This counseling addresses the fact that you are going on ordinary Leave from _______ to _______. Your destination is ______ and you will be traveling by POV.
Every year the Army loses many of its most productive members due to auto accidents while on leave. The top three reasons for auto accidents are: speed, fatigue, and drinking and driving.
Speed. Watch your speed. Be aware of conditions and adjust your speed to compensate for traffic and weather conditions.
Fatigue. Many Soldiers begin their leave after getting off work. This is not a good idea because they have been up for 16 hours and are approaching the time that their body expects to be be going to sleep. This results in fatigue and slower reflexes and reaction time and dramatically increases the chances that a person will fall asleep at the wheel. Don't become a statistic. Don't start travel until you are well-rested. While driving, you should stop every 2 hours to stretch and maintain alertness. Limit driving to 8 hours a day.
Don't drink and drive. If you do drink, make sure you have a designated driver or an alternate means of transportation available.
Map out your route before you go and have proper emergency equipment on hand (spare tire, jumper cables, flares, etc). Be aware of speed traps and the difficulties that being pulled over in a strange town can present. Carry a fully-charged cellphone and emergency contact numbers. Plan ahead and ensure that you allow enough time to return on time.
AUTHORITY FOR LEAVE: You are required to keep your approved leave form (DA Form 31, Request And Authority For Leave), your LES, and this counseling statement with you at all times while on leave. This is your authorization to be on leave.
ITINERARY: You are required to provide your travel itinerary and emergency contact phone numbers to your supervisor.
CHANGES: If your leave dates change, you must notify the chain-of-command immediately.
DEPARTURE/RETURN: You must begin and end leave in the local area. When reporting back from leave, you must sign in to the unit no later than 2400 on the last day of leave (Block 10b). It is your responsibility to ensure that you return from leave on time. Failure to do so may result in punitive or administrative action.
TRAVEL EXPENSES: You are responsible for all your travel expenses. You must ensure that you have enough money to cover any additional expenses you may incur for an alternate travel mode in the event your scheduled transportation is delayed or cancelled. If you do not have adequate funds for an alternate means of travel, contact the Army Personnel Assistance Point (PAP) at 404-569-5740 (Atlanta) or 972-574-0388/(800) 770-5580 (Dallas).
LEAVE EXTENSIONS: Extensions of more than 7 days can only be approved by the Commander.
ADVANCE LEAVE: Advance leave may be approved by the commander for up to, but not more than, 7 days.
MEDICAL TREATMENT:
a. If you require medical treatment while on leave, report to the nearest military medical facility. In the absence of such a facility, report to a uniformed services treatment facility or Veteran's Administration facility if possible.
b. Medical treatment at government expense is authorized only for emergencies when treatment cannot be obtained from government facilities or when prior approval is obtained. You can obtain local area listings of the TRICARE Health Providers nearest your leave location by contacting their office.
c. A member who is unable to report to duty upon expiration of leave because of illness or injury must advise the leave approving authority. A family member, attending physician, representative at the nearest MTF, or American Red Cross (ARC) representative may act on the member's behalf when the member is incapacitated and unable to provide notification.
d. Upon returning from leave, the member must present a statement from the nearest medical treatment facility (MTF) or attending physician regarding the member's medical condition.
If you encounter any problems while on leave or if your scheduled return from leave will be delayed, contact me at __________ or notify the Commander or First Sergeant at ________ as soon as you become aware of the delay.
Important Phone Numbers:
American Red Cross : 877-272-7238
Army Emergency Relief Fund (AER): 866-878-6378
Personnel Assistance Point (PAP): 404-569-5740 (Atlanta) or 972-574-0388/(800) 770-5580 (Dallas)
