Soldiers recharge with Army’s mid-tour leave program

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

08.18.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Story by: Sgt. David Dasilma

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – There is a special time during a deployment every Soldier anticipates. If one were to listen to the conversations around Task Force Blackjack, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, he or she would hear plenty of chatter pertaining to the second greatest time of a deployment: Environmental Morale Leave.

While it remains second to redeployment, EML is one of the most talked about items among deployed Soldiers. Hot topics include foods they will eat, the people they will see, and the adventures they are planning. EML is a special privilege and helps keep morale high in TF Blackjack.

The EML Program, mandated by U.S. Central Command, was implemented in 2003. The program was initiated to provide eligible service members and Department of Defense civilians serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom an opportunity for rest and recuperation and to aid with temporary family reintegration.

This leave is unique from the previous tours. On April 8, it became non-chargeable, meaning Soldiers do not use accrued leave, a provision that only applies to those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

“If I had to use up 15 days of chargeable leave for EML, I wouldn’t have enough left over to take post-deployment block leave, or I’d have to go in the hole,” said Pfc. Jason Dudley, Blackjack aid station medic from Seattle.

In addition to non-chargeable leave, Soldiers do not pay for airline expenses to their destination, a provision that falls under the Fully Funded Onward Movement Program, implemented on January 1, 2004.

Spc. Lester Burgard, a medic with 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt. from Mountain Grove, Miss., is a second-time deployer who appreciates the new policy.

“I had a lot of fun on leave. I got to hang out with my old friends, relax, and eat great food,” Burgard said. “What’s cool is that last deployment it was chargeable, and now it’s not.”

• Date Taken: 08.18.2010
• Date Posted: 08.18.2010 02:03
• Story ID: 54740
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