The New International Encyclopædia/Furlough

FURLOUGH, fûr′lō̇ (Dutch verlof, from Dan. forlov, leave, from for, Eng. for + lof, Dan. lov, Ger. Laube, Eng. leave, permission). A military term, applied to the leave of absence of the rank and file. It does not apply to commissioned officers. In the United States Army furloughs in the prescribed form for periods of 20 days may be granted to enlisted men by commanding officers of posts, or by regimental commanders, if the companies to which they belong are under their control.

The number of men furloughed at any one time is not to exceed five per cent. of the enlisted strength. In England the furlough season is confined to the winter months, generally from the 15th of October to the 15th of March. All soldiers with over twelve months' service, and qualified in conduct and musketry ability are entitled to six weeks' furlough. In France and Continental Europe generally, soldiers in the active army who have qualified in their duties, and can read and write, may, at the end of twelve months' service, be sent on furlough for an indefinite period. See Armies.