What should personnel be aware of before their military leave begins?

Personnel should be aware of their rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the departmental protocols for leave before their military leave begins. Understanding these rights is crucial as they legally protect service members from discrimination based on their military service, ensuring that they can return to their civilian jobs without penalty after their service. Additionally, being informed about departmental protocols helps personnel navigate the leave process effectively, ensuring compliance with necessary notifications and procedures. This awareness enables a smoother transition into military service and safeguards their employment status upon return.

While knowledge of vacation plans, new departmental policies, or colleague responsibilities can be relevant, they do not provide the essential legal protections and procedural knowledge that are critical in the context of military leave. Thus, focusing on USERRA and departmental protocols ensures that personnel are adequately prepared for their military commitments while maintaining their rights and responsibilities concerning their civilian employment.