Terminal Leave

Start Here If You Are New to Terminal Leave

Terminal leave is leave taken at the end of active service in conjunction with separation, retirement, or end of contract. The Marine takes accrued leave to walk out of the gate before the official End of Active Service (EAS) date. Pay, allowances, and benefits continue throughout terminal leave. As an alternative, the Marine sells back up to 60 days total over the career (Title 37 U.S.C. section 501Title 37 U.S.C. section 501). Terminal leave CANNOT be combined with parental leave or general PTAD without a duty day separation. SkillBridge PTAD and authorized transition PTAD CAN combine with terminal leave per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24. Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, PTAD must execute BEFORE any authorized leave including terminal leave, and the combined PTAD plus leave absence cannot exceed the rank-based SkillBridge category cap (Cat I E1-E5 up to 120 days, Cat II E6-E7 WO-CWO3 O1-O4 up to 90 days, Cat III E8-E9 CWO4-CWO5 O5+ up to 90 days).

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

• Terminal leave covers the period before the official EAS date
• Sell-back vs. taking terminal leave decision framework
• The 60-day career sell-back cap
• The leave-vs-PTAD combination restrictions
• The SkillBridge and transition PTAD exceptions, including the rank-based three-category SkillBridge cap per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24
• The PTAD-before-leave order of execution and the combined absence cap per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24
• Pay continuation during terminal leave
• The retirement vs. separation distinction
• Final out-processing during terminal leave

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 24 (19 May 2009), MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 (20 December 2024), MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 (17 June 2024), NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B (15 December 2022), DoD 7000.14-R Volume 7ADoD 7000.14-R Volume 7A Chapter 35, Title 37 U.S.C. section 501Title 37 U.S.C. section 501, and SECNAVINST 1000.10BSECNAVINST 1000.10B.

What Terminal Leave Is

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 24, terminal leave is leave taken in conjunction with separation, discharge, retirement, or end of active service.

The Marine remains on Active Duty status during terminal leave. The official End of Active Service (EAS), Last Day of Service (LDS), or Date of Retirement (DOR) is the day the Marine officially departs the Marine Corps.

Sell-Back vs. Take Terminal Leave Decision

A separating Marine has two options for using accrued leave at the end of service.

Option 1. Take Terminal Leave

The Marine uses accrued leave as terminal leave, walking out of the gate before the EAS. Pay, allowances, and benefits continue throughout the terminal leave period.

Advantages.

• Maintain healthcare, BAH, BAS during leave period (transition support).
• Maintain ID card and base access during the transition.
• Time off to handle out-processing, civilian transition, family adjustment.

Option 2. Sell Back Accrued Leave

The Marine sells the accrued leave at separation and receives a lump-sum payment.

Advantages.

• Lump-sum cash at separation (helps with civilian transition).
• No "wasted" leave that goes unused.

Sell-Back Cap (60 Days Career Maximum)

Per Title 37 U.S.C. section 501Title 37 U.S.C. section 501 and DoD 7000.14-R Volume 7ADoD 7000.14-R Volume 7A Chapter 35, a Marine separating from Active Duty under honorable conditions elects to receive payment for unused accrued leave. The career cap is 60 days TOTAL over the Marine's military career.

If the Marine sold back 30 days at a previous separation, the Marine can sell back up to 30 more days at this separation (total 60).

Sell-Back Calculation

Leave at separation is paid at the basic pay daily rate (monthly basic pay divided by 30). The sell-back amount.

Days sold × (Monthly Basic Pay / 30) = Sell-back Amount

Example. An E-7 separating with $5,000 monthly basic pay sells back 30 days. Sell-back = 30 × ($5,000 / 30) = $5,000.

The Separation Payments page covers the calculation framework in detail.

Common Decision

Most Marines combine both options. They take some terminal leave (to maintain pay/benefits during the transition) and sell back the remainder up to the 60-day career cap.

Combination Restrictions (MARADMIN 625/24)

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d, terminal leave has specific combination rules.

