Military Parental Leave Program (MPLP)

Start Here If You Are New to MPLP

The Military Parental Leave Program provides Active Component Marines up to 12 weeks (84 days) of parental leave following a qualifying event. Birth, adoption, or long-term foster care placement. The benefit applies regardless of sex or biological role. Birth parents receive a 6-week initial convalescent period (counted within the 12 weeks). All 84 days must be used within 12 months of the qualifying event. MPLP is non-chargeable leave (does not count against the 60-day annual leave cap). Marines cannot combine MPLP with terminal leave or transition PTAD without a duty day separation. Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26, parental leave authority consolidated into MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J effective 23 April 2026.

This page walks you through MPLP from your seat as an Active Component Marine. By the end you will know.

• The 12-week (84-day) total parental leave entitlement
• The 6-week birth parent convalescent component (within the 12 weeks)
• The qualifying events (birth, adoption, foster placement)
• The 12-month usage window
• The MOL Outbound/Inbound Interview integration for PCS during MPLP
• Restrictions on combining with terminal leave or transition PTAD
• The 84-day maximum during PCS execution

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 (23 April 2026), MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 (20 December 2024), MARADMIN 051/23MARADMIN 051/23 (27 January 2023), MARADMIN 129/23MARADMIN 129/23 (8 March 2023), Public Law 118-31 (NDAA FY 2024), DODI Leave, Liberty, and Administrative Absence (7 August 2025), and MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J.

What MPLP Is

Per MARADMIN 051/23MARADMIN 051/23 and MARADMIN 129/23MARADMIN 129/23 (now consolidated into MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26), the Military Parental Leave Program provides parental leave to Active Component Marines following a qualifying event.

The program reflects the FY 2024 NDAA (Public Law 118-31) and DoD Directive-Type Memorandum 23-001 expansion of military parental leave from prior shorter periods to a uniform 12-week (84-day) entitlement.

Eligibility (Active Component)

Active Component Marines are eligible if they.

• Are on Active Duty.
• Experience a qualifying event (birth, adoption, or long-term foster care placement).
• Provide command-required documentation of the qualifying event per MARADMIN 111/23MARADMIN 111/23.

Reserve Component Marines have separate frameworks. The Reserve Component Parental Leave page covers RCPL. The Reserve Component Maternity Leave page covers RCML.

Qualifying Events

A qualifying event for MPLP includes.

• Birth of a child to the Marine or the Marine's spouse.
• Adoption of a minor child by the Marine.
• Placement of a minor child with the Marine for long-term foster care.

The qualifying event triggers the 12-month usage window for the 12-week (84-day) parental leave entitlement.

The 12-Week (84-Day) Entitlement

Marines are entitled to up to 12 weeks (84 days) of parental leave following a qualifying event. The 84 days is the total entitlement regardless of whether the Marine is the birth parent, the secondary caregiver, the adopting parent, or a foster parent. The 84-day secondary caregiver entitlement reflects the interim increase issued under PAA 01-22PAA 01-22 and now consolidated under MCO 1050.3J.

The 84-day cap applies to the Marine. A dual-military couple (both Marines) each receive their own 84-day entitlement. The entitlement is non-transferable.

Birth Parent 6-Week Convalescent Component

The birth parent receives a 6-week initial convalescent leave period as part of the 84-day entitlement. The convalescent period addresses physical recovery from childbirth (regardless of vaginal or cesarean).

The 6-week convalescent period is COUNTED within the 84 days (not in addition to). A birth parent has 84 days total, with the first 6 weeks (42 days) being the convalescent component and the remaining 42 days being the parental component.

Non-Birth Parent Eligibility

Non-birth parents (including spouses of birth parents, adopting parents, and foster parents) receive the full 84-day parental leave benefit without the convalescent component.

12-Month Usage Window

The 84-day parental leave entitlement must be used within 12 months of the qualifying event.

After 12 months, any unused portion of the 84-day entitlement is FORFEITED.

Multiple Qualifying Events

If a Marine experiences a new qualifying event during the 12-month window of a prior event, the new event triggers a new 84-day entitlement and the unused portion of the prior event is forfeited per the framework similar to MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 9 (which applies to RCPL but the AC framework parallels).

The Reserve Component Parental Leave page covers the multiple-events framework in detail.

Continuous vs. Segmented Use

Marines have flexibility in how they use the 84 days. Common patterns.

• All 84 days continuous immediately following the qualifying event.
• 6-week convalescent + scheduled segments throughout the 12-month window (birth parent).
• Segments aligned with the spouse's parental leave for childcare coverage.

The local commander approves the schedule based on operational and training requirements.

PCS During MPLP

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 4 (effective immediately), Marines eligible for MPLP benefits are granted parental leave during the execution of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS).

Critical Caveat. Do Not Exceed 84 Days

Per paragraph 4.a, members are NOT to exceed their available parental leave entitlement during a PCS as any additional leave taken as delay-en-route is taken from the member's annual leave balance.

