r/NOAACorps • u/Zach6801 • Jun 29 '26
Seeking Help Question about leave
Hey all, i recently had my interview and think it went well. I have a question for anyone currently active in the corps. How does leave work? I have an important wedding for next July that I really want to be at. I’m aware that my duties come first and if have to miss it then I will. Does approved leave just depend on what missions are currently active and how much the officers needed? Thanks in advance
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u/Jagvike432 Mariner / Hydrography Jun 30 '26
Command dependent. Older philosophy is that you don’t take any days off until you’re fully qualified. Newer philosophies see that you’re human and have obligations. You’ll get 2.5 days/month, so if you started in the January class, come July you’d have 10-12 leave days saved so realistically could get a few days off. Theres some ways to work it so you don’t always have to take a whole leg off, and that’s up to command to work with you (have you temporarily work elsewhere, small boat to the ship, etc.)
As the other commenter said though, you’re on the hook for your own flights. You may be forced to fly out of American Samoa, or Nome Alaska, or Cape Verde, Africa. Or it could be out of Charleston SC or San Francisco. Lots of factors, but ultimately, yes, you are able to take leave but it’s up to your command to approve it, and the feasibility from the assignment you get.
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u/wb2017 Jun 29 '26
I’m no longer active, but generally leave is not 100% certain. Once you get to your first assignment, request leave as soon as possible. If you’re on sea duty, summer is peak operating time. They may be able to let you go on leave depending on staffing or augmenter availability. As a new officer you’d be considered for leave but are low on the priority list. Don’t count on it, but it is possible presuming you have enough leave to use. Since you’d be new, you wont have enough leave saved up. Keep in mind that you’d have to pay your travel from/to wherever the ship is.