Title 10 — Armed ForcesRelease 119-73
§701 Entitlement and accumulation
Title 10 › Subtitle Subtitle A— - General Military Law › Part PART II— - PERSONNEL › Chapter CHAPTER 40— - LEAVE › § 701
Summary
Members earn leave at 2½ calendar days for each month of active service. You can have up to 60 days saved at a time, but leave used in a fiscal year can be taken from that year’s accrual even if it goes over the cap. Leave taken right before discharge counts as active service. A member who retired after August 9, 1946 and who returns to duty can bring forward leave earned before retirement. A person missing in action keeps earning leave without the 60-day limit until the Secretary gets proof of death or death is determined under section 555 of title 37. If you would lose leave at year end, the Secretary can let certain members keep up to 30 extra days if they served continuously at least 120 days with special pay or were in deployable duty and got written approval from a senior officer; that extra leave must be used before the end of the second fiscal year after the fiscal year in which the qualifying service ended. If you leave active duty to join another term of service, you may carry over up to 30 days of excess leave or the amount you could earn in the new term, whichever is less; otherwise you must pay for unused excess leave. A member can get up to 12 weeks of parental leave during the year after a birth, adoption, or placement for long-term foster care. The military can allow the leave to be used later for operational or training reasons, and may let some members use it within two years with approval of a first general or flag officer. A parent who gave birth may also get extra medical convalescent leave if a military medical provider writes a recommendation and the commander approves; that extra leave is only for the member’s medical condition. Parental and birth-related convalescent leave can be taken in parts, is in addition to other leave, and unused parental leave is generally forfeited after the allowed period. A service member who gives birth may be deployed or required to meet fitness or body-composition standards during the 12 months after birth, pregnancy loss, or stillbirth only with approval from a military medical treatment facility provider and either the member’s choice or a national-security decision by the Secretary of Defense. Members on active duty, Active Guard and Reserve, or mobilized more than 12 months, and certain Space Force members, are covered by these rules. The military also allows up to two weeks of bereavement leave for the death of a spouse or child; members with less than 30 days of leave are not charged for this, while those with 30 or more days will be charged until their balance drops below 30. Convalescent leave for other medical conditions must be recommended by the member’s medical provider, approved by the commander, generally is limited to 30 days unless higher approval is given, and does not reduce the member’s leave balance.
Full Legal Text
Title 10, §701
Armed Forces — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)A member of an armed force is entitled to leave at the rate of 2½ calendar days for each month of active service, excluding periods of—
(1)absence from duty without leave;
(2)absence over leave;
(3)confinement as the result of a sentence of a court-martial; and
(4)leave required to be taken under section 876a of this title.
(b)Except as provided in subsections (e) and (f), a member may not accumulate more than 60 days’ leave. However, leave taken during a fiscal year may be charged to leave accumulated during that fiscal year without regard to this limitation.
(c)A member who retired after August 9, 1946, who is continued on, or is recalled to active duty, may have his leave which accumulated during his service before retirement carried over to his period of service after retirement.
(d)Leave taken before discharge is considered to be active service.
(e)(1)The Secretary concerned, under uniform regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, may authorize a member described in paragraph (2) to retain not more than 30 days of excess leave.
(2)A member described in this paragraph is a member who—
(A)(i)serves on active duty for a continuous period of at least 120 days for which the member is entitled to special pay under section 310(a) of title 37; or
(ii)is assigned to a deployable ship or mobile unit or to other duty designated for the purposes of this section;
(B)except for this subsection, would lose any excess leave at the end of the fiscal year; and
(C)receives, from the first officer in a grade above O-6 in the chain of command of such member, written authorization to retain such excess leave.
(3)Excess leave retained by a member under this subsection shall be forfeited unless used before the end of the second fiscal year after the end of the fiscal year in which the service or assignment described in paragraph (2)(A) terminated.
(4)In this subsection, the term “excess leave” means leave accrued by a member in excess of the number of days of leave authorized to be accumulated under subsection (b).
