Leave Submission and Administration

Start Here If You Are New to Leave Administration

Leave is more than the time off. It is an administrative transaction that flows through Marine OnLine (MOL), the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS), and DFAS Marine Corps Pay. The Marine submits the leave request through MOL. The command approves through the chain. The unit S-1 enters the leave into MCTFS. The pay system charges accrued leave and continues pay during the leave period. The Marine completes check-out before departure and check-in upon return. Marines mess up the administrative side more often than the substantive side. Common failures include MOL not matching MCTFS, departing without the authorization in hand, missing check-in, and incorrect leave category selection.

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

• The MOL submission process and approval chain
• MCTFS leave accounting and the MOL-vs-MCTFS reconciliation
• Check-out procedures before departure
• Check-in procedures upon return
• Leave extensions, modifications, and cancellations
• Common administrative failures and how to avoid them

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 4 (19 May 2009), MCTFSPRIUM, DFAS-KC 7220.31-R, and the Marine OnLine User Guide.

The Leave Administration Lifecycle

A leave transaction has six stages.

1. Marine submits leave request in MOL.
2. Chain of command approves through MOL.
3. S-1 enters leave authorization in MCTFS.
4. Marine completes check-out procedures before departure.
5. Marine takes leave with pay and allowances continuing.
6. Marine completes check-in procedures upon return.

Each stage has documentation and verification checkpoints. Failure at any stage produces administrative friction or audit findings.

Stage 1. Leave Request Submission Through MOL

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 4 paragraph 2, the Marine submits the leave request through Marine OnLine.

Required Information

The leave request includes.

• Start date and end date of leave.
• Number of days of leave requested.
• Leave address (the location during the leave period).
• Emergency contact information (name, relationship, phone).
• Leave type (annual, emergency, convalescent, terminal, etc.).
• Justification (especially for emergency or special leave types).

Lead Time

Submit routine leave requests at least 30 days in advance when possible. Emergency leave is processed 24/7 and does not require advance submission.

Accessing MOL

Marine OnLine is at https://mol.tfs.usmc.mil/. CAC authentication is required.

Stage 2. Approval Through the Chain of Command

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 4 paragraph 2, the leave request routes through the chain of command for approval.

Standard Chain

The typical chain includes.

• Squad leader or section leader (initial review).
• Platoon sergeant or branch supervisor.
• Platoon commander or section officer.
• Company First Sergeant or staff equivalent.
• Company Commander or designated leave granting authority.

The Company Commander (or designated leave granting authority) is typically the formal approval authority for routine leave.

Approval Authority for Special Leave Types

• Special leave (3-4 day). Company Commander or higher.
• Emergency leave. Standard chain with 24/7 OOD/SDO support.
• Foreign leave. Standard chain plus AT/FP brief and country clearance routing.
• Terminal leave. Standard chain with Career Planner coordination.
• Special Leave Accrual (SLA). First Marine general officer in admin chain (per MARADMIN 188/25MARADMIN 188/25).

Approval in MOL

The chain of command approves the leave through MOL. Each level of approval is documented with timestamps. The Marine receives notification of approval status through MOL.

Stage 3. MCTFS Leave Authorization Entry

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 4 paragraph 7, the unit S-1 enters the leave authorization into the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS).

MCTFS Reporting

The S-1 enters the leave per the MCTFSPRIUM (Marine Corps Total Force System Personnel Reporting Instruction Users Manual). The entry includes.

• Leave type code.
• Start and end dates.
• Number of days.
• Leave address.

The MCTFS entry is the authoritative pay record. DFAS uses MCTFS to charge leave against the accrued balance and to continue pay during the leave period.

MOL vs. MCTFS Reconciliation

The Marine's MOL leave balance and the MCTFS leave balance should match. Discrepancies trigger audit findings and pay errors.

Common MOL-vs-MCTFS mismatch causes include.

• Leave taken but not entered in MCTFS (Marine's MOL shows lower balance than MCTFS).
• Leave entered in MCTFS but not reflected in MOL (Marine's MOL shows higher balance than MCTFS).
• Leave entered with wrong type code (annual vs. convalescent vs. PTAD).
• Late entries causing carryover and FY-end forfeiture errors.

The Marine should verify MOL and the LES match each pay period. Coordinate any mismatch with the unit S-1 immediately.

Stage 4. Check-Out Procedures

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 4 paragraph 8, the Marine completes leave check-out procedures before departure.

