The leave program started in 03, I know cause I was there at that time too, and ran out of money cause they hadn't planned for it like just about everything else at that time and some soldiers had to buy tickets for part of the trip or the whole trip. I had to buy my own airline ticket from Kuwait to Portland Oregon which cost me a pretty penny, but I didn't care cause I hadn't been home in nine months by that time. Since that time however they have gotten it together and now they will get you to the closest airport of your chosing. If I remember correctly the period where you had to pay your own way was only a month or two. I had to find my way to camp Doha and then go to a travle office there and buy my own ticket. They have long since gotten their act together when it comes to leave. Now you don't even get charged for leave when you go home for two weeks.