Reserve Component Parental Leave (RCPL)

Start Here If You Are New to RCPL

Reserve Component Parental Leave provides 12 paid IDT periods to Selected Reserve Marines (SMCR or IMA) following a qualifying event. Birth, adoption, or long-term foster care placement. RCPL is open to all Reserve Marines regardless of sex or birth parent role. One RCPL period equals one standard four-hour IDT. Maximum 2 RCPL periods per day. The full 12-period benefit must be used within 1 year of the qualifying event. RCPL counts toward the 48 paid IDTs authorized per fiscal year. RCPL is non-transferable. IRR, Standby Reserve, retired, and Fleet Marine Corps Reserve Marines are NOT eligible. Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 (effective 23 April 2026), all parental leave authority is consolidated under MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J.

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

• The 12 paid IDT period entitlement
• The 1-year usage window from the qualifying event
• The 2-RCPL-periods-per-day cap
• The 48-paid-IDT-per-FY interaction
• Multiple qualifying events 72-hour rule
• Active Duty service deferment (extends usage window)
• ADPL to RCPL conversion at 1 RCPL per 7 days of unused ADPL
• Retroactive eligibility for 1 October 2024 to 7 August 2025 events

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 the Assistant Secretary of Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Memorandum (19 March 2026).

What RCPL Is

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 2, the Marine Corps consolidated all parental leave entitlements from the Parenthood and Pregnancy Order (MCO 5000.12FMCO 5000.12F) into MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J. MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J is now the single, authoritative source for all Marine Corps leave, liberty, and administrative absence policies.

Per paragraph 4, eligible Reserve Marines, regardless of sex or their role as a birth parent, receive 12 paid Inactive Duty Training (IDT) periods as RCPL following a qualifying event.

Retroactive Application

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 3, Reserve Marines who experienced a qualifying event between 1 October 2024 and 7 August 2025 are RETROACTIVELY eligible for RCPL. These Marines must use the entitlement before 6 August 2026 per the ASN M&RA Memorandum (19 March 2026).

Marines with retroactive eligibility coordinate with the unit S-1 and Drill Manager to schedule RCPL periods within the 6 August 2026 deadline.

Eligibility (Per MARADMIN 191/26 Paragraph 5)

To be eligible for RCPL, a Marine must meet ALL of the following.

• Be a member of the Selected Reserve, either Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) or Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Program, in good standing.
• Experience a qualifying event (birth, adoption, or the placement of a minor child for adoption or long-term foster care).
• Provide command-required documentation of the qualifying event, as outlined in MARADMIN 111/23MARADMIN 111/23.

Ineligibility (Per MARADMIN 191/26 Paragraph 6)

The following populations are NOT eligible for RCPL.

• Marines in a retired status or in the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve.
• Marines in the Standby Reserve (both Active and Inactive Status Lists).
• Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) Marines.
• Any Reserve Marine who is otherwise determined to be an unsatisfactory participant or is not entitled to receive inactive duty pay.

Entitlement Mechanics

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 4.

One RCPL Period = One Four-Hour IDT

One RCPL period is equivalent to one standard four-hour IDT.

2 RCPL Periods Maximum Per Day

A maximum of 2 RCPL periods may be used per day. This aligns with the standard 2-IDT drill day structure (Saturday morning + Saturday afternoon).

12-Period Allocation

The 12-period entitlement equals 6 full drill days (or 24 hours of paid IDT time).

1-Year Usage Window

Per paragraph 4.b, the entire benefit must be used within 1 year of the qualifying event. After the 1-year window, any unused RCPL is FORFEITED.

Rules for Use (Per MARADMIN 191/26 Paragraph 7)

Counts Toward the 48 Paid IDT Annual Cap

Per paragraph 7.a, RCPL periods count toward the 48 paid IDTs authorized per fiscal year and contribute to a satisfactory anniversary year. The use of RCPL will NOT cause a Marine to exceed 48 total paid IDTs in a fiscal year.

This is important. If a Marine has already drilled their full 48 paid IDTs for the FY, RCPL cannot push the Marine over 48. The Marine must coordinate the RCPL schedule within the 48-IDT FY framework.

Minimum 2 Periods Per Segment

Per paragraph 7.b, RCPL may be taken in segments, with a minimum of 2 periods (one full drill day) per segment. A Marine cannot take a single RCPL period.

Cannot Replace Excused IDT

Per paragraph 7.c, RCPL cannot be used for rescheduled or excused IDT periods.

Non-Transferable

Per paragraph 7.d, RCPL is a non-transferable benefit and cannot be shared with another Marine.

Extension of the 1-Year Usage Period

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 8, the 1-year usage window is extendable in specific circumstances.

Approval Authority

Per paragraph 8.a, the FIRST O-5 commander with Special Court-Martial Convening Authority in the Marine's administrative chain of command is the approval authority for all RCPL extension requests.