Standard Check-Out Steps

• Receive the approved leave authorization (printed or digital from MOL).
• Notify the immediate chain of command of the departure plan.
• Provide emergency contact information to the unit OOD/SDO.
• Confirm the leave address is current.
• Confirm any duty turnover (e.g., transferring keys, handing over watch responsibilities).
• Verify the return date and time is understood.

Required Documentation

The Marine should carry.

• Leave authorization (the MOL print-out or digital copy on phone).
• Marine ID card.
• Travel itinerary (for foreign leave or extended distance).

Unit-Level Variations

Each unit may have additional check-out requirements (security clearances, equipment turn-in, dependent care plans). Verify with your immediate chain of command.

Stage 5. Pay and Allowances During Leave

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 4 paragraph 7, the Marine continues to receive pay and allowances during the leave period.

Continuing Entitlements

• Basic pay.
• BAH (housing allowance).
• BAS (food allowance).
• Special pays the Marine is entitled to (HDIP, FLPB, SDAP, etc., subject to the specific framework).
• Other entitlements per the standard framework.

LES Verification During Leave

Pull the LES through MyPay during the leave period to verify pay continues. The leave should appear with the appropriate code (annual leave, emergency, convalescent, etc.).

Special Pay Considerations During Leave

Some special pays have specific rules.

• SDAP continues during TAD up to 90 days, leave (other than terminal leave), and PAC up to 1 year per MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R paragraph 5.f.
• HDIP-Flight typically requires 4 hours/month flight time (grace period of 3 months for shortfalls).
• HFP/IDP continues per the PAC framework if hospitalized for combat-related injury.

The specific special pay's controlling MCO or chapter governs the continuation rule.

Stage 6. Check-In Procedures

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 4 paragraph 8, the Marine completes leave check-in procedures upon return.

Standard Check-In Steps

• Report to the unit on the day of return per the leave authorization.
• Notify the immediate chain of command of the return.
• Submit any required documentation (foreign travel reports, AT/FP debrief if required).
• Confirm the leave used in MCTFS matches the actual days taken.

Day of Return

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 5.b, the day of return is counted as a day of leave UNLESS the return is prior to normal work hours on a scheduled duty day, OR prior to 0800 on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.

The Marine should plan to return to the local area before 0800 on the day after the leave period ends to minimize the leave charge.

Leave Extensions

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 22, a Marine on leave may request an extension if circumstances warrant.

Extension Process

1. Marine notifies the chain of command of the need for extension and the reason.
2. Marine submits the extension request through MOL or unit-specified procedures.
3. Chain of command approves the extension based on operational and personal circumstances.
4. S-1 updates the MCTFS leave entry to reflect the new end date.

Common Extension Scenarios

• Family emergency requiring additional time.
• Travel disruption (cancelled flights, mechanical issues).
• Personal medical emergency during leave.
• Funeral or memorial service timing.

Approval Authority

The Company Commander (or designated leave granting authority) approves routine extensions. Extensions extending leave to a continuous period exceeding 60 days require CMC (MMEA/MMOA, or RA) approval per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 5.a.

Leave Modifications

A leave modification changes the leave authorization while the Marine is on leave or before departure.

Common Modifications

• Changing the leave dates (different start or end).
• Changing the leave address.
• Changing the leave type (e.g., from annual to emergency due to circumstances).
• Adjusting the number of days.

Modification Process

The Marine submits the modification through MOL with justification. The chain of command approves. The S-1 updates the MCTFS entry.

Leave Cancellation

A leave cancellation reverses the leave authorization before the Marine departs (or recalls the Marine during leave).

Marine-Initiated Cancellation

The Marine cancels the leave through MOL before departure. The chain of command and S-1 acknowledge. No leave is charged against the accrued balance.

Command-Initiated Cancellation (Recall from Leave)

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 19, the command may recall a Marine from leave for operational necessity. The recalled Marine.

• Returns to duty as soon as practical.
• Is reimbursed for non-refundable leave-related expenses (trip cancellation costs, return travel) per the Joint Travel Regulations framework.
• Is restored leave for the unused portion of the cancelled leave.

The Annual Leave page covers the recall framework.

Common Administrative Failures

The Marine Corps Inspector General checklist for Leave, Liberty, and Administrative Absence highlights common failures.

MOL Balance Not Matching MCTFS

The Marine's MOL leave balance differs from the MCTFS-driven LES leave balance. Reconcile through the unit S-1 immediately.

Marine Departing Without Approval

The Marine leaves the duty station before formal MOL approval. This is unauthorized absence. Avoid by waiting for the approval before departure.

Improper Leave with Special Liberty Stacking

The Marine combines leave with special liberty in an unauthorized configuration. Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 3 paragraph 1.d.(4), leave and special liberty are restricted in their combinations. Verify the rules before stacking.