(f)A member who is in a missing status, as defined in section 551(2) of title 37, accumulates leave without regard to the limitations in subsections (b) and (e). Notwithstanding the death of a member while in a missing status, he continues to earn leave through the date—
(1)the Secretary concerned receives evidence that the member is dead; or
(2)that his death is prescribed or determined under section 555 of title 37.
(g)A member who has taken leave in excess of that authorized by this section and who is being discharged or released from active duty for the purpose of accepting an appointment or a warrant in an armed force, or of entering into an enlistment or an extension of an enlistment in an armed force, may elect to have excess leave of up to 30 days or the maximum number of days of leave that could be earned in the new term of service, whichever is less, carried over to that new term of service to count against leave that will accrue on the new term of service. A member shall be required, at the time of his discharge or release from active duty, to pay for excess leave not carried over under this subsection.
(h)(1)(A)Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of the armed forces described in paragraph (2) is allowed up to a total of 12 weeks of parental leave during the one-year period beginning after the following events:
(i)The birth or adoption of a child of the member and in order to care for such child.
(ii)The placement of a minor child with the member for adoption or long-term foster care.
(B)(i)The Secretary concerned, under uniform regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, may authorize leave described under subparagraph (A) to be taken after the one-year period described in such paragraph in the case of a member described in paragraph (2) who, except for this subparagraph, would lose unused parental leave at the end of the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) as a result of—
(I)operational requirements;
(II)professional military education obligations; or
(III)other circumstances that the Secretary determines reasonable and appropriate.
(ii)The regulations prescribed under clause (i) shall require that any leave authorized to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) shall be taken within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, after cessation of the circumstances warranting the extended deadline.
(iii)The regulations prescribed under clause (i) shall authorize a member described in such clause to take leave described under subparagraph (A) during the two-year period beginning after an event described in clause (i) or (ii) of such subparagraph with the approval of the first general officer or flag officer in the chain of command of such member.
(2)Paragraph (1) applies to the following members:
(A)A member on active duty.
(B)A member of a reserve component performing active Guard and Reserve duty.
(C)A member of a reserve component subject to an active duty recall or mobilization order in excess of 12 months.
(D)A member of the Space Force in a space force active status, not on sustained duty.
(3)(A)A member who has given birth may receive medical convalescent leave in conjunction with such birth. Medical convalescent leave in excess of the leave under paragraph (1) may be authorized if such additional medical convalescent leave—
(i)is specifically recommended, in writing, by the medical provider of the member to address a diagnosed medical condition; and
(ii)is approved by the commander of the member.
(B)Convalescent leave may be authorized under subparagraph (A) only for a medical condition of a member and may not be authorized for a member in connection with a condition of a dependent or other family member of the member.
(4)Any leave taken by a member under this subsection, including leave under paragraphs (1) and (3), may be taken in more than one increment in connection with such birth or adoption in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.
(5)(A)Any leave authorized by this subsection that is not taken within one year of such birth or adoption shall be forfeited, subject to the exceptions in paragraph (1)(B)(ii).
(B)Any leave authorized by this subsection for a member of a reserve component, or of the Space Force, on active duty that is not taken by the time the member is separated from active duty shall be forfeited at that time.
(6)The period of active duty of a member of a reserve component, or of the Space Force, may not be extended in order to permit the member to take leave authorized by this subsection.
(7)(A)Leave authorized by this subsection is in addition to any other leave provided under other provisions of this section.
(B)Medical convalescent leave under paragraph (3) is in addition to any other leave provided under other provisions of this subsection.
(i)A member of a reserve component, or of the Space Force, who accumulates leave during a period of active service may carry over any leave so accumulated to the member’s next period of active service, subject to the accumulation limits in subsections (b) and (e), without regard to separation or release from active service if the separation or release is under honorable conditions. The taking of leave carried over under this subsection shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
(j)A member of the armed forces who gives birth while on active duty may be deployed during the period of 12 months beginning on the date of such birth only with the approval of a health care provider employed at a military medical treatment facility and—
(1)at the election of such member; or
(2)in the interest of national security, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.
