Terminal Leave vs SkillBridge vs PTDY: How the Final 180 Days Actually Work

If you have asked three people how the last 180 days works, you probably got four answers. One person says you can do SkillBridge for six months. Another says terminal leave is separate. Someone else says PTDY is "free time" and does not count. Then your calendar starts looking like a game of Tetris you are losing.

Quick Answer: Can you do SkillBridge and terminal leave at the same time?
No. They're mutually exclusive. You do SkillBridge while on active duty, then take terminal leave after (or before) SkillBridge. PTDY doesn't count against your leave balance, but it still occupies calendar days. The final 180 days is a single container—everything has to fit inside it.

This post is a plain-English explanation of how terminal leave, permissive TDY (PTDY), and SkillBridge compete inside the same final window before separation. This is not policy or legal advice, and each branch and unit can implement rules differently. The goal here is to help you plan realistically with concrete timeline examples so you don't get surprised in a meeting with your supervisor.

If you want the bigger picture first, start with the transition timeline and the complete separation checklist. If you are deciding on SkillBridge specifically, read SkillBridge Explained.

What the "Final 180 Days" Really Means

When people say "the final 180 days," they are usually talking about the last chunk of time before your separation date. The details vary by branch, program, and command, but the practical planning problem is consistent:

• You have a fixed separation date (also called ETS, EAS, or DOS depending on your branch)
• Anything you do before that date takes time on the calendar
• Many of the most valuable options (SkillBridge, terminal leave, PTDY, out-processing) all want the same time on that calendar
• Your command has to approve most of these—nothing is automatic

This is why "I will do 180 days of SkillBridge and also take 60 days of terminal leave" often falls apart once you start mapping it. If you plan to take terminal leave, that time still exists on the calendar, which means there is less space available for everything else.

The math is simple: Separation date minus 180 days = your planning window opens. Everything before your separation date (SkillBridge, terminal leave, PTDY, out-processing) must fit in that window.

Terminal Leave: What It Is and How It Works

Terminal leave is leave you take at the end of service using accrued leave days. The basic idea is simple: you stop showing up to work, but you are still technically on active duty until your separation date arrives.

How terminal leave accrues:

• Active duty service members earn 2.5 days of leave per month (30 days per year)
• Maximum accrual is 60 days (can carry over year to year up to this limit)
• Special circumstances (like deployment to combat zones) may allow higher accrual temporarily
• You can "sell back" up to 60 days of unused leave over your entire career (calculated at base pay rate)

Why people want terminal leave:

• Creates breathing room for moving, family logistics, or decompression
• Gives you time to start a job or settle in before the separation date (depending on rules and approvals)
• Reduces last-minute chaos when you are already mentally checked out
• You continue receiving full pay and benefits (BAH, BAS, Tricare) during terminal leave
• Your separation date stays the same—terminal leave just means you're not physically at work

Terminal leave calculation example:

If you have 45 days of accrued leave and your separation date is June 30, 2026:

• Your last day of work would be approximately May 16, 2026 (45 days before June 30)
• You'd be on terminal leave from May 16 through June 30
• Your official separation date is still June 30, 2026
• You cannot do SkillBridge during those 45 days because you're on leave, not on duty

What PTDY Is (and Why People Misunderstand It)

Permissive TDY (PTDY) is commonly used as shorthand for house hunting or job hunting time. This is where rumors thrive because PTDY doesn't consume your leave balance, leading people to think it's "free time" that doesn't count against anything.

Here is the safe and accurate way to think about PTDY for planning purposes:

• PTDY is not guaranteed. It typically requires approval from your command
• PTDY is not infinite. If you get it, it is usually a limited block of time (10-20 days depending on purpose and branch)
• PTDY does not count against your leave balance, which is good
• PTDY still lives on the calendar before separation, which means it also competes with SkillBridge and terminal leave timing
• PTDY is typically for specific purposes: job hunting, house hunting, or transition-related activities

So even if PTDY does not "feel like leave," it still consumes real days that must fit inside the final timeline.

Branch-Specific PTDY Entitlements

Each branch has different PTDY policies. Here's what you're typically authorized:

Air Force & Space Force:

• Job hunting: Up to 10 days (does not require distance threshold)
• House hunting: Up to 10 days (if moving more than 50 miles from current duty station)
• Space Force: Up to 20 days for transition-related activities (more flexible than AF)
• Policy reference: DAFI 36-3003 dated 7 Aug 2024

Army:

• Job hunting: Up to 10 days
• House hunting: Up to 10 days (if PCS distance qualifies)
• Must be taken within final 180 days of active duty
• Policy reference: AR 600-8-10 dated 3 Jun 2020

Navy:

• Job hunting: Up to 10 days
• House hunting: Up to 20 days (if moving to a location more than 50 miles away)
• Can be combined with transition leave for longer authorized absence
• Policy reference: MILPERSMAN 1050-290 dated 25 Feb 2015

Marine Corps:

• Job hunting: Up to 10 days
• House hunting: Up to 10 days
• Combined Permissive Temporary Additional Duty (PTAD) and SkillBridge cannot exceed category limits (90-120 days based on rank).
• Policy reference: MARADMIN 280/24 (Interim Guidance on Implementation of SkillBridge Program) dated 31 Aug 2024

Coast Guard:

• Job hunting: Up to 10 days
• House hunting: Authorized but duration varies by situation
• Policy references: COMDTINST M1000.6A, COMDTINST 1040.7, COMDTINST M1000.8

Note: These entitlements are based on standard transition policies as of 2026. Your command may have additional restrictions or flexibility. Always confirm current guidance with your chain of command or transition office before submitting requests.

