AboutCynthia Bedell Expertise I am the Commander of the Surface Communications and Support Systems, contract management office. I am currently an active duty Colonel.
Experience I have bachelors and masters degrees in Engineering. I also hold a patent for a new way to process composite materials into complex shapes.
Question I am pregnant and want to know if my active duty army husband will be allowed to take leave when the baby comes. I have not been able to find any web sites that state the army regulations on leave anywhere and would like you to answer my question and tell me if you are aware of any web sites that give the official regulations. Thank you
Answer Dear Melody --
No -- there is no provision for paternity leave for active duty military. Your husband can request to use his regular leave when the baby is born. Most units will do their best to allow a husband to take leave to join his wife during that time.
However, if your husband is deployed, he will not get special consideration for leave because you are having a baby. If the birth falls during a time period when he would normally be allowed R&R he can request leave to coincide with the birth. He is unlikely to be allowed more than two weeks away from his deployed unit.
Army Knowledge Online has access to the Army Regulations that outline the leave and pay allowances and requirements. Your husband should be able to get you a family member account on AKO so you can review the personnel regulations yourself, if you wish.
