Defence offers different types of leave depending on your circumstances and length of service.
You usually need to apply for leave before you can take it. Most types of leave are subject to your supervisor's approval.
You can cancel or amend your leave. Your leave may also be cancelled for operational reasons. You may claim some costs if your leave is cancelled or you're recalled while away on leave.
How to apply for leave
You can apply for leave in the PMKeyS Portal. You can access this on the Defence Protected Network (DPN) or the Home Portal.
If you can't access PMKeyS, complete and submit an Application for Leave (AF088) form. You can download this from the intranet Forms tab on the DPN.
You won't be able to submit an application for some leave types if you don't have enough leave credits.
Overseas travel when on leave
When you submit your leave application, you must declare if you intend to travel overseas. If you are, you'll need to get a travel briefing from your unit security officer.
You must apply for a travel waiver if you want to travel to any of these restricted destinations:
- Afghanistan
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
- Iraq
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen.
The Smart Traveller website also shows any destinations with 'Do not travel' advice in place. You'll need a travel waiver for these destinations too.
Your leave will be denied if you don't have an approved travel waiver for a restricted destination.
Claim costs if you're recalled to duty
If you're recalled to duty, your leave will be cancelled. You can apply again in the future.
You can claim costs to cover your out-of-pocket expenses for cancelling or changing holiday plans. You can't claim costs for the inconvenience of being recalled.
Recalled while you're away on leave
If you're recalled to duty while you're away from your housing benefit location, you can claim travel costs such as return flights or fare charges. This includes meal costs on the return trip.
You may also claim non-refundable costs for services you were unable to use, such as accommodation or tours.
You may claim costs for your resident family's travel if it's reasonable that they return with you.
Recalled before you go away
If your approved leave is cancelled before it starts, you can claim non-refundable costs for travel and services you were unable to use.
If you've started leave, including taking an approved short absence, but haven’t gone on holiday, you can only claim these costs if you're recalled and assigned to a domestic emergency operation.
To make a claim:
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Open Application for Compensation Resulting From Cancellation or Recall From Leavean (AD388) form
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Complete the Member's details section
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Select the reimbursement options that apply for your circumstances
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Provide the reason for your claim
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Attach supporting documents
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Complete and submit the form to your Your Commanding Officer at Major (equivalent) or APS 6 and above. In some circumstances, you’ll need to get approval from your Service headquarters.