Per paragraph 4.d, commands and Marines bear the responsibility of ensuring that a Marine authorized this leave during the execution of a PCS does NOT exceed 84 days of parental leave.

MOL Outbound/Inbound Interview Integration

Per paragraph 4.b, the Marine OnLine platform is undergoing enhancements to integrate parental leave into the Outbound/Inbound Interview Module. Until system enhancements are implemented, administrative commands issuing orders (e.g., IPAC, I&I, etc.) specify in the PCS orders endorsement.

• The available balance of parental leave prior to departure.
• The number of days authorized.
• The remaining balance after completion of the PCS.

Disbursing/Finance Manual Adjustment

Per paragraph 4.c, until applicable enhancements are made to the Outbound/Inbound Interview module, Disbursing and Finance Offices manually adjust records for elapsed time following execution of PCS when Marines utilize parental leave en route.

Parental leave must be EXPLICITLY authorized in the PCS orders.

Extension Beyond 45 Days Delay En Route

Any Active Component Marine seeking to extend the delay en route period beyond 45 days must obtain prior approval from Manpower Management Division (Enlisted Assignments / Officer Assignments). Active Reserve Marines must obtain prior approval from Reserve Affairs Personnel Management (RAM-2).

If approval is granted, the authorization letter must be referenced and uploaded to the Marine's Outbound Interview and included in the documentation submitted in the travel claim.

Combination with Terminal Leave (Restriction)

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d (citing SECNAVINST 1000.10BSECNAVINST 1000.10B Parenthood and Pregnancy), parental leave may NOT be taken consecutively or in conjunction with.

• Terminal leave.
• Transition PTAD.

Marines must have a duty day separating any nonchargeable leave or administrative absence from terminal leave (with limited exceptions for SkillBridge PTAD per the MARADMIN).

This means a Marine cannot end the career on parental leave that flows directly into terminal leave. The Marine must serve at least one duty day between the parental leave and terminal leave.

Pregnancy Notification (Birth Parent)

Per MARADMIN 111/23MARADMIN 111/23 (now incorporated into MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J), birth parent Marines are required to notify their command of pregnancy. The notification framework supports.

• Medical accommodation during pregnancy.
• Operational planning for the absence.
• Coordination with the chain of command for MPLP scheduling.
• DEERS enrollment for the unborn child (if applicable).

The Marine Corps Family Programs and the unit S-1 support the pregnancy notification process.

Documentation

The Marine submits required documentation of the qualifying event through the unit S-1. Common documentation includes.

• Birth certificate or hospital discharge paperwork (for birth).
• Adoption decree or court order (for adoption).
• Foster care placement letter (for foster placement).
• DEERS enrollment of the dependent child.

Dual Military Couples and Leave

When both parents are Marines (or one Marine and one other Service Member), each Marine's MPLP entitlement is independent.

Each Marine Gets 84 Days

Per MARADMIN 051/23MARADMIN 051/23 and Public Law 118-31, each Active Component Marine receives the full 84-day MPLP entitlement. The 84 days are NOT transferable. A dual-Marine couple has a combined 168 days of parental leave, but each spouse must use their own 84 days within their own 12-month window.

Leave Coordination Strategy

Common dual-military leave coordination patterns include.

• Sequential use. One spouse takes the first portion of leave (e.g., birth parent takes the 6-week convalescent and additional weeks). Then the other spouse takes leave when the first returns to duty. This extends the at-home parental presence to roughly 24 weeks total.
• Concurrent use. Both spouses take leave simultaneously for the most intense early postpartum period. The high-demand initial weeks have both parents present.
• Hybrid approach. Some concurrent overlap and some sequential coverage based on each spouse's unit operational requirements and family needs.

The dual-military couple coordinates through their respective unit S-1s. Each command approves the spouse's leave schedule independently.

BAH-with-Dependent During Joint Leave

For dual-military couples sharing residence with a dependent.

• One spouse receives BAH at the with-dependent rate for the residence per Vol 7A Chapter 26.
• The other spouse receives BAH at the without-dependent rate.

When both spouses are on parental leave simultaneously, BAH continues at the established rates. The leave does not change the BAH allocation.

The BAH page covers the dual-military framework in detail.

Joint-Spouse PCS Coordination

Dual-military couples expecting a PCS during the parental leave window coordinate through.

• The Marine Corps Joint Spouse Assignment Program (managed by MMEA/MMOA).
• The other Service's joint-spouse assignment program (Navy, Air Force, Army).
• The respective unit S-1s for orders modification.

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 4, both spouses on PCS are limited to 84 days of parental leave during PCS execution. Any excess delay is charged against annual leave for both spouses individually.

Joint-Spouse Approval Synchronization

Each spouse's leave is approved independently by their respective chain of command. Dual-military couples should communicate the planned schedule with both unit S-1s to avoid scheduling conflicts and maximize family coverage.

Marine-Spouse-of-Other-Service Considerations

When one spouse is a Marine and the other is in a different Service (Navy, Army, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard), each Service has its own parental leave framework. The Marine's MPLP does not apply to the spouse's Service. Coordinate through the respective Services for the spouse's parental leave entitlement.

