Military leaves and furloughs are critical to the sustainment of America’s fighting force during both peacetime and times of war. The health and welfare of America’s military servicemen and servicewomen is a priority at all levels of command. Department of Defense (DOD) leaders recognize that it is the individual soldier, sailor, airman, and marine who fights and wins the nation’s wars. The leave policies within in the Department of Defense are for the most part standardized across the services. The regulations regarding passes and furloughs are unique to specific commands within each branch of service. This entry looks at types of leaves and furloughs and their policies.