For a soldier on leave, the direct cost to them for coming home is often minimal, as the U.S. military typically covers the primary transportation expenses to their assigned home base within the United States. However, soldiers are generally responsible for any travel costs incurred after arriving at that base to reach their final personal destination.
Military-Provided Travel: No Cost to the Soldier
The U.S. military does not charge its service members any fees for taking either emergency or regular leave. This policy ensures that soldiers can return home when needed without financial burden for the main journey.
- Leave Fees: There are no direct charges imposed on soldiers for the privilege of taking time off.
- Transportation to Home Base: The military provides and covers the cost of transportation for the soldier to their assigned home base within the United States. This includes flights or other modes of transport necessary to get them back to their duty station or a designated point of entry in the U.S.
Soldier's Potential Responsibilities
While the initial leg of the journey to a U.S. home base is covered, soldiers are responsible for any subsequent travel arrangements and associated costs from that military installation to their personal or family residence.
Potential expenses for the soldier may include:
- Domestic Flights: If their family lives far from their U.S. home base and requires an additional flight.
- Ground Transportation: Such as bus tickets, train fares, or gas money for driving a personal vehicle.
- Local Transport: Taxis, ride-shares, or public transportation from the arrival airport or base to their specific home address.
- Accommodation and Meals: Any costs for lodging or food if there are extended layovers or unexpected delays on their personal leg of the journey.
Understanding "Home Base" and Final Destination
It's important to clarify that "home base" in this context refers to the soldier's military installation or duty station in the United States, not necessarily their childhood home or family residence. The military ensures their return to this point, and any further travel to their specific personal destination falls under the soldier's purview.
Summary of Costs
Here’s a breakdown of who typically covers the costs associated with a soldier coming home:
| Expense Type | Paid By |
|---|---|
| Emergency or Regular Leave Fees | Military (No charge to the soldier) |
| Transportation to U.S. Home Base (Military Installation) | Military |
| Travel from U.S. Home Base to Final Personal Destination | Soldier (Out-of-pocket expenses) |
Key Takeaways
- Soldiers are not charged by the military for taking leave.
- The military covers transportation to a soldier's U.S. home base.
- Personal travel costs from the U.S. home base to the soldier's specific residence are the responsibility of the soldier.
