Veterans Crisis Line. Call 988, then press 1. Text 838255. Chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/
Family · new child
Twelve weeks. The unit approves it. VA does not.
The Military Parental Leave Program is non-chargeable leave after a birth, an adoption, or a long-term foster placement. It is for a covered soldier, not a DEERS enrollment. Drill status is a different rule.
01
Covered status first.
Active component. Or a reservist or Guard member on active duty, AGR, or full-time National Guard duty for more than 12 months. A weekend-drill soldier is not on this 12-week rule. The fact sheet names who qualifies.
02
Twelve weeks after the event.
Birth, adoption of a minor, or placement for adoption or long-term foster care. A birth parent takes convalescent leave first, then the 12 weeks. The non-birth parent gets 12 weeks. Both parents can take it. The unit approves the dates.
03
Drill status is Inactive Duty Parental Leave.
Ready Reserve events on or after 1 October 2024 can qualify for Inactive Duty Parental Leave. That is not the 12-week active-duty leave. Read that section of the same fact sheet before you brief it.