Leave Problems and Fixes

Start Here If You Are New to Leave Problems

Leave administration generates more audit findings and IG inspection issues than substance. The most common failures are administrative. MOL balance not matching MCTFS. Marines departing without formal approval. Improper combinations of leave with special liberty. Missing check-ins after return. Travel outside liberty boundaries. Wrong leave category selected. This page is the leave-side analog to Pay Problems and Fixes. It covers the diagnostic and recovery framework for the most common leave problems Marines and units face.

This page walks you through leave problems from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The most common leave administrative failures
• How to diagnose and fix MOL-vs-MCTFS reconciliation issues
• The recovery process for unauthorized absence vs. simple late return
• The audit findings the IG checklist looks for
• The escalation routing when admin says no
• How to avoid the failures in the first place

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J (19 May 2009), the Marine Corps Inspector General Leave, Liberty, and Administrative Absence Checklist, current MARADMINs, DoDI 1327.06DoDI 1327.06, and UCMJ Article 86.

The Most Common Leave Problems

Problem 1. MOL Leave Balance Does Not Match the LES

The Marine's MOL leave balance differs from the LES Leave Information section.

Why It Happens

• Leave taken but not entered in MCTFS by the S-1.
• Leave entered in MCTFS but not reflected in MOL (system delay).
• Leave entered with the wrong type code.
• Late entries causing carryover errors at FY-end.
• DFAS-side adjustments not reflected in MOL.

How to Fix It

1. Pull the LES through MyPay.
2. Open MOL and check the Leave Information page.
3. Compare the two balances and identify the discrepancy.
4. Coordinate with the unit S-1 to investigate and resolve.
5. The S-1 corrects the MCTFS entry or routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
6. Verify the correction the next pay period.

Prevention

Verify MOL matches the LES every pay period. Catch discrepancies early before they compound.

Problem 2. Marine Departed Without Formal Approval

The Marine left the duty station before the leave was formally approved through MOL.

Why It Happens

• Marine assumed verbal approval was sufficient.
• Marine submitted the request but did not wait for the chain of command approval.
• Marine had a true emergency but did not coordinate with OOD/SDO.

How to Fix It (If Already Departed)

1. Notify the unit immediately upon discovery (return phone call to the chain of command or OOD/SDO).
2. Submit the formal MOL request retroactively if circumstances allow.
3. Document the reason for the early departure (emergency documentation, chain of command miscommunication, etc.).
4. Accept any UA processing if applicable.

How to Prevent

Always wait for formal MOL approval before departing. Even verbal approval from the chain of command does not substitute for the formal MOL authorization. For true emergencies, contact OOD/SDO before departure.

Consequences if Treated as Unauthorized Absence

Per UCMJ Article 86 (Absence Without Leave), unauthorized absence may result in.

• Loss of pay for the unauthorized period.
• UCMJ action (NJP or court-martial depending on duration).
• Adverse impact on promotion, security clearance, and career advancement.

Problem 3. Improper Leave-with-Special-Liberty Stacking

The Marine combined leave with special liberty in an unauthorized configuration.

Why It Happens

• Marine misunderstood the local liberty boundaries.
• Marine combined regular liberty + special liberty + leave in a way that exceeded 4 days.
• Marine took leave outside the local area while on special liberty.

What the Rules Are

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 3 paragraph 1.d.(4) and MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 3.

• Leave and special liberty CAN combine if the Marine is within the local area liberty boundaries AND available for recall.
• Leave and special liberty CANNOT combine in continuous absence beyond 4 days.
• Liberty-leave combinations within local boundaries are charged leave only for duty days.

The Liberty and Special Liberty page and the Annual Leave page cover the framework.

How to Fix It

If the Marine identifies improper stacking after the fact.

1. Notify the chain of command.
2. Submit a leave correction through the S-1 to convert any improper liberty time into chargeable leave.
3. Adjust the MOL and MCTFS records.
4. Counsel learning point for future planning.

Problem 4. Missing Check-In After Return from Leave

The Marine returned from leave but did not formally check in with the unit.

Why It Happens

• Marine assumed return to work the next day was sufficient.
• Marine returned outside normal working hours and did not contact OOD/SDO.
• Marine forgot to update MOL.

Why It Matters

Without a formal check-in, the unit cannot verify the Marine returned. The MOL and MCTFS may show the Marine as still on leave. May trigger UA processing if the system shows the Marine should have returned but did not.

How to Fix It

1. Report to the unit chain of command on the day of return.
2. Update MOL with the return date.
3. Notify the S-1 to verify the MCTFS entry reflects the return.

Problem 5. Unauthorized Travel Outside Liberty Limits

The Marine on liberty traveled outside the local liberty boundaries without leave authorization.

Why It Happens

• Marine misunderstood the local liberty boundaries.
• Marine took advantage of a long weekend to travel beyond the boundary without converting time to chargeable leave.
• Marine traveled to a destination requiring country clearance (foreign country) without authorization.

