Originally Posted by
Lawn-Dart
I avoid taking extended mil leave like the plague. It affects medical, jumpseating, and vacation accrual, perhaps even other things. I'd much rather drop trips, since it's leave without pay anyway. And we all know dropping trips nowadays is a piece of cake since they get scooped up within minutes.
Raw deal for serving your country.
I did this as well from 2002-2007. I usually only used mil leave when a drop was not honored after several attempts. In hindsight, I may have given up some B fund money, but like you I didn't want the hassle and I didn't want it to mess up other benefits. I think the newer VIPS options make it a little easier than it used to be.
I cannot say enough nice things about SM, the ALPA Mil Affairs guy. He seems to have a very good bead on the ins and outs of the fine print on USERRA, and for those of you doing either short term or long term leave options I urge you to check in with him for any latest/greatest info. Mil leave should be a win/win in this environment. Hopefully everyone will benefit from the latest initiatives...