Qualifying Circumstances

Per paragraph 8.b, an extension may be granted if the Marine served 90 OR MORE consecutive days in any of the following capacities.

• On Active Duty orders.
• In-residence at a Professional Military Education (PME) course.
• Hospitalized or receiving in-patient care.

The extension request is documented and routed through the chain of command to the O-5 SPCMCA.

Multiple Qualifying Events

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 9.

Separate Events (Greater Than 72 Hours Apart)

If a Marine experiences a new qualifying event MORE THAN 72 hours after a previous one, the Marine receives a NEW 12-period RCPL allocation. Upon receiving the new allocation, the Marine FORFEITS any unused RCPL from the original event.

Examples

Per paragraph 9.a.

• Example 1. Birth then adoption 60 days later. Marine used 8 of 12 RCPL periods for the birth. The new adoption gives a fresh 12-period allocation. The Marine forfeits the 4 remaining periods from the birth.
• Example 2. Birth then adoption 2 months later. Marine used all 12 RCPL periods for the birth. The new adoption gives a fresh 12-period allocation. No forfeiture (all 12 from birth were used).
• Example 3. Birth (no RCPL used) then adoption 3 months later. The new adoption gives a fresh 12-period allocation. The Marine forfeits all 12 periods from the birth.

Single Event (Within 72 Hours)

Per paragraph 9.b, qualifying events that occur within 72 hours of each other are considered a SINGLE event, entitling the Marine to one 12-period RCPL allocation.

Example. A Marine adopts two children in separate proceedings over a single weekend. The Marine receives only one 12-period allocation.

Active Duty Service Impact on RCPL

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 10.

Deferment of Existing RCPL

Per paragraph 10.a, a Reserve Marine with unused RCPL who goes on Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS) orders defers the use of remaining RCPL until the conclusion of the active duty period. The 1-year usage period is EXTENDED by the number of months the Marine served on ADOS.

Example. A Marine with 8 unused RCPL periods goes on ADOS for 6 months. RCPL use is deferred during ADOS. Upon completion, the 1-year usage window is extended by 6 months.

Qualifying Event During Active Duty

Per paragraph 10.b, if a Reserve Marine on ADOS orders for 30 OR MORE consecutive days experiences a new qualifying event, the Marine is NOT eligible to use RCPL while on Active Duty. Instead, the 1-year RCPL usage period BEGINS on the first day FOLLOWING the conclusion of the ADOS orders.

Example. A Marine on 12-month ADOS orders has a qualifying birth 3 months into the tour. The Marine must wait until the ADOS period ends. The 1-year period to use the 12 RCPL periods begins the day after Active Duty service concludes.

Documentation

Per paragraph 10.c, the command that issued the ADOS orders is responsible for providing the Marine's parent Reserve unit with documentation verifying the period of active service to support any extension.

ADPL Eligibility for Long Active Duty Tours

Per paragraph 10.d, a Reserve Marine performing Active Duty under orders issued for a cumulative period greater than 12 consecutive months (>365 days) and who meets the criteria per MARADMIN 051/23MARADMIN 051/23 may be eligible for Active Duty Parental Leave (ADPL).

The Military Parental Leave Program page covers ADPL.

Conversion of ADPL to RCPL

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 11.

Eligibility for Conversion

A Marine separating from the Active Component or Active Reserve Program with unused ADPL may convert it to RCPL if.

• The Marine joins the Selected Reserve, AND
• The conversion occurs within 12 months of the separation date.

Usage Deadline

All converted RCPL periods must be used within 1 year of the original qualifying event (NOT 1 year of the conversion).

Conversion Rate

Per paragraph 11.c, the conversion rate is 1 RCPL period for every 7 full days of unused ADPL. Partial weeks are NOT converted.

The number of RCPL periods authorized upon conversion cannot exceed the number of IDT periods the Marine is reasonably expected to perform within the 1-year usage window or the remaining service obligation, whichever is shorter.

Example

A Marine separates with 58 days of unused ADPL. This equals 8 full weeks. The Marine is authorized 8 RCPL periods upon joining the Selected Reserve, provided they have at least 8 IDTs scheduled within the usage window and remaining service obligation.

Administration and Tracking

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

Procedure After RTAMMS Update

Following the Reserve Training Administrative Management Module System (RTAMMS) update.

• Marines must request RCPL in advance of the scheduled IDT period and receive approval from the Unit Drill Manager.
• IMA Marines must ensure 12 IDT periods are scheduled in RTAMMS to utilize the RCPL 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 "06 - RC Parental Leave".
• These entries are submitted to the Reserve Marine's electronic record.

Command Accountability

Per paragraph 13.b, commanders are responsible for ensuring all RCPL periods are properly tracked and that Marines do not exceed the authorized number of periods within the stipulated timeframes.

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 after any perinatal loss or death of a child. Commands should liberally approve such requests.