Key takeaway: Most branches give you 10 days for job hunting and 10-20 days for house hunting. You usually can't combine them into 30 continuous days—they're approved separately based on need. Always confirm with your command before assuming you'll get the maximum.

Where SkillBridge Fits (and Why "Up to 180 Days" Confuses Everyone)

SkillBridge is often described as "up to 180 days," which sounds like a guaranteed six-month internship. In reality, SkillBridge generally has to fit within the final portion of service, and that same portion often includes terminal leave, PTDY if approved, and out-processing requirements.

That means the time you actually spend participating in SkillBridge is often less than 180 days—sometimes much less. Not because the program is fake, but because the calendar is real.

SkillBridge basics:

• Must be done while on active duty orders (not on leave)
• You continue receiving full pay and benefits
• Requires command approval
• Cannot overlap with terminal leave or regular leave
• Company must be on DoW's approved partner list

If you want the deeper explanation of SkillBridge and how to prepare for it, see SkillBridge Explained. For official partner listings, the Department of War maintains the searchable directory at skillbridge.osd.mil. For community reviews, Rate My SkillBridge can be useful.

The Math: How Terminal Leave, PTDY, and SkillBridge Actually Fit Together

The confusion disappears when you see concrete examples. Here are three real-world scenarios showing how everything fits (or doesn't fit) in the final 180 days.

Key observations from these examples:

• Out-processing takes longer than you think (20-30 days is realistic, not 5)
• If you want 100+ days of SkillBridge, you'll sacrifice terminal leave
• PTDY helps but doesn't magically create extra time—it just doesn't cost leave days
• Front-loading out-processing gives you more flexibility later
• The order matters: most people do PTDY → SkillBridge → terminal leave, but you can adjust based on needs

Quick Reference: Terminal Leave vs SkillBridge vs PTDY

Three Common Timeline Scenarios

These scenarios help you decide which approach makes sense for your priorities.

Scenario A: SkillBridge-Heavy

• You prioritize maximum time in SkillBridge (90-120 days)
• You take less terminal leave (20-40 days)
• You plan out-processing early so it does not eat into the last few weeks
• You use PTDY strategically for specific needs (interviews, house hunting)

Best for: Career pivots where hands-on civilian experience matters more than time off. Common in tech, cyber, healthcare transitions.

Risk: If SkillBridge company doesn't hire you, you've given up terminal leave for an outcome that didn't materialize.

Scenario B: Terminal Leave-Heavy

• You prioritize time off, moving, family stability, or decompressing (60-80 days terminal leave)
• SkillBridge is shorter (30-60 days) or not used
• You use PTDY if available, but you do not build the plan assuming it is guaranteed
• Out-processing is compressed into a shorter window

Best for: Situations where relocation and life logistics are the main event. Common when moving cross-country, dealing with family needs, or already having a job lined up.

Risk: Less civilian work experience on your resume if you're changing careers.

Scenario C: Balanced

• You do a moderate SkillBridge period (70-90 days)
• You still take meaningful terminal leave (40-60 days)
• You plan PTDY as a bonus, not the foundation of the plan
• Out-processing is front-loaded to create flexibility

Best for: Most people, because it is realistic. You get decent SkillBridge experience without completely sacrificing downtime before civilian life starts.

Risk: You're not maximizing either option, so you have to be okay with "good enough" on both fronts.

The Most Common Mistakes (That You Can Avoid)

Mistake #1: Planning forward instead of backward

• Why it's bad: If you start from "I want 180 days of SkillBridge" without checking your separation date, you'll discover too late that the math doesn't work.
• Fix: Start with your separation date, then build the last 180 days backward like a timeline, not a wishlist. Map every block: out-processing, SkillBridge, PTDY, terminal leave.

Mistake #2: Assuming approvals

• Why it's bad: PTDY and SkillBridge both require command approval. If you build your entire plan around getting 20 days PTDY and your command only approves 10, your timeline collapses.
• Fix: Have informal conversations with your chain of command early. Ask about typical approval timelines and whether your unit has supported SkillBridge/PTDY in the past.

Mistake #3: Ignoring out-processing

• Why it's bad: Medical out-processing, final dental, CIF turn-in, clearing your security clearance, final pay paperwork—these tasks can eat 20-30 days if you schedule them late. Some require multiple appointments.
• Fix: Start medical and dental appointments 9-12 months out. Get your paperwork in order early. Don't assume you can knock out everything in the final week.

