I was just curious about being able to request leave while waiting for API, I think I remember reading something on here about having to do certain things as soon as you got down there. My question is can you take leave? If so who does the request go to, and what exactly (if anything) do you need to get done before you can do so.
What you
generally have to take care of when you get here before IFS: preliminaries (psd, pass & tag, stucon paperwork), nomi physical, anthro measurements, DIVOLTC, FAA physical, get stash job. You may also have to get an NMCI account, though I've heard they may have phased that requirement out.
Related question -
how long before classing up? Most inteligent answer I can give is that it all depends. Depends on how many people are going through the pipeline, needs of the Navy, any hangups in your status (such as NOMI exam follow ups). I reported here in February, took about 80 days to class up for IFS, then another 80 days after IFS to class up for API. Many of my API classmates seem to have classed up within a month or two. So it really varies.
Leave Policy: in my experience, Flight Management generally doesn't let people go on leave unless 1) they are IFS complete, 2) have all pre-IFS requirements done (see above) and have a wait period before IFS, 3) have a family emergency or something similar. The bottom line, as someone has already pointed out, is that leave is not to interfere with training. If you can show that you've all requirements that you can get done, and you have a window of opportunity, then you can request leave and they'll hear you out. The worst that'll happen is that they'll say no.
