Reserve Component Maternity Leave (RCML)

Start Here If You Are New to RCML

Reserve Component Maternity Leave provides birth parent Selected Reserve Marines a 6-week initial postpartum convalescent period followed by up to 6 paid IDT periods as RCML. The convalescent period is mandatory. No IDT is scheduled or authorized for the first 6 weeks following birth. The 6 paid IDT periods must be used within an 8-week post-birth window. Vaginal or cesarean birth qualifies equally. After the 6-week convalescent ends and all RCML is used, the birth parent transitions to RCPL (12 paid IDT periods within 1 year of the qualifying event). The combined RCML + RCPL within the first 18 weeks should be approved.

This page walks you through RCML from your seat as a Selected Reserve birth parent Marine. By the end you will know.

• The mandatory 6-week postpartum convalescent period (no IDT)
• The 6 paid IDT periods as RCML within 8 weeks post-birth
• The vaginal or cesarean equivalence
• The transition to RCPL after the 6-week convalescent
• The 18-week RCML + RCPL window for combined use
• The stillbirth or miscarriage RCML allowance (up to 6 periods)
• The death of a child framework

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 (23 April 2026), MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J, Public Law 118-31, DODI Leave/Liberty/Administrative Absence (7 August 2025), MCO 5000.12FMCO 5000.12F, and MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4.

What RCML Is

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 12, RCML provides birth parent Selected Reserve Marines a postpartum recovery framework. The benefit consists of two distinct components.

1. A mandatory 6-week initial postpartum convalescent period (no IDT scheduled or authorized).
2. Up to 6 paid IDT periods as RCML within the 8-week post-birth window.

After the 6-week convalescent period ends and the 6 paid IDT periods are exhausted, the birth parent transitions to the standard 12-period Reserve Component Parental Leave (RCPL).

Initial Postpartum Period (6 Weeks)

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 12.a, a Reserve Marine approved for RCML will NOT be scheduled to perform, nor be authorized to request, inactive duty training for the first 6 weeks immediately following a birth.

This 6-week period is the INITIAL CONVALESCENT portion of the RCML benefit. The Marine is medically excused from drilling and physical training requirements during this period. The unit chain of command does not schedule IDT for the Marine.

Coverage

The 6-week period covers physical recovery from childbirth. The duration applies regardless of vaginal or cesarean birth.

No IDT Pay During Convalescent Period

The 6-week convalescent period is NOT paid IDT. The Marine is not drilling and not earning IDT pay during this period. RCML pay applies to the 6 RCML IDT periods (after the convalescent), not the convalescent itself.

RCML Entitlement (6 Paid IDT Periods)

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 12.b, the birth parent is authorized up to 6 paid IDT periods as RCML, regardless of whether the birth was vaginal or cesarean.

8-Week Usage Window

This benefit must be used within the 8-week period IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING the birth. Any unused RCML is FORFEITED after this 8-week period.

Mechanics

• One RCML period equals one standard four-hour IDT.
• A maximum of 2 RCML periods may be used per day.
• The 6 RCML periods equal 3 full drill days (or 24 hours of paid IDT time).

Timing Within the 8 Weeks

The Marine cannot return to drilling during the first 6 weeks (the convalescent period). The 6 RCML periods must therefore be used during the 7th and 8th weeks post-birth (the only weeks within the 8-week window that allow IDT scheduling).

Transition to RCPL

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 12.c, a birth parent may begin using RCPL after the 6-week convalescent period ends, provided ALL authorized RCML has been used.

This means the birth parent's full sequence is.

1. Birth event (qualifying event for both RCML and RCPL).
2. Weeks 1-6. Mandatory convalescent. No IDT scheduled.
3. Weeks 7-8. Up to 6 RCML periods (must complete RCML before transitioning to RCPL).
4. Weeks 9 onward. Up to 12 RCPL periods within the 1-year RCPL window.

The Reserve Component Parental Leave page covers the RCPL framework in detail.

Combining RCML and RCPL (18-Week Window)

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 12.d, a birth parent may request to use RCML and RCPL entitlements consecutively.

18-Week Approval Default

Requests to use RCML and RCPL within the FIRST 18 WEEKS following childbirth SHOULD BE APPROVED.