(k)A member of the armed forces who, while on active duty, gives birth, loses a pregnancy, or has a stillbirth, may be required to meet body composition standards or pass a physical fitness test during the period of 12 months beginning on the date of such birth, loss of pregnancy, or stillbirth only with the approval of a health care provider employed at a military medical treatment facility and—
(1)at the election of such member; or
(2)in the interest of national security, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.
(l)(1)(A)Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of the armed forces described in subparagraph (B) is allowed up to two weeks of leave to be used in connection with the death of an immediate family member.
(B)Subparagraph (A) applies to the following members:
(i)A member on active duty.
(ii)A member of a reserve component performing active Guard and Reserve duty.
(iii)A member of a reserve component subject to an active duty recall or mobilization order in excess of 12 months.
(2)Under the regulations prescribed for purposes of this subsection, a member taking leave under paragraph (1) shall not have his or her leave account reduced as a result of taking such leave if such member’s accrued leave is fewer than 30 days. Members with 30 or more days of accrued leave shall be charged for bereavement leave until such point that the member’s accrued leave is less than 30 days. Any remaining bereavement leave taken by such member in accordance with paragraph (1) after such point shall not be chargeable to the member.
(3)In this section, the term “immediate family member”, with respect to a member of the armed forces, means—
(A)the member’s spouse; or
(B)a child of the member.
(m)(1)Except as provided by subsection (h)(3), and under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of the armed forces diagnosed with a medical condition is allowed convalescent leave if—
(A)the medical or behavioral health provider of the member—
(i)determines that the member is not yet fit for duty as a result of that condition; and
(ii)recommends such leave for the member to provide for the convalescence of the member from that condition; and
(B)the commanding officer of the member or the commander of the military medical treatment facility authorizes such leave for the member.
(2)A member may take not more than 30 days of convalescent leave under paragraph (1) with respect to a condition described in that paragraph unless—
(A)such leave in excess of 30 days is authorized by—
(i)the Secretary concerned; or
(ii)an individual at the level designated by the Secretary concerned, but not below the grade of O–5 or the civilian equivalent; or
(B)the member is authorized to receive convalescent leave under subsection (h)(3) in conjunction with the birth of a child.
(3)(A)Convalescent leave may be authorized under paragraph (1) only for a medical condition of a member and may not be authorized for a member in connection with a condition of a dependent or other family member of the member.
(B)In authorizing convalescent leave for a member under paragraph (1) with respect to a condition described in that paragraph, the commanding officer of the member or the commander of the military medical treatment facility, as the case may be, shall—
(i)limit the duration of such leave to the minimum necessary in relation to the diagnosis, prognosis, and probable final disposition of the condition of the member; and
(ii)authorize leave tailored to the specific medical needs of the member rather than (except for convalescent leave provided for under subsection (h)(3)) authorizing leave based on a predetermined formula.
(4)A member taking convalescent leave under paragraph (1) shall not have the member’s leave account reduced as a result of taking such leave.
