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  • T Minus 37

The Importance of Time Off in the Army

Time off in the Army isn’t just a break—it’s a mission-essential tool for keeping Soldiers at their best. Service Members earn 30 days of paid leave each year, plus weekends, holidays, and recovery periods after demanding training or deployments. This downtime allows Soldiers to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally, strengthening morale, resilience, and overall readiness. Whether it’s ordinary leave for a family vacation, emergency leave for urgent matters, or simply enjoying a long weekend, time away from duty ensures that when Soldiers return, they’re sharper, more focused, and ready to meet the mission head-on.

Life in the Army is demanding—filled with early mornings, training, and missions that require unwavering focus. But even the strongest Soldiers need time to recharge. Time off isn’t just a break—it’s a powerful tool for boosting morale, building resilience, and keeping every Solider mission-ready. Rest, relaxation, and time with loved ones are vital to both personal well-being and overall unit success.

How Much Time Off Soldiers Get

Soldiers earn 2.5 days of leave (vacation days) per month—adding up to 30 days of vacation each year. That’s in addition to 11 federal holidays, which often turn into long weekends. Soldiers can even carry leave over into the next year, up to a maximum of 60 days. This is a rare benefit—few careers offer that much dedicated downtime.

Types of Leave

The Army offers several forms of leave to fit different needs:

  • Ordinary Leave: For personal time, like vacations or family visits.
  • Emergency Leave: For urgent family matters.
  • Rest & Recovery Leave: After intense training, missions, or deployments, Soldiers are given dedicated time to decompress physically and mentally.

Weekends, Holidays, and Regular Breaks

In addition to annual leave, Service Members typically enjoy scheduled weekends and designated holidays off duty. These regular breaks provide opportunities for Soldiers to relax, pursue hobbies, and spend time with friends and family.

How Time Off Is Decided

Time off is carefully balanced with mission requirements. Commanders and unit leaders manage schedules to ensure operational readiness while still supporting Soldiers’ well-being. Factors like training schedules, deployment cycles, and unit priorities can impact when leave is approved.

Planning Ahead

Just like in any career, Soldiers must plan their time off wisely to avoid conflicts with critical missions or training events. Flexibility is key—while the Army values work-life balance, operational demands sometimes take priority.

Why Time Off Matters for Readiness

Time off isn’t just about rest—it’s about sustaining the force. Soldiers who take time to recharge return more focused, motivated, and capable. Leaders who encourage healthy work-life balance see better retention, stronger morale, and higher performance across the unit.

Final Word

Time off in the Army is more than a perk—it’s a mission-essential part of keeping Soldiers strong in body, mind, and spirit. By taking advantage of leave, weekends, and recovery days, Soldiers maintain the resilience needed to meet every challenge head-on. In the Army, rest isn’t weakness—it’s preparation for the next victory.

I’ll be back next week with more tips and guidance. Until then, Hooah!

SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army Retired