The 18-week window aligns with the typical postpartum-and-bonding period. The Marine Corps default is supportive approval.

Beyond 18 Weeks

Commanders have the authority to DENY requests to use RCPL that extend beyond the 18-week period based on unit operational and training requirements.

18-Week Layout (Birth Parent Maximum Sequential Use)

A birth parent who uses RCML and RCPL sequentially in the first 18 weeks works through this layout.

• Weeks 1-6. Convalescent (no drilling).
• Weeks 7-8. 6 RCML periods (3 drill days).
• Weeks 9-18. 12 RCPL periods (6 drill days).

After week 18, the remaining unused RCPL periods (if any) continue to be available within the 1-year RCPL window, subject to commander approval.

Stillbirth or Miscarriage

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 14.a, in the event of a stillbirth or miscarriage, a healthcare provider may recommend that the birth parent use up to 6 RCML periods for recovery.

In these circumstances, NEITHER PARENT is eligible for RCPL (since there is no living child for parental bonding leave).

The 6 RCML periods address the physical recovery from the loss. Coordinate with the healthcare provider, the unit Drill Manager, and the I&I S-1 for the documentation framework.

Death of a Child During the 1-Year Window

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 14.b, if a Marine experiences the death of a child during the 1-year RCPL eligibility period, any unused RCPL is IMMEDIATELY FORFEITED and no longer authorized for use.

The Bereavement Options framework per paragraph 14.c provides Marines the option to be excused from or to reschedule scheduled IDT periods. Commands should liberally approve such requests.

Per paragraph 14.d, commands contact the HQMC Casualty Section per MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4 (Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Program) for specific reporting instructions following the death of a Marine's dependent.

Pregnancy Notification

Per MARADMIN 111/23MARADMIN 111/23 (now consolidated into MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J), birth parent Marines (Active Component and Reserve Component) are required to notify their command of pregnancy.

The notification framework supports.

• Medical accommodation during pregnancy.
• Operational planning for the absence.
• Coordination for RCML and RCPL scheduling.
• DEERS enrollment for the unborn child.

The Marine Corps Family Programs and the unit S-1 (or I&I S-1 for Reserve) support the pregnancy notification process.

Documentation

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

• Birth certificate or hospital discharge paperwork.
• Healthcare provider recommendation for the convalescent period (typically 6 weeks default).
• DEERS enrollment of the dependent child.
• For stillbirth or miscarriage. Healthcare provider documentation supporting RCML use.

Administration and Tracking

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 13.

Procedure After RTAMMS Update

• Marines must request RCML in advance of the scheduled IDT period and receive approval from the Unit Drill Manager.
• IMA Marines must ensure 6 IDT periods are scheduled in RTAMMS to utilize the RCML benefit.
• Upon execution of the drill, Muster Managers record the leave in the Drill Management Module (DMM) by marking the Marine "(X) - Present Satisfactory" and applying reason code "04 - RC Maternity Leave".
• Entries are submitted to the Reserve Marine's electronic record.

Command Accountability

Commanders are responsible for ensuring all RCML periods are properly tracked and that Marines do not exceed 6 RCML periods within the 8-week post-birth window.

Verifying RCML Authorization

A leave authorization confirms the RCML entitlement.

Step 1. Submit RCML Request

The Marine submits a maternity leave request through the Unit Drill Manager with documentation of the qualifying event (birth).

Step 2. Coordinate Scheduling

The Unit Drill Manager schedules the RCML periods in weeks 7-8 post-birth (after the 6-week convalescent).

Step 3. Verify DMM Entries

The Muster Manager records the leave with reason code "04 - RC Maternity Leave" upon execution of each RCML period.

Step 4. Verify Pay for the IDT Period

RCML is paid IDT. The Marine receives the standard 1/30 of monthly basic pay per RCML period (one IDT period of pay).

Step 5. Resolve Discrepancies

Coordinate with your I&I S-1 and the Unit Drill Manager. 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 a SMCR Marine and I recently gave birth. What do I get?

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 12, you receive.