(5)In this subsection, the term “military medical treatment facility” means a facility described in subsection (b), (c), or (d) of section 1073d of this title.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 701(a) 701(b)701(c)701(d)701(e)37:31a(a) (1st, 2d, and last sentences).37:31a(b) (less proviso).37:31a(a) (8th sentence).37:31a(a) (3d sentence).37:31a(a) (9th sentence).Aug. 9, 1946, ch. 931, § 3(a) (less 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th sentences), (b) (less proviso), 60 Stat. 963; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 998, § 1, 64 Stat. 978; Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, § 23, 70A, Stat. 630. In subsection (a), the 2d sentence of section 31a(a) of existing title 37 is omitted as inconsistent with subsection (b). In subsection (b), the words “(other than a member on terminal leave on
September 1, 1946)” and “at any time after
August 31, 1946” are omitted as executed. The words “or regulation” are omitted, since a regulation cannot override a statute. The words “or have to his credit” are omitted as surplusage. In subsections (b) and (c), the word “accrued” is omitted as covered by the word “accumulated”. In subsection (e), the words “before or after
August 9, 1946” and section 31a(a) (words after semicolon in 9th sentence) of existing title 37 are omitted as executed.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2025—Subsec. (h)(1)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 119–60 added cl. (iii). 2024—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 118–159, in introductory provisions, substituted “, while on active duty, gives birth, loses a pregnancy, or has a stillbirth,” for “gives birth while on active duty” and “such birth, loss of pregnancy, or stillbirth” for “such birth”. 2023—Subsec. (h)(2)(D). Pub. L. 118–31, § 1722(d)(1)(A)(i), added subpar. (D). Subsec. (h)(5)(B), (6). Pub. L. 118–31, § 1722(d)(1)(A)(ii), inserted “, or of the Space Force,” after “member of a reserve component”. Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 118–31, § 1722(d)(1)(B), inserted “, or of the Space Force,” after “member of a reserve component”. Subsec. (l)(1)(B). Pub. L. 118–31, § 1801(a)(10), redesignated cls. (A) to (C) as (i) to (iii), respectively. 2022—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(b)(1), substituted “subsections (e) and (f)” for “subsections (d), (f), and (g)”. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(a), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which read as follows: “Notwithstanding subsection (b), during the period beginning on
October 1, 2008, through
September 30, 2015, a member may accumulate up to 75 days of leave.” Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–263, § 632(a), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which related to authority to allow certain members of the armed forces who would lose accumulated leave in excess of 60 or 75 days, as the case may be, to retain accumulated total of 120 days of leave. Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (d). Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(b)(2), substituted “subsections (b) and (e)” for “subsections (b), (d), and (f)” in introductory provisions. Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (f). Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (i) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (g). Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 117–263, § 633(b), which directed amendment of par. (4) of subsec. (h) by designating existing provisions as subpar. (A), redesignating former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii) of subpar. (A), and adding subpar. (B), was executed to par. (3) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of par. (4) as (3) by Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(B), effective one year after Dec. 27, 2021. See 2021 Amendment note below. Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(b)(3), substituted “subsections (b) and (e)” for “subsections (b), (d), and (f)”. Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (h). Subsecs. (j) to (l). Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(a)(2), redesignated subsecs. (k) to (m) as (j) to (l), respectively. Former subsec. (j) redesignated (i). Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 117–263, § 633(a), added subsec. (m). Pub. L. 117–263, § 631(a)(2), redesignated subsec. (m) as (l). 2021—Subsec. (i)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(A)(i), substituted “a member of the armed forces described in paragraph (2) is allowed up to a total of 12 weeks of parental leave during the one-year period beginning after the following events:” and cls. (i) and (ii) for “a member of the armed forces described in paragraph (2) who is the primary caregiver in the case of the birth of a child is allowed up to twelve weeks of total leave, including up to six weeks of medical convalescent leave, to be used in connection with such birth.” Subsec. (i)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(A)(ii), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: “Under the
Regulations
prescribed for purposes of this subsection, a member of the armed forces described in paragraph (2) who is the primary caregiver in the case of the adoption of a child is allowed up to six weeks of total leave to be used in connection with such adoption.” Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(C), substituted “A member who has given birth may receive medical convalescent leave in conjunction with such birth. Medical convalescent leave in excess of the leave under paragraph (1) may be authorized if such additional medical convalescent leave” for “Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(A), a member may receive more than six weeks of medical convalescent leave in connection with the birth of a child, but only if the additional medical convalescent leave” in introductory provisions. Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (4) as (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: “The Secretary shall prescribe in the
Regulations