How to Fix It

1. Return to the local area as soon as possible.
2. Notify the chain of command of the unauthorized travel.
3. Convert the travel time to chargeable leave through MOL.
4. Address any related issues (foreign country incidents, missed duty events, etc.).

Why It Matters

Liberty does NOT include permission to leave the general vicinity of the base per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 3 paragraph 2. Travel outside the local boundaries on liberty is treated similarly to unauthorized absence.

Problem 6. Incorrect Leave Category Selection

The Marine selected the wrong leave type in MOL.

Common Errors

• Convalescent leave entered as annual leave (Marine's accrued balance reduced incorrectly).
• PTAD entered as annual leave (Marine's accrued balance reduced incorrectly).
• Emergency leave entered as annual leave (no impact on balance, but the type code drives reporting).
• Foreign leave entered as regular annual leave without country clearance documentation.
• Parental leave entered as annual leave (incorrectly charging accrued balance).

How to Fix It

1. Identify the discrepancy by comparing MOL leave history with the supporting documentation.
2. Coordinate with the S-1 to correct the MCTFS entry to the proper type code.
3. The S-1 routes any pay corrections through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
4. The Marine's accrued balance is restored if leave was incorrectly charged.

Prevention

The S-1 and the Marine should verify the leave type matches the supporting documentation at the time of submission.

Problem 7. Leave Forfeiture at FY-End

The Marine had leave above 60 days at the FY-end (30 September) and lost the excess because no SLA was approved.

Why It Happens

• Marine did not plan leave usage during the FY.
• Operational tempo prevented leave use, but SLA was not approved.
• Marine and S-1 did not track the balance throughout the FY.

How to Prevent

• Track the leave balance every pay period.
• Plan leave throughout the FY to stay below the 60-day cap by 30 September.
• Submit SLA request through the chain of command to the first Marine GO BEFORE the qualifying duty ends if eligible.
• Coordinate with the S-1 to ensure SLA is properly approved and entered.

The Special Leave Accrual page covers the SLA framework.

Problem 8. Recoupment of Unearned Advance Leave at Separation

The Marine separated with advance leave not yet earned. DFAS recoups the unearned portion from final pay.

Why It Happens

• Marine took advance leave near separation.
• Marine separated earlier than expected (administrative, medical, or punitive).

How to Fix It (If Recoupment Is in Progress)

1. Verify the calculation of unearned days through the S-1.
2. Identify any exemptions per Volume 7A Chapter 2 (combat-related disability separation, death, hardship, etc.).
3. Coordinate with the unit Staff Judge Advocate for recoupment exemption advocacy if exempt.
4. The Pay Problems and Fixes page covers the broader recoupment framework.

Prevention

• Plan advance leave carefully near separation.
• Track the earn-back rate (2.5 days/month) against the projected separation date.
• The Advance and Excess Leave page covers the recoupment risk framework.

Problem 9. SLA Request Returned Without Action

Your unit returned your Special Leave Accrual request citing deployable ship, other duty, or contingency operations, with no denial and no approval.

This is correct handling, not an error. Per MARADMIN 341/26MARADMIN 341/26 paragraph 3.b, units return SLA requests under those categories to the Marine without action until SECNAV publishes formal designations of qualifying ships, mobile units, and duties. Your general officer does not hold approval authority for those categories in the meantime.

What you do.

1. If your qualifying duty was 120 consecutive days in a hostile fire or imminent danger pay area, resubmit under paragraph 6.a of MARADMIN 188/25MARADMIN 188/25. The HFP and IDP path is not suspended.
2. If your duty falls under a suspended category, hold your documentation and watch for the follow-on MARADMIN announcing the SECNAV designations. Resubmit once your ship, unit, or duty appears on the designation list.
3. Plan leave usage against the 60-day annual cap in the meantime, the returned request restores nothing at FY-end.

The IG Checklist Common Findings

The Marine Corps Inspector General Leave, Liberty, and Administrative Absence Checklist provides oversight to identify common findings during inspections.

Common IG Findings

• Leave balances in MOL not matching MCTFS or LES.
• Leave authorizations not properly entered in MCTFS.
• Improper PTAD use (granting PTAD to avoid leave use rather than for authorized purposes).
• Leave check-out and check-in procedures not followed consistently.
• Local liberty policy not in writing or not communicated to Marines.
• SLA approvals not routed through the first Marine GO.
• Special liberty granted in succession (back-to-back) which exceeds the framework limits.
• Leave granted in continuous periods exceeding 60 days without CMC approval.

How Units Address Findings

• Conduct internal leave audits before formal IG inspections.
• Verify MCTFS leave entries match MOL each pay period.
• Train S-1 personnel on the MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J framework and current MARADMINs.
• Document local liberty policies in writing.
• Track SLA approvals through the proper authority chain.

When Admin Says No (Escalation Routing)

If the unit S-1 cannot resolve a leave problem, escalation paths include.

Step 1. Chain of Command

Escalate within the chain of command. The Battalion Commander or higher may have authority the S-1 lacks.

Step 2. IPAC

For administrative pay-related issues, the Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) is the next level. IPAC has direct DFAS connectivity for many leave-related pay corrections.

