Are you aware that a new Air Force rules give new moms longer break from deployments?

MSgt David Haupt — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 12:26:20 -0400

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/07/08/new-moms-can-delay-deployment-after-giving-birth/29861997/

New Air Force rules give new moms longer break from deployments

New mothers who have given birth on or after March 6 will not have to deploy for a full year under new Air Force rules.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 9 at 2015 12:29 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 12:29:10 -0400

Wouldn't surprise me to this echoed across the entire DoD.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 12:29 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 12:29:36 -0400

If the Air Force has the manning to make this a reality, fantastic. However, I wonder why the policy does not extend to fathers as well?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 5:28 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 17:28:30 -0400

Wow, a whole year after giving birth?! This seems like a "nice" thing to do, and I imagine it is intended to recruit and retain more women in the service. It's great for new moms, and if I was a new mom, I would certainly enjoying not having to worry about deploying the first year of my baby's life... the problem is I would want the same thing as a new dad, and only giving this benefit to female service members seems extremely unfair.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jul 10 at 2015 4:14 PM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 16:14:56 -0400

I guess it would be okay as long as the member doesn't become a career rabbit and the AFSC is not undermanned.

Response by SMSgt Judy Hickman made Jul 10 at 2015 11:58 PM

SMSgt Judy Hickman — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:58:50 -0400

I was aware and am actually surprised that the AF approved a whole year with no deployments. I deployed with two of my kids under 1 years of age, my last one I was trying to dry up from breastfeeding when I qualified on the M-16/9M.
If we look at the Better Health part of Air Force Medical Service Mission Goals, then 1 year off from deployment meets some of that goal. It allows women a full year to breastfeed their child (if they so choose), which is highly recommended by most Pediatric doctors.
I personally can't think of any other benefit, other than isn't that nice the Air Force is trying to target mother's for retain ability, which is odd as our end strength continues to decline.