DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 86TH AIRLIFT WING (USAFE)

10 November 2020

MEMORANDUM FOR 65 ABG PERSONNEL

FROM: 65 ABG/CC

SUBJECT: COVID-19 Group Leave Policy

1. This memorandum serves as the baseline for all leave authorization procedures within the 65th Air Base Group while operating in the COVID-19 environment.

2. In accordance with AFI 36-3003 all leave must begin and end in the local area. However for the purposes of regular and special passes, the local area definition is based on the installation commander’s judgement and sound judgement dictates local area be based on Restrictions of Movement (ROM), thereby keeping members within the Azores, Portugal or within Sevilla Province, Spain. Commanders at all levels must ensure that travel outside these regions requires member to be in leave status, not while on pass.

3. In an effort to ensure that all 65 ABG members are able to have equitable access to respite periods in leave status, the following policies are enacted:

a. All members will continue to be authorized use of Deferred Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT), In-Place Consecutive Overseas Tour (IPCOT) or Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program (OTEIP) entitlements. b. For those utilizing COT, IPCOT or OTEIP, any ROM imposed upon return to Lajes Field or to Morón AB will not be chargeable. c. For those utilizing COT, IPCOT or OTEIP, any ROM imposed at their leave destination will be considered chargeable. d. For those members not entitled to either COT, IPCOT or OTEIP then regular leave can be used. e. For those taking regular leave, any ROM imposed at their leave destination will be considered chargeable. In an effort to ensure that ROM imposed upon return from regular leave is not a limiting factor to the overall leave program, an annual “mid-tour” period of regular leave will be exempted. This regular leave or “mid-tour” period should be no less than 14 days and no longer than 30 days and is voluntarily designated by the member taking leave. f. Any ROM imposed by a return from emergency leave will not be chargeable under any circumstances. g. Regardless of leave entitlement or status, members returning from leave who can telework from home during the imposed ROM will be expected to do so.

4. No policy can cover every situation therefore all exception to policy requests will be routed through the 65 ABG/CCF for my approval to maintain equitable leave decisions throughout the 65th Air Base Group.

5. This guidance will remain in effect until amended or rescinded. Lajes Field personnel, if you have any questions please contact the 65 ABG/CCF, SMSgt Travis L. Rucker at DSN: 314-535-5240 or at [email protected]; Morón AB personnel, if you have any questions please contact the 496 ABS/CCF, MSgt Jose-Luis Paucar at DSN: 314-722-8085 or at [email protected].

TAMMY S. HINSKTON, Colonel, USAF Commander, 65th Air Base Group