A C-130J Super Hercules taxis onto the flight line after returning from supporting operations in Southwest Asia Sept. 15, 2015, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. About 400 Little Rock AFB Airmen are currently deployed around the globe supporting wartime and contingency operations. (Air Force https://www.usa.gov/government-works/Senior Airman Scott Poe)
By: FEDweek StaffAir Force and Space Force military-to-military couples now have more time after childbirth to make decisions about staying in uniform or leaving. Beginning March 1, either parent can take up to 12 months to request a separation from service.
The change applies to active-duty couples, and was made to give new parents enough time to learn more about what it takes to balance family life and military obligations.
Only one spouse can separate under this new provision. However, the other spouse could qualify for voluntary separation because of hardship, or any other voluntary-separation provisions that apply to Air Force and Space Force enlisteds and officers.
“As part of our ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts, this is a positive step we can take to allow new parents more time to decide how to balance their careers with a new child,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. “It’s vital that we continue to find creative ways to develop and retain talented and skilled airmen and guardians.”
The new policy will not supersede pregnancy separation, which allows a service member to voluntarily take leave from duty for up to 12 months after the birth of a child. Additionally, a provision of the 2022 defense-spending bill has eliminated primary and secondary caregiver designations and provides new parents with up to 12 weeks of leave. The Air Force plans to implement this new policy within the year.
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