Hi, I just graduated from ELT quals. My detachment date is supposed to be March 2nd, 2018 (hopefully, if nothing goes wrong at medical or admin), and my NLT date on my orders say 28 March.
I've been told from numerous sources both here on this forum and elsewhere that you should minimize the leave you take between prototype and your ship, despite being allotted 30 maximum days. Then, I've also met instructors here who recommend taking as much as possible (without missing some kind of movement from your ship, ie: a deployment or underway), because for a fast-attack, using your leave days is a rare occurrence.
What should I do? As far as my own input, I feel like I need a break, and I want to take at least 14 days (hopefully more if I can; 21 days would be nice), while of course still coordinating with my sponsor that I won't miss whatever deployment my boat is about to go on. I've had friends who simply called their sponsor and told him/her "I'll be there by my report date" because they want to take their full leave period. Also, I've been contacted both by my sponsor and Lead ELT, and if it's any sway in the matter, while they weren't being pushy, they did make it a point that the earlier I arrive, the better.
I appreciate the help in advance; thank you!
