Does military get thanksgiving off?

Does Military Get Thanksgiving Off?

Understanding Military Leave Policies

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. As a time for family gatherings, feasting, and relaxation, it’s a popular question to ask whether military personnel get to enjoy this holiday off. The answer is not a straightforward one, as it depends on various factors, including the individual’s military status, branch, and position.

Military Leave Entitlements

The United States military offers various types of leave, including annual leave, sick leave, and emergency leave. However, these entitlements may not necessarily apply to federal holidays like Thanksgiving.

• Annual Leave: Military personnel earn annual leave, which is accrued at a rate of 2.5 days per month (30 days per year). This leave can be taken at the discretion of the individual, but it may not necessarily be available on federal holidays.
• Sick Leave: Sick leave is granted to military personnel to take care of personal illnesses or injuries. However, it’s typically used for short-term absences, and may not be suitable for a full-day holiday like Thanksgiving.
• Emergency Leave: Emergency leave is granted for unexpected situations, such as a family emergency or natural disaster. While it’s possible to take emergency leave on Thanksgiving, it’s not guaranteed and may require approval from the individual’s chain of command.

Military Branch-Specific Policies

Each branch of the military has its own leave policies and procedures. Here’s a brief overview of how Thanksgiving leave is handled in each branch:

• Army: The Army allows Soldiers to take Thanksgiving Day off, but it’s subject to unit needs and approval from the commander. In some cases, Soldiers may be required to work a reduced schedule or perform essential duties on the holiday.
• Navy: The Navy offers Thanksgiving as a paid holiday for its personnel, with the option to take additional leave days if needed.
• Air Force: The Air Force also considers Thanksgiving a paid holiday, with a standard 8-hour leave period. However, airmen may be required to work on the holiday if their duties are essential to the mission.
• Marine Corps: The Marine Corps considers Thanksgiving a paid holiday, but it’s subject to unit needs and approval from the commander. Marines may be required to work on the holiday if their duties are essential to the mission.
• Coast Guard: The Coast Guard, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, observes Thanksgiving as a paid holiday. However, Coast Guardsmen may be required to work on the holiday if their duties are essential to the mission.

Holiday Pay and Allowances

While military personnel may not always get to take Thanksgiving off, they are typically entitled to holiday pay. Here’s a breakdown of how holiday pay works for each branch:

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether military personnel get Thanksgiving off depends on their individual circumstances, branch, and position. While some military personnel may be able to take the holiday off, others may be required to work on the holiday or take it as a paid day off. It’s essential for military personnel to understand their leave entitlements and procedures to plan accordingly. As a token of appreciation, military personnel typically receive holiday pay, which is a small consolation for those who must work on Thanksgiving.

Additional Tips and Reminders

• Leave Requests: Military personnel should submit leave requests well in advance to ensure approval and avoid conflicts with unit operations.
• Unit Needs: Commanders may deny leave requests if unit needs require personnel to be on duty on Thanksgiving.
• Essential Duties: Military personnel may be required to perform essential duties on Thanksgiving, even if it’s a paid holiday.
• Holiday Pay: Holiday pay is usually a percentage of basic pay, and the amount varies by branch.
• Plan Ahead: Military personnel should plan ahead and discuss their leave options with their chain of command to ensure a smooth holiday season.