Yeehaw!
Female sailors and Marines will now be eligible for 18 weeks of paid maternity leave. The new rules makes the Navy the first of our country's military services to provide more than the current six weeks afforded to
military personal.
According to the Navy, about 5,000 women would be eligible for the benefit each year, including 500 officers.
The actual order extends convalescent leave for maternity cases only, and is effective immediately. Service secretaries have the authority to make the change themselves, and no change of law is required.
Here's Ray Mabus, Navy Secretary:
"We have incredibly talented women who want to serve, and they also want to be mothers and have the time to fulfill that important role the right way," said Mabus. "Meaningful maternity leave when it matters most is one of the best ways that we can support the women who serve our county."
The Navy said there shouldn't be any significant personnel costs associated with the change.
According to a Navy study, about 9 percent of enlisted women and 5 percent of women officers are pregnant at any one time.
If you want a few good men and women you need to treat them like good men and women. Well done, Navy.