Editorial: Time off: They earn it

[unhappycamper]

Editorial: Time off: They earn it

The Air Force policy regarding time off after deployments dates back more than 10 years — long before the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Back then, airmen typically deployed for operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch, humanitarian missions and other missions for three months or less.

For the most part, they performed their Air Force jobs in peace and safety. When they returned, they got up to a week off if they had been gone for six weeks, and up to two weeks if they’d deployed for three months. They were asked to stay close to base, however, in case their services were needed for some other mission. Much has changed since then.

About 42 percent of airmen heading to Iraq and Afghanistan these days are gone for six months. More than 6,000 airmen are serving in lieu of soldiers, filling Army jobs. Many airmen are on the flight lines, working round the clock to keep planes flying and troops supplied. Many more — explosive ordnance disposal airmen, Office of Special Investigation agents, tactical control party members, and others — face combat.

The time-off policy does not reflect the new reality. It should be reviewed.

Marine Corps policy varies some, but Marines who deploy to Iraq for seven months typically get time off when they return, and it is not charged against their annual leave. Like the Air Force, the Corps wants some Marines to remain near base when they return, in case there’s an emergency. But to give Marines time with their families, the Corps lets some travel freely while others remain close by. When the first group returns, it lets the second group go.


Rest of editorial at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/community/opinion/airforce_editorial_timeoff_071126/