U.S. Department of the Air Force Releases Policy on Military Parental Leave Program
By U.S. Space Force // January 12, 2023
policy grants adoptive parents, eligible foster parents 12 weeks of parental leave
(SPACE FORCE) – The Department of the Air Force announced the expansion of the Military Parental Leave Program for Airmen and Guardians via guidance memorandum, which mirrors the Department of Defense’s Directive-type Memorandum 23-001 – “Expansion of the Military Parental Leave Program.”
Effective Dec. 27, 2022, the updated policy authorizes birth parents 12 weeks of parental leave following a provider-recommended period of convalescent leave and non-birth parents 12 weeks of leave following the birth of their child.
The policy also grants adoptive parents and eligible foster parents 12 weeks of parental leave.
Previously, birth parents received six weeks of parental leave following their convalescent leave, and non-birth parents received 21 days.
The expansion is in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.
It also builds on the DoD’s support of military families and service members by streamlining and enhancing the parental leave benefit for active and reserve component service members (on active duty for 12 months or more) who give birth, adopt a child or provide long-term foster care.
Members who were on maternity convalescent leave or caregiver leave on Dec. 27, 2022, before the new policy went into effect, will also receive the expanded benefit.
Both the birth and non-birth parents can take the leave administered in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in the DAFGM.
The expansion of the MPLP, which applies to all eligible service members as of Dec. 27, 2022, takes precedence over previous DoD issuances and service regulations.
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