By 
Written by Lt. Cmdr. Yanira Tirado Soto
This welcome policy change is effective immediately and was carefully orchestrated with our sister armed forces to accommodate a wide variety of family situations. The new policy ensures that not only our military mothers, but all caregivers, whether primary or secondary, are afforded the opportunity to welcome and bond with the newest additions to their families.
This new policy provides greater flexibility for birth mothers and affords the dual-military couple an opportunity to s their caregiver status. Birth mothers who are designated their primary caregivers remain authorized 84 days of absence in two categories – 42 days of maternity convalescent leave and 42 days of primary caregiver leave.
Maternity convalescent and caregiver leave may now be taken in two separate periods, which is a change from the previous Coast Guard policy. This change was provided to allow flexibility in how our members manage their training and qualifications so that growing a family does not pose undo stress on a member’s career. Those designated secondary caregivers are now authorized up to 21 days of leave in one continuous period.
Please refer to Change 7 of COMDTINST M1000.8A or ACN 062/18 for more specific details, and for all other questions please email HQS-Policyandstandards@uscg.mil.