Step 3. DFAS Marine Corps Pay Directly

For pay-related leave issues that S-1 and IPAC cannot resolve, contact DFAS Marine Corps Pay at 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Step 4. HQMC MPO

For policy-related leave issues (MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J interpretation, MARADMIN application), HQMC Manpower Plans and Policy Branch (MPO) at smb_hqmc_mpo@usmc.mil is the policy authority.

Step 5. Inspector General

For systemic leave administration failures, the Inspector General hotline provides anonymous reporting. Verify the current Marine Corps IG hotline contact.

Step 6. Marine Corps Helpline

For general administrative concerns, the Marine Corps Helpline at 1-866-866-2522 provides assistance and routing to the appropriate authority.

Verifying Leave Records Are Correct

A monthly self-audit catches problems early.

Step 1. Pull MOL Leave Information

Through https://mol.tfs.usmc.mil/. Navigate to Leave Information.

Step 2. Pull the LES

Through MyPay. Locate the Leave Information section.

Step 3. Compare the Two

The MOL leave balance and the LES leave balance should match. The leave taken in the current FY should match.

Step 4. Identify Discrepancies

If the two do not match, identify the specific transaction causing the discrepancy.

Step 5. Coordinate Correction

Coordinate with the S-1 to correct the records.

Common Questions Marines Ask

My MOL shows 45 days but my LES shows 42 days. What do I do?

Coordinate with your S-1 immediately. The S-1 investigates the source of the discrepancy. Common causes include leave entered with wrong type code or late MCTFS entry. The S-1 corrects the MCTFS or routes through DFAS for pay system correction.

I returned from leave but forgot to check in. The next day my First Sergeant said I was on UA status. What do I do?

Notify the chain of command immediately of the actual return date. Document with travel records or other evidence of return. The unit can correct the MOL and MCTFS to reflect the actual return. UA processing may not be initiated if the discrepancy is corrected promptly.

I took leave that was never approved in MOL. Will I get in trouble?

Departing without formal approval is unauthorized absence (UA). Contact your chain of command immediately upon return. The disposition depends on the circumstances. True emergency situations may be handled administratively. Routine departure without approval may trigger UCMJ action under Article 86.

I had 75 days of leave on 30 September. The system zeroed me out at 60 days. Why?

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 2.a, leave above 60 days at FY-end is forfeited unless you have approved SLA. The 15 days were lost because SLA was not approved. The Special Leave Accrual page covers SLA. Submit the SLA request earlier next time.

I separated with 5 days of advance leave still unearned. DFAS is recouping. Can I challenge?

Per Volume 7A Chapter 35, unearned advance leave at separation is subject to recoupment. Exemptions exist for combat-related disability separation, death, hardship, and others per Chapter 2. Coordinate with the unit Staff Judge Advocate for recoupment exemption advocacy if applicable.

The S-1 says I cannot take 30 days of leave. Can I appeal?

Coordinate with your chain of command. The Company Commander or higher may approve. Special leave types (SLA, foreign leave, etc.) have specific approval authorities per the controlling MARADMIN. Continuous leave exceeding 60 days requires CMC (MMEA/MMOA or RA) approval per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 5.a.

Where do I go if my unit S-1 cannot help?

Escalate through the chain of command first. Then IPAC. Then DFAS Marine Corps Pay (for pay-related issues) or HQMC MPO (for policy-related issues).

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• MOL-vs-MCTFS reconciliation. Your S-1.
• Pay corrections related to leave. Your S-1 routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• Recoupment of unearned advance leave at separation. Coordinate with your S-1 and unit Staff Judge Advocate.
• SLA approval issues. Through the chain of command to the first Marine GO. The Special Leave Accrual page covers the framework.
• Unauthorized absence resolution. Coordinate with chain of command and unit SJA immediately upon return.
• Policy interpretation questions. HQMC MPO at smb_hqmc_mpo@usmc.mil.
• IG hotline for systemic issues. The Marine Corps IG.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).
• Marine Corps Helpline. 1-866-866-2522.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Leave and Liberty landing page lists all the leave and liberty topics.
• Leave Submission and Administration covers the proper administrative process.
• Annual Leave covers the foundational accrual and 60-day cap framework.
• Special Leave Accrual covers SLA approval to avoid FY-end forfeiture.
• Liberty and Special Liberty covers the proper liberty boundary framework.
• Pay Problems and Fixes covers the parallel pay-side problem resolution.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the proper leave submission process and the verification of MOL-vs-MCTFS balance.
• Admin at S-1 maintains accurate MCTFS records, reconciles with MOL, processes corrections through DFAS Marine Corps Pay, and routes IG findings to the chain of command.
• Commanders enforce the leave administration framework and address IG findings systematically.

Leave problems usually come from administrative gaps rather than substantive misconduct. Verify MOL matches MCTFS each pay period. Always wait for formal approval before departing. Check in upon return. Use the proper leave type code. Plan to avoid FY-end forfeiture. Coordinate with the S-1 for any reconciliation issue. Escalate through the chain of command, IPAC, DFAS, or HQMC MPO when needed.