No, household goods do not leave the U.S. Air Force. The phrase “household goods leave air force” is a misreading of the official military term “household goods (HHG) leave,” which refers to the congressionally mandated 10 days of administrative absence (permanent change of station, or PCS, leave) that service members may take to pack, move, and settle their personal property during a permanent change of station. The confusion arises because “HHG” (household goods) and “leave” appear together in official orders and travel documents, but they are two separate entitlements: one is the physical shipment of your belongings, the other is time off from duty.
What Is HHG Leave in the Military?
HHG leave, also known as “household goods leave” or “PCS leave,” is a type of administrative absence authorized by the Department of Defense (DoD) for service members undergoing a permanent change of station. It is not a separate vacation day; it is part of the total 10 days of leave that a member may take in connection with a PCS move, as outlined in DoD Instruction 1327.06 and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). The purpose is to give you time to prepare your household goods for shipment, travel to your new duty station, and unpack upon arrival.
- Who gets it: Active-duty Air Force members (and other branches) on a PCS order.
- How many days: Up to 10 days, but it is not automatic—you must request it and it must be approved by your commander.
- How it’s used: You can take it before, during, or after the move, but it must be used in connection with the PCS.
- Chargeable vs. non-chargeable: The 10 days are chargeable to your annual leave balance, meaning they count against your 30 days of leave per year. However, if you are moving to or from an overseas location, you may be eligible for additional non-chargeable travel time (often called “travel days”) separate from HHG leave.
How HHG Leave Works in the Air Force
When you receive PCS orders, your personnel office (Military Personnel Flight, or MPF) will help you process your leave request. You must submit a leave request through the LeaveWeb system (or your unit’s equivalent), indicating that the leave is for HHG purposes. The system will show it as “PCS HHG” or similar. Your supervisor and commander approve it, and then you are cleared to take the time off.
The 10 days are a maximum, not a guarantee. Your commander may deny or reduce the leave if mission requirements demand your presence. Also, if you do not use all 10 days, you lose them—they do not roll over. The days are counted as part of your regular leave balance, so if you have less than 10 days of leave saved, you may not be able to take the full amount unless you go into advance leave (which you must pay back later).
How to Apply for HHG Leave
Applying for HHG leave is straightforward but requires planning. Here are the typical steps:
- Receive your PCS orders and note the report date at your new duty station.
- Coordinate your household goods shipment with the Transportation Office (TMO) or use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to schedule your move.
- Submit a leave request in LeaveWeb at least 30 days in advance, selecting the reason “PCS – HHG” or similar.
- Get approval from your supervisor and commander.
- Take the leave as approved, ensuring you arrive at your new station by the report date.
Remember that HHG leave is separate from your travel time. If you are driving to your new station, you may be authorized travel days based on the distance and mode of transportation. Those travel days are non-chargeable (they do not count against your leave balance) and are in addition to your 10 HHG days.
Common Misconceptions About HHG Leave
The most common misconception is that HHG leave is “free” time off. It is not—it is charged to your annual leave. Another misconception is that you must take all 10 days at once. You can split it, but it must be used in conjunction with the PCS, so splitting it across the move is typical. Some members also think that HHG leave is only for the actual packing and moving day, but it is meant to cover the entire moving process, including settling in at the new location.
Another frequent misunderstanding is that the Air Force will automatically grant HHG leave. It is not automatic—you must request it and get approval. Finally, some believe that HHG leave is only for those moving within the continental U.S. (CONUS). In fact, it applies to all PCS moves, including overseas, but overseas moves may have additional travel time and other allowances.
HHG Leave vs. Ordinary Leave
Ordinary leave is the standard vacation time you earn at 2.5 days per month (30 days per year). HHG leave is a specific type of ordinary leave that is earmarked for moving. The key difference is the purpose: HHG leave is intended for moving-related tasks, while ordinary leave can be used for any reason. There is no extra time granted—you are simply labeling part of your regular leave as HHG leave. This matters because some commanders may be more willing to approve HHG leave than ordinary leave during a PCS, but it still counts against your balance.
Costs and Pay Considerations
During HHG leave, you are still paid your regular military salary—it is not unpaid leave. However, you are responsible for any costs associated with the move that are not covered by the government, such as excess weight over your HHG allowance, personal travel expenses beyond what is reimbursed, and lodging if you choose to stay in a hotel during the move. The government pays for the shipment of your household goods up to a certain weight limit (e.g., 18,000 pounds for an E-6 with dependents, but this varies by rank and family status). If you go over that limit, you pay the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HHG leave the same as permissive TDY?
No. Permissive temporary duty (TDY) is unpaid time off for job-related activities like house hunting. HHG leave is charged to your leave balance and is for moving your belongings. They are separate entitlements, though you can often combine them during a PCS.
Can I take HHG leave before my PCS orders are cut?
No. You must have PCS orders in hand to request HHG leave. The leave is tied to the move, so without orders, there is no basis for the leave.
What happens if I don’t use all 10 days of HHG leave?
You lose them. They do not carry over or convert to cash. You can only take up to 10 days, but you are not required to take any. Many members take fewer days if they have a simple move.
Does HHG leave apply to reservists and National Guard?
Yes, but only when they are on active duty orders for a PCS. Reserve and Guard members on Title 10 or Title 32 orders are entitled to the same HHG leave as active duty, but the rules can vary based on the order type. Check with your unit’s personnel office.
Can I take HHG leave and then go on ordinary leave right after?
Yes, but you must have enough leave balance. HHG leave is charged to your leave account, so if you take 10 days of HHG leave and then want more vacation, you need additional leave days saved. Your commander must approve both requests.
Final Thoughts
Understanding HHG leave is essential for a smooth PCS move. It is not a separate benefit that “leaves” your household goods—it is a tool to help you manage your move without using all your vacation time on packing boxes. Always check the latest Joint Travel Regulations and consult your MPF for the most current rules, as policies can change. Plan ahead, request your leave early, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about during a stressful time.
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