Carter announces 12 weeks paid military maternity leave, other benefits

 The Defense Department is increasing military maternity leave and instituting other changes in an effort to support military families, improve retention and strengthen the force of the future, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today.

Women across the joint force can now take 12 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, Carter told reporters at the Pentagon. The 12-week benefit is double the amount of time for paid maternity leave from when he became defense chief nearly a year ago, he noted.

"This puts DOD in the top tier of institutions nationwide and will have significant influence on decision-making for our military family members," Carter said.


http://www.army.mil/article/161694/Carter_announces_12_weeks_paid_military_maternity_leave__other_benefits/