Parental Leave Cannot Combine

Per SECNAVINST 1000.10BSECNAVINST 1000.10B, parental leave (MPLP) may NOT be taken consecutively or in conjunction with.

• Terminal leave.
• Transition PTAD.

A duty day must separate parental leave from terminal leave.

Default Rule. Duty Day Separation Required

With the EXCEPTIONS listed below, NO OTHER nonchargeable leave or administrative absence may be combined with terminal leave WITHOUT a duty day separating the absences.

Exceptions (Allowed Without Duty Day)

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d, the following CAN combine consecutively with terminal leave.

• SkillBridge PTAD.
• Authorized Transition PTAD.

For SkillBridge specifically, per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.a, the total days spent in a SkillBridge program shall NOT exceed the rank-based category cap.

• Category I. E1-E5. Up to 120 days.
• Category II. E6-E7, WO-CWO3, and O1-O4. Up to 90 days.
• Category III. E8-E9, CWO4-CWO5, and O5 and above. Up to 90 days.

Order of Execution. PTAD Before Terminal Leave

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, if used in conjunction, all authorized PTAD (Transition PTAD and SkillBridge PTAD) must be executed PRIOR to any authorized leave including terminal leave.

Combined Absence Cap

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, the combined PTAD plus leave (including terminal leave) absence cannot exceed the SkillBridge rank-based category cap.

Allowed Combinations Summary

• SkillBridge PTAD followed by terminal leave (no duty day required, PTAD first per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24, combined absence within category cap).
• Transition PTAD followed by terminal leave (no duty day required, PTAD first per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24).
• Terminal leave + Other PTAD (DUTY DAY required between).
• Terminal leave + Parental leave (DUTY DAY required between).

The Permissive TAD page covers PTAD framework in detail.

Pay During Terminal Leave

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 2 paragraph 24, the Marine on terminal leave continues to receive.

• Basic pay.
• BAH.
• BAS.
• Special pays the Marine is entitled to (with some exceptions per Vol 7A Chapter 8 - SDAP for example continues through the day prior to terminal leave commencement).
• Other entitlements per the standard framework.

The Marine's last paycheck typically arrives shortly after the official EAS date and includes any terminal leave pay plus the sell-back amount.

Final Out-Processing

The Marine completes final out-processing during the period leading up to terminal leave. Common steps include.

• Personnel records review (OMPF audit).
• DD-214 preparation.
• Medical out-processing (final physical, dental clearance).
• Equipment turn-in (CIF, weapons, IT equipment).
• Quarters clearance (BEQ/BOQ or housing).
• DEERS update for retirement/separation.
• TRICARE enrollment for transition (if applicable).
• VA disability claim (if applicable).

The Marine works with the unit S-1 and the Career Planner (or designated transition coordinator) to ensure all out-processing is complete before terminal leave begins.

Retirement vs. Separation

Separation (Less Than 20 Years)

Marines separating before 20 years receive.

• Final pay (basic pay through EAS).
• Sell-back of unused leave (up to 60 days career cap).
• Separation pay if eligible (per Vol 7A Chapter 35).
• Disability severance pay if applicable.

The Separation Payments page covers these in detail.

Retirement (20+ Years)

Marines retiring with 20+ years receive.

• Final pay through Date of Retirement (DOR).
• Sell-back of unused leave (up to 60 days career cap).
• Retired pay starting the first month after DOR (per Vol 7B framework).

For retiring Marines, the choice between terminal leave and sell-back is largely a financial decision. The retired pay framework begins the day after DOR regardless of whether the Marine took terminal leave or sold back.

Stop Loss and Service Extensions

A Marine extended past the original EAS due to stop loss authority or operational extension faces unique considerations for terminal leave timing.

Stop Loss Definition

Stop loss is the involuntary extension of a Marine's service obligation beyond the original EAS. The Service Secretary may invoke stop loss authority during national emergencies, contingency operations, or specific operational requirements.

Stop loss is rarely invoked since the post-2010 elimination of the broader Iraq/Afghanistan-era stop loss policies. When invoked, stop loss applies to specific MOSes, units, or operational categories.