Missing Check-In Times

The Marine returns from leave but does not complete the formal check-in. The unit cannot verify the return. May trigger UA processing if the system shows the Marine as still on leave.

Unauthorized Travel Outside Liberty Limits

The Marine on liberty travels outside the local liberty boundaries without leave authorization. The travel is unauthorized.

Incorrect Leave Category Selection

The Marine selects the wrong leave type in MOL. Common errors include.

• Convalescent leave entered as annual leave (Marine's accrued balance is reduced incorrectly).
• PTAD entered as annual leave (Marine's accrued balance is reduced incorrectly).
• Emergency leave entered as annual leave (no impact on balance, but the type code drives reporting).

The S-1 should verify the leave type matches the supporting documentation.

MOL Verification Steps

A monthly MOL check confirms leave entries are correct.

Step 1. Log Into MOL

Through https://mol.tfs.usmc.mil/ with CAC authentication.

Step 2. Navigate to Leave Information

The Leave Information page shows.

• Current leave balance.
• Leave taken in the current FY.
• Pending leave requests.
• Approved leave authorizations.

Step 3. Reconcile with the LES

Compare the MOL balance with the LES Leave Information section. They should match.

Step 4. Resolve Discrepancies

Coordinate with your S-1 immediately for any mismatch.

Common Questions Marines Ask

How do I submit a leave request?

Through Marine OnLine at https://mol.tfs.usmc.mil/. Navigate to the Leave Module, submit the request with start/end dates, leave address, and emergency contact information. The chain of command approves through MOL.

How long should I submit leave in advance?

For routine leave, 30 days advance submission is typical. Emergency leave is 24/7 and does not require advance submission.

What if my MOL leave balance does not match my LES?

Coordinate with your S-1 immediately. The S-1 reconciles the MOL and MCTFS records and routes any pay corrections through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.

Who approves my leave?

The Company Commander or designated leave granting authority approves routine leave. Special leave types (SLA, foreign leave, etc.) have higher approval authorities per the specific MARADMIN or MCO.

What documentation do I need before I depart on leave?

The approved leave authorization (printed or digital from MOL) and your Marine ID card. For foreign leave, also the country clearance approval (if applicable) and AT/FP brief documentation.

What if my flight gets cancelled and I cannot return on time?

Notify your chain of command immediately. Submit a leave extension request through MOL with documentation of the travel disruption. The chain of command approves the extension.

Can I cancel my leave before departure?

Yes. Cancel through MOL. No leave is charged against your accrued balance.

What happens if my command recalls me from leave?

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 19, you return to duty and are reimbursed for non-refundable leave-related expenses. Your unused leave days are restored to your accrued balance.

What is the most common administrative failure with leave?

The MOL-vs-MCTFS mismatch. Verify your balances each pay period and coordinate with your S-1 for any discrepancies.

What if I depart on leave before formal approval?

Do not. Departing without formal approval is unauthorized absence. Wait for the MOL approval before departure. If circumstances require immediate departure (true emergency), notify the chain of command and the OOD/SDO immediately.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Leave request submission. Through MOL at https://mol.tfs.usmc.mil/.
• Leave approval status. Check MOL.
• MOL-vs-MCTFS reconciliation. Coordinate with your S-1.
• Leave extension request. Through MOL with chain of command approval.
• Leave cancellation. Through MOL.
• Recall from leave. Coordinate with your chain of command. JTR reimbursement for non-refundable expenses.
• Pay verification during leave. Pull through MyPay.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Leave and Liberty landing page lists all the leave and liberty topics.
• Annual Leave covers the foundational leave framework.
• Leave Problems and Fixes covers the audit failure recovery flow.
• Special Leave Accrual covers SLA approval through the first Marine GO.
• Foreign Leave covers the AT/FP brief and country clearance routing.
• Terminal Leave covers the end-of-service administration.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the MOL submission process and the verification of MOL-vs-MCTFS balance.
• Admin at S-1 enters leave authorizations into MCTFS, reconciles with MOL, and routes pay corrections through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• Commanders approve leave requests through MOL based on operational and personal circumstances. Endorse extensions, modifications, and cancellations as required.

Leave administration is the mechanics that drive every leave transaction. Submit through MOL, approve through the chain, enter in MCTFS, check out, take leave, check in. The Marine is responsible for verifying MOL matches MCTFS each pay period. Common failures (departing without approval, MOL-MCTFS mismatch, missing check-in, incorrect leave type) are the most frequent IG audit findings. Get the administration right and the leave goes smoothly.