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SUBJ/DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY MATERNITY AND CONVALESCENT LEAVE POLICY//

1. The missions of the Navy and Marine Corps demand a highly skilled 
adaptable force, at the height of readiness, prepared to support the 
strategic priorities of the United States. Essential members of that force 
are the women who serve bravely and honorably at sea and ashore. As our 
nation continues to draw upon the great talents of our women in service, we 
are bound to create an environment that provides the flexibility needed to 
keep these women as part of our forces.

2. During my tenure, the Department of the Navy has taken steps to create a 
more diverse and more inclusive environment for our Sailors and Marines.

3. A characteristic of this inclusive environment is one that provides women 
who choose to be mothers a meaningful opportunity to pursue that experience,
including time for recovery, bonding with her child, and preparing to go back 
to the very demanding responsibilities of serving in the Navy or Marine 
Corps.

4. Extended time for a mother with her newborn has tremendous health and 
psychological benefits for both the mother and child, and helps to ensure 
that the mother is fully prepared to return to her duties without having to 
sacrifice crucial time with her child. This balance means better retention of 
talented women that we cannot afford to lose.

5. Effective immediately, in accordance with Title 10 and Departmental 
regulations and policy, I authorize commanding officers to grant up to 126 
days of convalescent leave to a Service Member who has given birth, upon the 
request of such Service Member.  The 126 days of convalescent leave includes 
the 42 day convalescent period currently authorized as maternity leave.  A 
Service Member is not required to use all leave in a single block of time.  
However, the Service Member must use this convalescent leave within the first 
year of the child?s birth for which the leave was granted.

6. Additionally, any woman who has been granted convalescent leave following 
the birth of a child since January 1, 2015, is entitled to the full benefits 
under the new policy.

7. The Navy and Marine Corps is making an investment in the future of its 
women Service Members, and the Services which rely on the diverse thought, 
talent, and leadership these members bring to our forces; theirs is a 
presence that we cannot afford to lose.

8. This policy is effective immediately and will be implemented immediately. 
The Service Chiefs and ASN(M&RA) shall have 30 days to amend existing 
policies in the Department of the Navy, to reflect this update.

9.  Released by Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy.//

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