On Nov. 14, President Bush published a memorandum to the
heads of all executive departments and agencies, directing
them to provide five days of “uncharged” civilian leave to
federal employees returning from Guard and Reserve duty in
the global war on terror. According to the Office of
Personnel Management, the president’s request covers all
employees who were activated for military service in
connection with Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom
and Iraqi Freedom. Agencies may grant this period of excused
absence before the employee resumes duties, or if the
employee has already returned to work, at a time mutually
agreeable to the agency and the employee,. For more
information on agency requirements for returning reservists,