referred to in paragraph (1) a definition of the term ‘primary caregiver’ for purposes of this subsection.” Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(D), substituted “paragraphs (1) and (3)” for “paragraphs (1) and (4)”. Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (5) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (3). Subsec. (i)(5). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (6) as (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (4). Subsec. (i)(5)(A). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(E), inserted “, subject to the exceptions in paragraph (1)(B)(ii)” after “shall be forfeited”. Subsec. (i)(6). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (7) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (5). Subsec. (i)(7). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (9) as (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (6). Subsec. (i)(7)(B). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(F), substituted “paragraph (3)” for “paragraph (4)”. Subsec. (i)(8). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(B), struck out par. (8) which read as follows: “Under the
Regulations
prescribed for purposes of this subsection, a member taking leave under paragraph (1) may, as a condition for taking such leave, be required— “(A) to accept an extension of the member’s current service obligation, if any, by one week for every week of leave taken under paragraph (1); or “(B) to incur a reduction in the member’s leave account by one week for every week of leave taken under paragraph (1).” Subsec. (i)(9), (10). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (9) as (7) and struck out par. (10) which read as follows: “(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), a member taking leave under paragraph (1) during a period of obligated service shall not be eligible for terminal leave, or to sell back leave, at the end such period of obligated service. “(B) Under the
Regulations
for purposes of this subsection, the Secretary concerned may waive, whether in whole or in part, the applicability of subparagraph (A) to a member who reenlists at the end of the member’s period of obligated service described in that subparagraph if the Secretary determines that the waiver is in the interests of the armed force concerned.” Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(2), redesignated subsecs. (k) and (l) as (j) and (k), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (j) which related to leave for secondary caregivers in case of birth of child or adoption of child. Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 117–81, § 621(a)(3), added subsec. (l). Former subsec. (l) redesignated (k). Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 117–81, § 622(a), added subsec. (m). 2019—Subsec. (i)(5). Pub. L. 116–92, § 571, substituted “in more than one increment” for “only in one increment” and inserted “in accordance with
Regulations
prescribed by the Secretary concerned” before period at end. Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 116–92, § 572, added subsec. (l). 2016—Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 114–328 added subsecs. (i) and (j) and struck out former subsecs. (i) and (j) which read as follows: “(i)(1) Under
Regulations
prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of the armed forces adopting a child in a qualifying child adoption is allowed up to 21 days of leave in a calendar year to be used in connection with the adoption. “(2) For the purpose of this subsection, an adoption of a child by a member is a qualifying child adoption if the member is eligible for reimbursement of qualified adoption expenses for such adoption under section 1052 of this title. “(3) In the event that two members of the armed forces who are married to each other adopt a child in a qualifying child adoption, only one such member shall be allowed leave under this subsection. “(4) Leave under paragraph (1) is in addition to other leave provided under other provisions of this section. “(j)(1) Under
Regulations
prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a married member of the armed forces on active duty whose wife gives birth to a child shall receive 10 days of leave to be used in connection with the birth of the child. “(2) Leave under paragraph (1) is in addition to other leave authorized under this section.” 2013—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–239 substituted “
September 30, 2015” for “
September 30, 2013”. 2011—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 111–383 added subsec. (k). 2009—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–84 substituted “
September 30, 2013” for “
December 31, 2010”. 2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–181, § 551(a)(1), substituted “subsections (d), (f), and (g)” for “subsection (f) and subsection (g)”. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–181, § 551(a)(2), added subsec. (d). Subsec. (f)(1)(A). Pub. L. 110–181, § 551(b)(1), substituted “at the end of the fiscal year any accumulated leave in excess of the number of days of leave authorized to be accumulated under subsection (b) or (d)” for “any accumulated leave in excess of 60 days at the end of the fiscal year”. Subsec. (f)(1)(C). Pub. L. 110–181, § 551(b)(2), substituted “the days of leave authorized to be accumulated under subsection (b) or (d) that are” for “60 days” and inserted “(or fourth fiscal year, if accumulated while subsection (d) is in effect)” after “third fiscal year”. Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 110–181, § 551(b)(3), substituted “except for this paragraph, would lose at the end of that fiscal year any accumulated leave in excess of the number of days of leave authorized to be accumulated under subsection (b) or (d), shall be permitted to retain such leave until the end of the second fiscal year after the fiscal year in which such service on active duty is terminated” for “except for this paragraph— “(A) would lose any accumulated leave in excess of 60 days at the end of that fiscal year, shall be permitted to retain such leave (not to exceed 90 days) until the end of the succeeding fiscal year; or “(B) would lose any accumulated leave in excess of 60 days at the end of the succeeding fiscal year (other than by reason of subparagraph (A)), shall be permitted to retain such leave (not to exceed 90 days) until the end of the next succeeding fiscal year.” Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–181, § 551(c), substituted “limitations in subsections (b), (d), and (f)” for “60-day limitation in subsection (b) and the 90-day limitation in subsection (f)” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 110–417 added subsec. (j). 2006—Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 109–163, § 682, amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “This subsection applies to a member who serves on active duty for a continuous period of at least 120 days— “(i) in an area in which the member is entitled to special pay under section 310(a) of title 37; or “(ii) while assigned to a deployable ship or mobile unit or to other duty comparable to that specified in clause (i) that is designated for the purpose of this subsection.” Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 109–163, § 593(a), added subsec. (i). 2003—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 108–136 amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “Under uniform