Verifying RCPL Authorization

A leave authorization confirms the RCPL entitlement.

Step 1. Submit RCPL Request

The Marine submits a parental leave request through the Unit Drill Manager with documentation of the qualifying event.

Step 2. Coordinate Approval

The Unit Drill Manager approves the parental leave schedule per paragraph 13.a.1.

Step 3. Verify Entries in DMM

The Muster Manager records the leave with reason code "06 - RC Parental Leave" upon execution.

Step 4. Verify Pay for the IDT Period

RCPL is paid IDT. The Marine receives the standard 1/30 of monthly basic pay per RCPL 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. My spouse recently gave birth. Do I get RCPL?

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 4 and paragraph 5, yes. RCPL is open to all eligible Reserve Marines regardless of sex or birth parent role. You receive 12 paid IDT periods to use within 1 year of the birth.

I am IRR. Do I qualify for RCPL?

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 6.c, no. IRR Marines are NOT eligible for RCPL. Only SMCR and IMA Marines in the Selected Reserve qualify.

I am SMCR but I am not in good standing (unsatisfactory participant). Do I qualify?

Per paragraph 6.d, no. Reserve Marines determined to be unsatisfactory participants or not entitled to receive inactive duty pay are NOT eligible for RCPL.

How many RCPL periods can I take in one drill weekend?

Per paragraph 7.b, a minimum of 2 periods (one full drill day) per segment. A standard drill weekend has 4 IDT periods (2 each day). You take a minimum of 2 RCPL periods per segment, up to 4 RCPL periods per weekend. Coordinate with your Unit Drill Manager.

What if I cannot use my RCPL within the 1-year window?

Per MARADMIN 191/26MARADMIN 191/26 paragraph 8, if you served 90 or more consecutive days on AD orders, in-residence PME, or hospitalized, you are eligible for an extension. The first O-5 SPCMCA in your admin chain approves. Otherwise, unused RCPL is forfeited at the 1-year mark.

I am on 6-month ADOS orders right now. What happens to my RCPL?

Per paragraph 10.a, your RCPL use is deferred during the ADOS period. Upon completion, your 1-year usage window is extended by the number of months you served on ADOS (in this case, 6 months).

I had a birth 3 months into a 12-month ADOS tour. Can I use RCPL now?

Per paragraph 10.b, no. Reserve Marines on 30+ day ADOS orders cannot use RCPL during the active duty period. Your 1-year RCPL window begins the day after your ADOS orders conclude.

I separated from Active Duty with 30 days of unused ADPL and joined the Reserve. Can I convert?

Per paragraph 11.c, yes. 30 days equals 4 full weeks (28 days). Partial weeks do not convert. You receive 4 RCPL periods provided you have 4 IDTs scheduled within the usage window. The conversion must occur within 12 months of separation.

What documentation do I need for my RCPL request?

Per paragraph 5.c and MARADMIN 111/23MARADMIN 111/23, command-required documentation of the qualifying event. Common documentation: birth certificate or hospital discharge paperwork, adoption decree, or foster placement letter.

Does RCPL count toward my 48 paid IDTs per FY?

Per paragraph 7.a, yes. RCPL periods count toward the 48 paid IDTs but cannot push you over 48. Plan with your Unit Drill Manager to align RCPL within the 48-IDT FY framework.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• RCPL request submission. Through the Unit Drill Manager with documentation of the qualifying event.
• RCPL extension request (90+ day AD, PME, or hospitalization). Through the chain of command to the first O-5 SPCMCA in your admin chain.
• ADPL to RCPL conversion. Coordinate with your I&I S-1 upon joining the Selected Reserve within 12 months of separation.
• Retroactive RCPL eligibility (1 Oct 2024 to 7 Aug 2025 qualifying events). Coordinate with your Unit Drill Manager. Use by 6 August 2026.
• DMM entries and tracking. Coordinate with the Unit Drill Manager and Muster Manager.
• Death of a child during the 1-year window. Coordinate with the chain of command. Reserve casualty reporting per MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4.
• 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 Maternity Leave covers RCML for SELRES (Selected Reserve, what most Marines call SMCR or the Reserves) birth parents.
• 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 AC framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders ensure Reserve Marines understand their RCPL eligibility window and route requests through the Unit Drill Manager.
• Admin at I&I S-1 supports RCPL request processing and DMM entries.
• Commanders endorse RCPL requests within the 1-year window. The first O-5 SPCMCA approves extensions for 90+ day AD/PME/hospitalization.

RCPL provides 12 paid IDT periods to SELRES Marines following a qualifying event. The 1-year usage window is firm absent qualifying extension circumstances. Counts toward 48 paid IDTs per FY. ADPL converts at 1 RCPL per 7 days. IRR, Standby Reserve, retired, and FMCR Marines are not eligible. The first O-5 SPCMCA in your admin chain approves extensions.