On a military Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), CR balance stands for Current Balance, representing the total number of leave days an individual has accumulated by the end of the specific period covered by that LES. It's a critical figure for service members to understand their available time off.
Understanding the Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
The LES is a monthly statement that provides a comprehensive summary of a service member's pay, deductions, and leave information. It's an essential document for managing personal finances and understanding leave accrual and usage. Within the leave section, several balances are reported, with CR balance being one of the most immediate indicators of available leave.
How CR Balance is Calculated
Service members typically accrue 2.5 days of leave per month, totaling 30 days per year. The CR balance reflects the sum of all leave days accrued, minus any leave taken, up to the end date of the LES period.
- Accrual: 2.5 days per month (30 days annually).
- Usage: Leave days taken directly reduce the CR balance.
- Carryover: There's usually a maximum number of leave days that can be carried over into a new fiscal year (e.g., 60 days in most circumstances, though this can vary with special policies).
Importance of CR Balance
Understanding your CR balance is crucial for several reasons:
- Leave Planning: It helps service members plan for upcoming time off, whether it's for holidays, personal matters, or family events.
- Financial Planning: Accumulated leave can be sold back to the military upon separation, up to a certain limit (typically 60 days), making the CR balance an important financial consideration.
- Career Management: Monitoring the balance ensures service members don't forfeit leave days by exceeding the maximum carryover limit.
CR Balance vs. ETS Balance
While CR balance shows your current accrued leave, it's important not to confuse it with other leave figures on the LES. Another key balance, especially for those nearing the end of their service, is the ETS balance.
| Feature | CR Balance (Current Balance) | ETS Balance (Expiration Term of Service Balance) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Total leave days accrued by the end of the LES period. | Projected leave balance up to the ETS date. |
| Purpose | Indicates currently available leave. | Helps plan final leave usage or sell-back options. |
The ETS balance provides a forward-looking projection, helping service members determine how much leave they will have if they serve until their Expiration Term of Service.
Practical Tips for Managing Your CR Balance
- Regular Review: Check your LES monthly to ensure your leave balance is accurate and aligns with your records.
- Strategic Use: Plan your leave strategically to maximize time off without forfeiting days.
- Consider Sell-Back: If nearing separation, evaluate your CR balance to determine potential leave sell-back options, keeping in mind the 60-day limit for most service members.
By closely monitoring the CR balance on your LES, service members can effectively manage their time off and leverage their earned leave benefits.