Regulations
to be prescribed by the Secretary concerned, and approved by the Secretary of Defense, a member who serves on active duty for a continuous period of at least 120 days in an area in which he is entitled to special pay under section 310(a) of title 37 or a member assigned to a deployable ship, mobile unit, or to other duty designated for the purpose of this section, may accumulate 90 days’ leave. Except as provided in paragraph (2), leave in excess of 60 days accumulated under this subsection is lost unless it is used by the member before the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal year in which the service terminated.” 1991—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–190 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted “Except as provided in paragraph (2), leave” for “Leave” in last sentence, and added par. (2). 1986—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–661 added subsec. (h). 1984—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–525 substituted “60-day” for “sixty-day”, “90-day” for “ninety-day”, and “150” for “one hundred and fifty” in two places. 1983—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 98–94 substituted “the end of the third fiscal year” for “the end of the fiscal year”. 1981—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 97–81, § 2(a)(1), struck out “and” at end of par. (2). Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 97–81, § 2(a)(2), substituted “; and” for a period at end of par. (3). Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 97–81, § 2(a)(3), added par. (4). 1980—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 96–579 inserted “or a member assigned to a deployable ship, mobile unit, or to other duty designated for the purpose of this section,” after “title 37”. 1972—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 92–596, § 1(1), inserted reference to subsec. (g). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 92–596, § 1(2), added subsec. (g). 1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–245, § 1(1), inserted reference to subsec. (f). Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 90–245, § 1(2), added subsec. (f). 1965—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–151 repealed subsec. (d) which provided that accumulated leave did not survive the death of a member during active service.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
of 2022 Amendment Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, § 631(d), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2631, provided that: “The
Amendments
made by this section [amending this section, section 2508 of Title 14, Coast Guard, and section 501 and 502 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services] take effect on
January 1, 2023.” Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, § 632(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2632, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] takes effect on
January 1, 2023.” Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, § 633(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2633, provided that: “The
Amendments
made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2023.”
Effective Date
of 2021 Amendment Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VI, § 621(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1771, provided that: “The
Amendments
made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021].” Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VI, § 622(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1772, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021].”
Effective Date
of 2008 Amendment Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, § 532(b), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4449, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 14, 2008] and applies only with respect to children born on or after that date.”
Effective Date
of 2006 Amendment Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, § 593(b), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3281, provided that: “Subsection (i) of section 701 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), shall take effect on January 1, 2006, and shall apply only with respect to adoptions completed on or after that date.”
Effective Date
of 2003 Amendment Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, § 542(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1478, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2003, or the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 24, 2003], whichever is later.”
Effective Date
of 1983 Amendment Pub. L. 98–94, title X, § 1031(b)(1), (2), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 671, provided that: “(1) The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 24, 1983] and shall apply to leave accumulated under section 701(f) of such title [this title] after
September 30, 1980. “(2) A member of the Armed Forces who was authorized under section 701(f) of such title to accumulate 90 days’ leave during fiscal year 1980, 1981, or 1982 and lost any leave at the end of fiscal year 1981, 1982, or 1983, respectively, because of the provisions of the last sentence of such section, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall be credited with the amount of the leave lost and may retain leave in excess of 60 days until (A)
September 30, 1984, or (B) the end of the third fiscal year after the year in which such leave was accumulated, whichever is later, but in no case may such a member accumulate leave in excess of 90 days.”