1. A 6-week mandatory convalescent period (no IDT, no drilling).
2. Up to 6 paid IDT periods as RCML to be used in weeks 7-8 post-birth.
3. After the convalescent ends and RCML is exhausted, you transition to RCPL (up to 12 paid IDT periods within 1 year of birth).

The combined RCML + RCPL within the first 18 weeks should be approved by your commander.

Does the type of birth (vaginal or cesarean) affect my RCML?

Per paragraph 12.b, no. The 6 RCML periods are authorized regardless of whether the birth was vaginal or cesarean.

What if I cannot use my 6 RCML periods within 8 weeks?

Per paragraph 12.b, any unused RCML is forfeited after the 8-week period. You cannot extend the 8-week window. The mandatory 6-week convalescent followed by the available 7th and 8th weeks gives you a defined window.

Do I get paid during the 6-week convalescent period?

The convalescent period is medically excused from drilling. You are NOT earning IDT pay during the convalescent because you are not drilling. Once you start RCML in weeks 7-8 (and later RCPL after week 8), you receive standard IDT pay for those periods.

I had a miscarriage. Do I get RCML?

Per paragraph 14.a, yes. A healthcare provider may recommend that you use up to 6 RCML periods for recovery. Note that neither parent is eligible for RCPL in cases of stillbirth or miscarriage.

I had a stillbirth. What about my spouse (also a Marine)?

Per paragraph 14.a, you (the birth parent) are eligible for up to 6 RCML periods for recovery. Your spouse is NOT eligible for RCPL since there is no living child. Bereavement options per paragraph 14.c apply for both parents.

What documentation do I need for RCML?

Per paragraph 5.c (referencing MARADMIN 111/23MARADMIN 111/23), command-required documentation. Common documentation: birth certificate or hospital discharge paperwork, healthcare provider recommendation supporting the convalescent period, and DEERS enrollment for the dependent child.

How do I transition from RCML to RCPL?

Per paragraph 12.c, after the 6-week convalescent period ends AND all 6 RCML periods are used, you begin using RCPL. The 12 RCPL periods are available within the 1-year RCPL window. Coordinate with your Unit Drill Manager to schedule.

What if my commander denies my RCPL request after the 18-week window?

Per paragraph 12.d, commanders have authority to deny RCPL requests beyond the 18-week post-birth window based on unit operational and training requirements. The denial is at the commander's discretion. The 18-week window is the protected default approval period.

Does my non-Marine spouse get RCML or RCPL?

No. The Marine Corps RCML and RCPL frameworks apply only to Marines. Your spouse's parental leave benefits depend on their employment (civilian, other Service, etc.).

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• RCML request submission. Through the Unit Drill Manager with documentation of the qualifying event.
• Pregnancy notification (birth parent). Coordinate with your I&I S-1, command, and Marine Corps Family Programs.
• 6-week convalescent confirmation (no IDT scheduled). Coordinate with the Unit Drill Manager and the chain of command.
• Stillbirth or miscarriage RCML. Coordinate with your healthcare provider, Unit Drill Manager, and I&I S-1 for documentation.
• Death of a child during 1-year RCPL window. Coordinate with the chain of command. Reserve casualty reporting per MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4 through the HQMC Casualty Section.
• DMM entries and tracking. Coordinate with the Unit Drill Manager and Muster Manager.
• 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.
• Military Parental Leave Program covers MPLP for Active Component Marines.
• Reserve Pay and Entitlements covers the 48 paid IDT framework and drill pay.
• Annual Leave covers the Active Component framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders ensure birth parent SELRES Marines understand the 6-week convalescent and the 8-week RCML window.
• Admin at I&I S-1 supports RCML request processing, DMM entries, and pregnancy notification documentation.
• Commanders endorse RCML requests and approve combined RCML + RCPL within the 18-week post-birth window.

RCML provides 6-week convalescent recovery and 6 paid IDT periods within 8 weeks of birth for SELRES birth parent Marines. The 6-week mandatory convalescent is non-negotiable. RCML must be exhausted in the 7th-8th weeks before transitioning to RCPL. Combined RCML + RCPL within 18 weeks should be approved. Stillbirth or miscarriage allows up to 6 RCML periods (no RCPL). Death of a child immediately forfeits unused RCPL.