to work.”
Since the military is full of alphabet soup and most of the terms he comes home with, I understand, but I don’t know what the acronyms mean. Can you help?
Sincerely,
This Lingo Lost Me

Dear Lingo Lost,
The term DONSA stands for, day of no scheduled activity. It is a day off without coming straight out and calling it a day off. Soldiers who are granted a DONSA do not have to come in for formations, physical fitness or do any work. However, it isn’t technically a day off — just a day where commanders didn’t, and most likely won’t — schedule any official work.
However — because we always have to have a note of caution — not everyone gets the same DONSA all of the time. Even when there is a DONSA, some missions require a few people to keep them going through the designated time off. And the final caution, those days could change based on mission requirements.
Always have your Soldier check with their chain of command to make sure he has the most up to date info on scheduled work or training.
Sincerely,

Doc Jargon

• Date Taken: 03.03.2023
• Date Posted: 03.03.2023 15:28
• Story ID: 439667
• Location: US