Operational Extension Definition

An operational extension is a voluntary or involuntary extension of the Marine's obligation through specific orders. Common scenarios include.

• Pre-deployment unit lockdown extending the EAS through the deployment cycle.
• Specific MOS retention extensions.
• Critical billet hold extensions.
• HYT (High Year of Tenure) extensions.

Terminal Leave Timing with Stop Loss or Extensions

Marines extended past the original EAS face decisions on terminal leave timing.

• If the extension shifts the EAS to a new date, terminal leave commences relative to the NEW EAS date.
• The 60-day career sell-back cap is unchanged regardless of extensions.
• Accrued leave continues to accumulate during the extension period (2.5 days/month).

Sell-Back Eligibility During Extensions

The 60-day career sell-back cap per Title 37 U.S.C. section 501Title 37 U.S.C. section 501 applies cumulatively across the career, including any extension periods. If the Marine sold back 30 days at a previous separation, the Marine has 30 days remaining.

Pay Continuation During Extensions

Pay, BAH, BAS, and special pays continue during extension periods at the standard framework. The extension does not change the Marine's pay status.

Stop Loss Specific Pay Considerations

Marines on stop loss may be eligible for specific stop loss pay (a one-time bonus for the extended service period, when authorized by Congress). The DoD Financial Management Regulation Volume 7A and current MARADMINs cover specific stop loss pay authorizations when applicable.

Terminal Leave Planning with Extension

A Marine knowing of an extension well in advance plans terminal leave around the new EAS date. The Marine and Career Planner work backwards from the new EAS date to schedule.

• Final out-processing.
• DD-214 preparation.
• Terminal leave start date.
• Sell-back election.

Late-Notification Extensions

A Marine notified of an extension AFTER beginning terminal leave faces unique processing.

• The Marine returns to duty and works through the extension period.
• Terminal leave is restored as accrued leave (the leave used during the cancelled terminal leave period is restored to the balance).
• A new terminal leave is planned around the new EAS date.

The unit S-1 routes the leave restoration through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.

Voluntary Extension to Continue Active Service

A Marine voluntarily extending Active Duty (e.g., reenlistment, voluntary HYT extension) plans terminal leave at the future separation date per the new contract or extension framework.

Coordination Through Career Planner

Marines facing stop loss or operational extensions coordinate through the unit Career Planner and detailer for the specific impact on terminal leave timing, sell-back, and final pay.

Effect on Promotion and Awards

A Marine on terminal leave remains on Active Duty status. Late-period promotions or awards (e.g., end-of-tour award, retirement award) typically process before terminal leave begins. The Marine's awards and DD-214 are typically prepared and ready before terminal leave commences.

The Awards Retirement Awards and DD214 page covers the awards-related framework.

Verifying Terminal Leave Authorization

A leave authorization confirms the terminal leave entitlement.

Step 1. Plan Terminal Leave with the Career Planner

The Marine works with the Career Planner (or designated transition coordinator) to plan the terminal leave timing.

Step 2. Submit Terminal Leave Request

The Marine submits the terminal leave request through MOL with the start date and the EAS date.

Step 3. Coordinate Sell-Back Decision

The Marine elects how many days to sell back (up to the 60-day career cap) and how many days to take as terminal leave.

Step 4. Coordinate PTAD Combinations (If Applicable)

For SkillBridge or Transition PTAD combinations, the Marine coordinates with the unit Transition Readiness Program coordinator.

Step 5. Complete Out-Processing

The Marine completes all out-processing (records, DD-214, equipment, quarters, etc.) before terminal leave begins.

Step 6. Verify in MOL

The terminal leave authorization is documented in MOL.

Step 7. Monitor Final Pay

The Marine monitors the final pay (final LES showing terminal leave pay and sell-back) through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.

Step 8. Resolve Discrepancies

Coordinate with your S-1. The reporting unit (I&I S-1 with direct UD/MIPS access, or a battalion S-1 routing through their PAC) routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is terminal leave?

Terminal leave is leave taken at the end of active service in conjunction with separation, discharge, or retirement. You walk out of the gate before your official EAS date.

