 The Navy released guidance on Secretary of Defense Ash Carter's new 12-week maternity leave policy. The Navy implemented an 18-week maternity leave policy in 2015. Salers who are pregnant or give birth on or before March 3 will be granted up to 18 weeks of maternity leave. Those who become pregnant after March 3 will be entitled to 12 weeks of non-chargeable maternity leave. Salers must take this leave consecutively and immediately following a child's birth or release from hospitalization. Many commanders and medical providers may continue to grant convalescent leave based on the individual sailor's fitness for duty. This policy does not constrict convalescent leave in excess of 12 weeks where healthcare provider deems that such leave is warranted. For you future fathers out there, DOD is working to expand paternity leave, changing the current 10-day paternity leave policy to 14 days. For more information on the new maternity leave policy, check out the NAV admin on the NPC website.