Marine-Spouse-of-Civilian Considerations

When one spouse is a Marine and the other is a civilian, the civilian spouse's parental leave depends on civilian employment policy (FMLA, employer-specific paid parental leave, etc.). The Marine's MPLP does not transfer or extend to the civilian spouse.

Verifying MPLP Authorization

A leave authorization confirms the MPLP entitlement.

Step 1. Submit MPLP Request

The Marine submits a parental leave request through MOL with documentation of the qualifying event.

Step 2. Coordinate Approval

The command approves the parental leave schedule based on operational requirements and the Marine's preferences.

Step 3. Verify Authorization in MOL

The leave authorization shows in MOL with the correct number of days and the dates.

Step 4. Verify Pay During MPLP

MPLP is paid leave. Basic pay, BAH, BAS, and other entitlements continue throughout the parental leave period.

Step 5. Resolve Discrepancies

Coordinate with your S-1. The reporting unit (I&I S-1 with direct UD/MIPS access, or a battalion S-1 routing through their PAC) routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I am the birth parent. How many days of parental leave do I get?

Per MARADMIN 051/23MARADMIN 051/23 and Public Law 118-31, you receive up to 12 weeks (84 days) total. The first 6 weeks (42 days) are the convalescent component. The remaining 42 days are the parental component. The 84 days must be used within 12 months of the birth.

I am the spouse of the birth parent (also a Marine). Do I also get 84 days?

Yes. As an Active Component Marine, you receive your own 84-day entitlement. The 84 days are non-transferable. Both parents have 84 days each within the 12-month window.

I am adopting a child. Do I get 84 days?

Yes. The 84-day parental leave applies to adoption (and long-term foster placement). The qualifying event is the adoption decree or placement.

Can I take all 84 days continuously?

Yes if your command approves. The 84 days can be taken continuously OR segmented across the 12-month window. The local commander approves the schedule based on operational requirements.

What if I PCS during my parental leave window?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 4, you can take parental leave during the PCS as delay en route. The PCS orders must explicitly authorize the parental leave with the available balance. Do NOT exceed 84 days. Any excess is charged to your annual leave balance.

What if my delay en route needs to be more than 45 days?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 4.c, you must obtain prior approval from MMEA/MMOA (or RAM-2 for Active Reserve). The approval letter is uploaded to the Outbound Interview and travel claim.

I am separating in 6 months. Can I take parental leave consecutively with my terminal leave?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d, no. Parental leave cannot be taken consecutively or in conjunction with terminal leave or transition PTAD. You must have a duty day separating the parental leave from the terminal leave.

What if I have a second child during my 12-month window from the first?

A new qualifying event triggers a new 84-day entitlement. Any unused portion of the prior entitlement is forfeited. Coordinate with your S-1 to align the new entitlement with the new event.

I am Reserve. Does MPLP apply to me?

No. MPLP is for Active Component Marines. Reserve Component Marines have separate frameworks per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26. The Reserve Component Parental Leave page covers RCPL. The Reserve Component Maternity Leave page covers RCML.

Does my MPLP count against my 60-day annual leave cap?

No. MPLP is non-chargeable parental leave. It does NOT count against your 60-day annual leave cap or your accrued leave balance.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• MPLP request submission. Through MOL with documentation of the qualifying event. Routes through your S-1.
• Documentation requirements (birth, adoption, foster). Coordinate with your S-1.
• Pregnancy notification (birth parent). Coordinate with your command and Marine Corps Family Programs.
• PCS during MPLP. Coordinate with your detaching S-1 and the gaining command for the orders endorsement.
• Extension of delay en route beyond 45 days. Submit through MMEA/MMOA (Active Component) or RAM-2 (Active Reserve).
• LES corrections during MPLP. Your S-1 routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Leave and Liberty landing page lists all the leave and liberty topics.
• Reserve Component Parental Leave covers RCPL for SELRES (Selected Reserve, what most Marines call SMCR or the Reserves) Marines.
• Reserve Component Maternity Leave covers RCML for SELRES birth parents.
• Annual Leave covers the foundational accrual framework.
• Terminal Leave covers the end-of-service leave framework and the parental leave restriction.
• Permissive TAD covers the parallel administrative absence framework including transition PTAD.

Related Roles

• Leaders track Marines' MPLP eligibility windows and ensure schedules are coordinated with operational requirements.
• Admin at S-1 processes MPLP requests through MOL and routes the orders endorsement for PCS during MPLP.
• Commanders approve the MPLP schedule based on operational and training requirements while supporting Marine family needs.

MPLP is the Active Component parental leave entitlement. 84 days total within 12 months of the qualifying event. Birth parent receives 6 weeks convalescent within the 84 days. Non-birth parents receive the full 84 days. Cannot be combined with terminal leave without a duty day. PCS during MPLP allowed per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 with 84-day cap. The 12-month usage window is firm.