Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but terminal leave is a luxury. The reg says they don't have to approve it for "mission requirements". So if the dude's in a 1 deep shop, he's probably screwed. It's already been threatened in my wing to not let folks take it (to me). This is a total shiz show.
I got 6 months off my UPT and almost a year off GI bill for my palace chase. I hit submit in November and was approved right before Christmas. Separating in March. Good luck to all.