Ever gazed at a travel blog, wanderlust bubbling in your stomach, and thought, “Could I do that?”. For those serving in the military, that yearning for adventure can feel even stronger. The world beckons, but are there extra hoops to jump through when you’re committed to serving your country? Let’s explore the ins and outs of international travel for active military personnel.
Permission to Pack Your Passport: It’s Not as Simple as “Leave Approved”
While the image of a soldier in full gear backpacking through the Himalayas might raise eyebrows, the reality is less adventurous but no less bureaucratic. The short answer is yes, military personnel can travel abroad for leisure, but it’s not as simple as booking a flight and packing a bag.
Orders, Orders, Orders!
“In the military, everything runs on orders,” says retired Master Sergeant John Riley, “and that includes your vacation time, especially if you’re crossing international borders.”
Before you even think about booking that flight to Fiji, you’ll need to get permission. This involves:
- Leave Request: Just like any other time off, you’ll need to submit a leave request through your chain of command.
- Foreign Clearance: This is where things get specific to international travel. Depending on your branch, your destination, and current global events, you’ll likely need to file for foreign clearance. This process assesses potential security risks and ensures your trip aligns with military regulations.
Destination: Dream Vacation or No-Go Zone?
While the world is vast, not every corner is accessible to active military personnel. Countries experiencing political unrest, those with travel advisories, or locations deemed strategically sensitive might be off-limits. Always check with your command and the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories before making plans.
