Annual or vacation leave is earned on the basis or years of federal service, including creditable military service.  Full-time employees with 15 years or more of creditable service accrue 26 days of annual leave a year; those with more than three but less that 15 years earn 20 days; and those with less than three years earn 13 days.  All full-time employees earn 13 sick days a year.  While requests for particular leave dates are satisfied as far as possible, it is occasionally necessary to schedule vacations to meet the needs of the organization and spread absences throughout the year.  Occasional absences for short periods will be granted if possible.