Effective Date
of 1981 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 97–81 to take effect at the end of the 60-day period beginning on Nov. 20, 1981, and to apply to each member whose sentence by court-martial is approved on or after Jan. 20, 1982, under section 864 or 865 of this title by the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction under the provisions of such section as it existed on the day before the
Effective Date
of the Military Justice Act of 1983 (Pub. L. 98–209), or under section 860 of this title by the officer empowered to act on the sentence on or after that
Effective Date
, see section 7(a) and (b)(1) of Pub. L. 97–81, set out as an
Effective Date
note under section 706 of this title.
Effective Date
of 1972 Amendment Pub. L. 92–596, § 3, Oct. 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 1318, provided that: “The first and second sections of this Act [amending this section and section 501 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services] become effective as of February 28, 1961.”
Effective Date
of 1968 Amendment Pub. L. 90–245, § 2, Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 782, provided that: “section 1 of this Act [amending this section] applies only to active duty performed after January 1, 1968.”
Effective Date
of 1965 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 89–151 effective only in the case of members who die on or after Aug. 28, 1965, see section 4 of Pub. L. 89–151, set out as a note under section 501 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.
Effective Date
Section effective Nov. 1, 1962, see section 15 of Pub. L. 87–649, set out as a note preceding section 101 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.
Regulations
Pub. L. 119–60, div. A, title VI, § 631(b), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 911, provided that: “Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section [Dec. 18, 2025], the Secretary of Defense shall— “(1) prescribe
Regulations
under subparagraph (B) of section 701(h)(1) of title 10, United States Code, to implement the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section]; and “(2) submit to the Committees on Armed Forces of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the implementation of this section.” Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VI, § 621(c), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1771, provided that: “Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe
Regulations
implementing the
Amendments
made by subsection (a) [amending this section].” Transition Rule Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, § 632(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2632, provided that: “Leave in excess of 90 days, accumulated by a member of the Armed Forces under section 701 of such title [meaning title 10, United States Code] before the
Effective Date
under subsection (c) [set out as a note above], is forfeited unless— “(1) used by the member on or before
September 30, 2026; or “(2) the retention of such leave is otherwise authorized by law.” Annual Reports on Use of Leave Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VI, § 621(d), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1771, provided that: “Not later than
January 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, each Secretary of a military department shall submit, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, a report regarding the use, during the preceding fiscal year, of leave under subsections (i) and (j) [now subsecs. (h) and (i)] of section 701 of such title, as amended by subsection (a), disaggregated by births, adoptions, and foster placements, including the number of members of the Armed Forces who— “(1) used the maximum amount of primary caregiver leave; and “(2) used leave in multiple increments.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationAuthority vested by this chapter in “military departments”, “the Secretary concerned”, or “the Secretary of Defense” to be exercised, with respect to commissioned officer corps of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, by Secretary of Commerce or Secretary’s designee, see section 3071 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters. Accumulation of Leave After
September 30, 1980, Pursuant to Former Subsection (f)Pub. L. 97–39, title VII, § 702, Aug. 14, 1981, 95 Stat. 943, provided that: “The amendment made by section 10 of the Military Pay and Allowances Benefits Act of 1980 (Public Law 96–579; 94 Stat. 3368) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to the accumulation of leave by members of the Armed Forces who after
September 30, 1979, are assigned (1) to a deployable ship or mobile unit, or (2) to other duty designated after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 14, 1981] as duty qualifying for the purpose of [former] section 701(f) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by that amendment.” For
Savings Provision
extending period for which certain accrued leave under former subsec. (f) of this section may be retained by members of Armed Forces, see section 1115 of Pub. L. 101–510, set out as a Treatment of Accumulated Leave note under section 501 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
10 U.S.C. § 701
Title 10 — Armed Forces
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73