How many days of terminal leave can I take?

Up to your accrued leave balance. If you have 60 days of accrued leave, you can take all 60 as terminal leave. The decision is yours and your command's.

Can I sell back all my leave at separation?

Per Title 37 U.S.C. section 501Title 37 U.S.C. section 501, you can sell back up to 60 days TOTAL over your military career. If you sold back 30 days at a previous separation, you can sell back up to 30 more (total 60).

Should I take terminal leave or sell back?

This is a personal decision. Factors include.

• Cash needs at separation (sell-back provides lump sum).
• Healthcare needs during transition (terminal leave maintains TRICARE).
• BAH needs during transition (terminal leave maintains BAH).
• Civilian job start date (terminal leave bridges the gap).

Most Marines combine both. Take some terminal leave to maintain pay/benefits and sell back the remainder.

Can I take parental leave consecutive with my terminal leave?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d (citing SECNAVINST 1000.10BSECNAVINST 1000.10B), no. Parental leave cannot be taken consecutively or in conjunction with terminal leave or transition PTAD. A duty day must separate the parental leave from the terminal leave.

Can I take SkillBridge PTAD with my terminal leave?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d, yes. SkillBridge PTAD is one of the exceptions that allows combination with terminal leave without a duty day separating. Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, your PTAD must execute BEFORE terminal leave, and the combined PTAD plus leave absence cannot exceed your rank-based category cap. Cat I (E1-E5) up to 120 days. Cat II (E6-E7, WO-CWO3, O1-O4) up to 90 days. Cat III (E8-E9, CWO4-CWO5, O5+) up to 90 days.

Will my pay continue during terminal leave?

Yes. Basic pay, BAH, BAS, and most special pays continue through the EAS date. Some special pays (e.g., SDAP) stop the day prior to terminal leave commencement.

When is my last paycheck?

Final pay typically arrives shortly after the EAS date and includes any terminal leave pay plus sell-back amount. Direct deposit is required.

What do I need to do before terminal leave starts?

Complete final out-processing including OMPF audit, DD-214 preparation, medical/dental clearance, equipment turn-in, quarters clearance, DEERS update, and TRICARE/VA enrollment.

Can I extend my terminal leave?

Extensions are possible if you have additional accrued leave or in extraordinary circumstances. Coordinate with your S-1 and Career Planner.

I am retiring with 20 years. How does terminal leave affect my retired pay?

Retired pay begins the first month after your Date of Retirement (DOR). Terminal leave taken before DOR does not delay retired pay. The choice between terminal leave and sell-back is purely a financial decision for retiring Marines.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Terminal leave planning. Coordinate with your Career Planner or designated transition coordinator.
• Terminal leave request submission. Through MOL.
• Sell-back election. Through MOL during separation processing.
• SkillBridge PTAD combination with terminal leave. Coordinate with the unit Transition Readiness Program coordinator.
• Final pay verification. Pull through MyPay after EAS. DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact at 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).
• Out-processing checklist. Coordinate with your S-1 and the unit Career Planner.

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 accrual framework.
• Permissive TAD covers SkillBridge PTAD and Transition PTAD which can combine with terminal leave.
• Military Parental Leave Program covers MPLP and the terminal leave restriction.
• Separation Payments covers the sell-back calculation framework and severance/separation pay.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the terminal leave vs. sell-back decision and the out-processing timeline.
• Admin at S-1 processes terminal leave requests, sell-back elections, and final pay through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• Commanders approve terminal leave requests in coordination with operational handover and final out-processing requirements.

Terminal leave is the bridge between active service and post-service life. Take some, sell back some (up to 60-day career cap). SkillBridge and transition PTAD combine consecutively, but PTAD must execute BEFORE leave per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24, and the combined PTAD plus leave absence cannot exceed the rank-based SkillBridge category cap (Cat I 120 days, Cat II 90 days, Cat III 90 days). Parental leave does not combine consecutively. Pay, allowances, and benefits continue throughout. Plan with your Career Planner well before EAS.