Mistake #4: Not communicating early

• Why it's bad: Surprising your supervisor with a SkillBridge packet 90 days out creates unnecessary friction. Commands are more likely to deny requests that feel last-minute or poorly planned.
• Fix: Have the "I'm thinking about SkillBridge" conversation at 9-12 months out. Share your draft timeline. Ask for feedback. Make your leadership part of the solution, not an obstacle.

Mistake #5: Letting one plan pause the rest

• Why it's bad: If you're waiting on SkillBridge approval and you pause all VA prep, medical appointments, and admin tasks, you'll be scrambling if SkillBridge falls through.
• Fix: Treat SkillBridge as one part of your transition, not the entire plan. Keep working on your VA claim, TSP rollover research, resume, LinkedIn, and job applications in parallel.

Mistake #6: Not accounting for projected leave

• Why it's bad: You earn 2.5 days of leave per month. If you're planning your timeline 6 months out, you'll accrue 15 more days of leave between now and separation. Ignoring this can throw off your calculations.
• Fix: Calculate both your current leave balance and projected leave at separation. Use the higher number for terminal leave planning.

How to Plan This Without Losing Your Mind

Here is the practical approach that actually works:

1. Pick a priority for the final months (SkillBridge, terminal leave, or balanced). Be honest about what matters most.
2. Calculate your projected leave balance at separation (current balance + 2.5 days per remaining month).
3. Map out the time blocks on one calendar working backward from your separation date. Include out-processing (20-30 days), SkillBridge if applicable, PTDY if realistic, and terminal leave.
4. Move out-processing tasks earlier than you think you need to. Medical appointments at 9-12 months out, not 60 days out.
5. Build a backup plan that still results in a clean separation if SkillBridge or PTDY approvals change. "If SkillBridge is denied, I'll use that time for X, Y, Z."
6. Communicate the plan to your chain of command with enough lead time that they can actually support it (6-9 months out for SkillBridge discussions).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you do SkillBridge and terminal leave at the same time?
A: No. SkillBridge and terminal leave are mutually exclusive. You participate in SkillBridge while on active duty orders, then take terminal leave after SkillBridge ends (or before it starts). They cannot overlap because terminal leave means you're no longer performing duty, while SkillBridge requires you to be on active duty orders.

Q: Does PTDY count against terminal leave?
A: No. Permissive TDY (PTDY) does not consume your accrued leave days. However, PTDY days still occupy time on the calendar before your separation date, which means they reduce the available window for SkillBridge or other activities.

Q: How much PTDY am I authorized?
A: It varies by branch and purpose. Most branches authorize 10 days for job hunting and 10-20 days for house hunting (if moving more than 50 miles). Space Force offers up to 20 days for transition-related activities. Check your branch-specific policy for exact entitlements.

Q: Can I take terminal leave before SkillBridge?
A: Yes, if your command approves. Some service members take a few weeks of terminal leave first (for moving or family needs), then return to active duty for SkillBridge, then take the rest of their terminal leave after SkillBridge ends. This requires careful coordination and command approval, but it's allowed.

Q: What happens to unused terminal leave?
A: If you don't take all your accrued leave as terminal leave, you can "sell back" up to 60 days of unused leave over your entire career. The payout is calculated at your base pay rate (not including BAH or BAS). Many people prefer taking terminal leave over selling it back because you get full pay plus allowances during terminal leave.

Q: Can my command deny my terminal leave?
A: Technically yes, but it's rare. Commands can deny or limit terminal leave based on mission needs, manning shortages, or timing conflicts. If you're in a critical position or undermanned career field, you may face pushback on taking maximum terminal leave. Start the conversation early.

Q: How far in advance should I request SkillBridge and PTDY?
A: SkillBridge: 6-9 months before your desired start date. PTDY: 30-60 days before you need it (some commands require less notice, but more is better). Don't wait until the last minute for either—early requests get better support from leadership.

Q: Can I extend my separation date to fit everything in?
A: Usually no, unless you reenlist or extend your contract. Your separation date is generally fixed once you've started terminal leave or entered the final 180-day window. If you realize your timeline doesn't work, you'll need to adjust what you're trying to fit in, not extend the separation date.

Q: What if I get recalled or stop-lossed during SkillBridge?
A: Active duty orders take precedence over everything, including SkillBridge. If you're recalled, stop-lossed, or receive PCS/deployment orders, your SkillBridge ends immediately. This is rare but has happened (particularly for critical career fields or national emergencies). SkillBridge companies understand this risk.

Final Thoughts

The last 180 days is not "extra time." It is a container you have to allocate. Once you treat it like a container with fixed boundaries, the confusion goes away and the tradeoffs become obvious.

Terminal leave, PTDY, and SkillBridge are all valuable options, but they compete for the same calendar space. You can't have everything at maximum—you have to choose what matters most and build a realistic timeline around that priority.

This guide is meant to help you think clearly and plan realistically. For branch-specific details, use your official transition resources and chain of command. For the "big picture" structure, your timeline is the best truth serum you have.

About the author: Bruce Goren is an Air Force member retiring in February 2026. As part of his transition, he participated in the SkillBridge program through AllegiantVets and later completed on-the-job training through Service2Software, which helped inform the practical guidance shared here.