What type of leave is typically forfeited if not used within the year?

Accrued leave is the type of leave that is typically forfeited if not used within the year. It refers to the time-off that service members earn based on the length of time they have served. Depending on the military branch and specific policies, accrued leave generally has a "use it or lose it" stipulation, requiring members to utilize it within a certain timeframe—usually by the end of the fiscal year. This encourages personnel to take time off for rest and recuperation, ensuring that they maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Other types of leave, like convalescent leave, emergency leave, and regular leave, have different rules regarding accumulation and expiration. Convalescent leave is granted for recovery from illness or injury, emergency leave is often used for urgent personal matters, and regular leave can differ based on various circumstances, usually with more flexible usage options compared to accrued leave. This context highlights the specific nature of accrued leave and its critical timeline for usage.