Can they stop my leave because I am pending UCMJ?

With regard to missing and appointment and escorting the Soldier I cannot tell you what is appropriate. If you were directed to escort the Soldier and missed the appointment as a result of the direction/order, you most likely have a case against the Article 15. But this will be for a JAG representative to discuss with you.

You are correct they cannot backdate a counseling statement. They can reconstruct a counseling statement and ask that you sign it but you are under no obligation to do so. Please check out the following Q&As that may provide you additional information.

• Can a leader back date a counseling?
• Should I refuse to sign counseling statements I do not agree with?
• When do I fill out the assessment portion of the 4856?
• What do I do when a Soldier refuses to sign?
• Can my squad leader back date a counseling?
• What do I do when a Soldier checks disagree?

Counseling

With regard to not being counseled monthly or otherwise I am not sure it has any real bearing on the issue. While it is inappropriate that you have not be counseled regularly and it is something you could bring up during an Article 15 proceeding, it has no bearing on missing an appointment.

Leave as a benefit

With regard to leave. To my knowledge a Flag only stops advanced or excess leave. Normal leave is a benefit (meaning it is earned as part of your compensation), not an privilege. Therefore it can only be stopped in rare cases. For example, the command can disapprove leave if they could prove you are a flight risk for AWOL.

Therefore you most likely have a case to continue on your leave. I would encourage you to  consult with the IG to ensure you are armed with the facts and then approach your chain of command.

Food for thought

Your chain of command has more important things to do then go after Soldiers. Most situations can be defused by approaching the chain of command in a professional and humble manner with open communication. In my experience when Soldiers approached me this way it did a lot to improve their position in the issue. Admit when you are wrong, be sincere, and move on. The only thing the command team is usually looking for is to correct substandard performance. If there are other motives it usually appears in the paperwork or lack of paperwork.

What is a flag?

AR 600-8-2 provides specifics about flags and I would encourage you to read it. Here are some extracts:

 1–14. Actions prohibited by a flag

A flag properly imposed in accordance with this regulation prohibits the personnel actions listed below (see para 1–15 for exceptions). The PSC will control the if applicable to guard against accidental execution of—

a. Appointment, reappointment, reenlistment, and extension.

b. Entry on active duty (AD) or active duty for training (ADT).

c. Reassignment.

d. Promotion or reevaluation for promotion.

e. Awards and decorations.

f. Attendance at civil or military schooling.

g. Unqualified resignation or discharge.

h. Retirement.

i. Advanced or excess leave.

j. Payment of enlistment bonus (EB) or selective reenlistment bonus (SRB).

k. Assumption of command.

l. Family member travel to an oversea command (when sponsor is overseas).

m. Command sponsorship of family members in an oversea command (when sponsor is overseas).

1–15. Processing exceptions

a. APFT.

(1) Flags for APFT failure block promotion, reenlistment, and extension only.

(2) A flag is not initiated if the soldier has a limiting physical profile that specifically prohibits taking the APFT.

b. Weight control.

(1) Flags for weight control block only attendance at full-time civil or military schooling, promotion, awards and decorations, assumption of command, and reenlistment or extension.

(2) Soldiers attending a civil or military school on the date of the flag will not be removed from such schooling.

(3) Commanders may approve reenlistments and extensions under certain medical conditions as advised by the supporting total Army career counselor.

c. Reassignment.

(1) HQDA will reassign soldiers returned to military control from dropped from the rolls (DFR).

(2) Soldiers in receipt of HQDA reassignment instructions may depart when their case moves into the punishment phase if the punishment does not require the soldier’s continued presence.

(3) Major oversea commanders approve intra-command reassignments.

(4) Installation commanders approve intra-installation reassignments.

(5) Flagged soldiers may be reassigned if—

(a) The flag is based on APFT failure.

(b) The flag is based on entry in the weight control program.

(c) The flag case is in the punishment phase with no restraints on liberty imposed by civil court, court-martial, or

Article 15.

(d) Reassignment is deemed necessary by installation or major overseas commanders (within their command) for the maintenance of discipline, morale, and unit order.

d. Advance or excess leave.

(1) The General Court-Martial Convening Authority (GCMCA) may direct excess leave to soldiers sentenced by

court-martial to dismissal or a punitive discharge when the sentenced has not yet been approved.

(2) The GCMCA or designee may grant an indefinite period of excess leave to soldiers awaiting administrative discharge in accordance with AR 600–8–10.

(3) Commanders may grant advance or excess leave when emergencies exist.

e. Unqualified resignation, discharge, or retirement.Flagged soldiers may submit requests for consideration by

HQDA.

f. Entry on AD or ADT.

(1) Flagged ARNG and U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) soldiers may not apply for AD or ADT.

(2) HQDA may direct involuntary AD or ADT for flagged ARNG and USAR soldiers.

g. Awards and decorations.Retirement awards and decorations for valor may be processed and presented to flagged soldiers.

h. Erroneous flag will be declared void and of no effect.