Why Are There No Fees for Military Leave?

There is a common misconception that retired or ex-soldiers need to be compensated through a fee for deployed soldiers to take vacation leave. However, this claim is entirely false. There is no requirement for deployed soldiers to pay any fees to utilize their leave benefits. This is yet another myth perpetuated by scammers looking to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

Understanding the Myth

The idea of a "veterans fee" for leave is a pervasive scam that relies on misunderstandings and misinformation. It is important for service members and their loved ones to be aware that:

No financial compensation is required for soldiers to take leave. Deployed soldiers seldom, if ever, take non-emergency leave. No one is required to request leave on their behalf.

Identifying Scammers and Their Tactics

To protect yourself from these scams, it is crucial to recognize the tactics used by scammers. Here are some red flags and tips to avoid falling into the traps:

Red Flags of Scammers

Emails and Contact Information: Be wary of emails or messages from unknown sources, especially if their email addresses do not end in .mil or .org. Scammers may use .com or other domains. No Personalized Communication: Genuine military personnel often have a more professional tone and may not initiate personal or emotional conversations. Scammers may try to build an emotional connection to persuade you. Skype and Phone Calls: Scammers rarely, if ever, make video calls or phone calls to their victims. If you ever receive such a call, it is a strong sign of a scam.

Common Scam Question Checklist

The US Military has an official page warning against common scams. Below are some questions to consider to identify scammers:

Is the email or message from someone claiming to be on a Peace Keeping Mission looking for an honest woman, with deceased parents or a child being cared for by a nanny? Did someone immediately profess their love and refer to you as an 'honest woman'? Are they mentioning a deceased wife or child? Do they claim to be a general officer contacting you on behalf of a deployed soldier? Are they members of an internet dating site or indicating involvement with the UN? Have they offered to help with financial or personal matters for deployed soldiers?

Official Military Clarification

Here are some official clarifications from the US Military to address common misconceptions:

Military personnel are not charged any fees to take leave. Leave requests are not handled by general officers or higher command. Military aircraft are not used to transport privately owned vehicles. Army financial offices do not assist with buying or selling personal items. Deployed soldiers do not need to solicit funds from the public for their own expenses. There is no requirement for soldiers to provide early retirement compensation or benefits. Soldiers are not required to pay for their own medical expenses; they are covered by comprehensive insurance.

Conclusion

Understanding the common scams involving military personnel can help you avoid falling victim to these schemes. By recognizing the tactics used by scammers, checking the legitimacy of the communication, and staying aware of official military policies, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from these deceiving scams.