Coast Guard to allow new moms to defer assignments

GEAR CHECK: Our readers don't just follow the news - they stay ready. Featured gear from this story is below.

Staff Writer

In a significant move to support new mothers, the Coast Guard has announced that it will allow them to defer assignments for up to a year following childbirth.

The new policy, which was announced on Monday, is aimed at providing new mothers with more flexibility and support during the challenging transition to motherhood. It is also intended to help retain talented women in the Coast Guard, who may otherwise leave due to the demands of balancing career and family.

Under the new policy, new mothers can request a one-year deferral of their assignment, which will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

During the deferral period, the new mother will remain on active duty and receive full pay and benefits but will not be required to report for duty or perform any duties. The policy also includes provisions for medical waivers and other accommodations for mothers who experience complications during childbirth or have other medical needs.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coast Guard Will Let New Moms Defer Assignments for Up to a Year Following Childbirth <a href="https://t.co/XzJcw1yaqG">https://t.co/XzJcw1yaqG</a></p>&mdash; Military.com (@Militarydotcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Militarydotcom/status/1632827780177047554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Coast Guard’s new policy is a welcome development for women in the military, who have long struggled with the challenges of balancing motherhood and a demanding career. While the military has made some progress in recent years towards supporting new mothers, many women still face significant barriers and obstacles when it comes to advancing their careers and raising children.

The new policy has received widespread praise and support from military and women’s advocacy groups, who see it as a step in the right direction towards creating a more equitable and supportive environment for women in the military.

However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential impact of the new policy on unit readiness and mission effectiveness. They argue that allowing new mothers to defer assignments for a year could disrupt unit cohesion and create gaps in critical skills and knowledge.

Despite these concerns, the Coast Guard remains committed to supporting its new mothers and ensuring that they have the resources and flexibility they need to thrive both at home and on the job.

You may also like

Blog

A deadly Los Angeles bus crash had already killed two people when a second tragedy unfolded just blocks away. A news helicopter covering the first crash suddenly lost altitude and plunged from the sky, killing a reporter, her pilot and a man on the ground.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is putting a record $1.17 billion behind a problem that still affects thousands of Americans who once wore the uniform. The money will go to 680 organizations nationwide to help homeless Veterans and those at immediate risk of losing their homes. The funding comes after the VA housed 51,936 homeless Veterans in fiscal year 2025, its highest total in seven years.
About 90 sailors aboard the USS Kearsarge returned to Naval Station Norfolk after 10 days at sea, only to discover their cars had been towed. The vehicles had been left in a fenced lot near Pier 14 during a base concert, leaving sailors waiting for hours at the impound lot to get them back.
What started with cars spinning donuts in a Houston parking lot ended with a vehicle flipping repeatedly, one person dead, three hospitalized and firearms discovered inside. Five people were in the fleeing vehicle, most or all believed to be juveniles. But the biggest question remained unanswered: who was behind the wheel?
A Russian drone struck a passenger train near Ukraine’s border with Poland just minutes after a diplomatic train carrying Boris Johnson and other senior European figures had passed through the same area.

Like This Story? Check Out What Our Community Is Buying

Our best sellers are designed for real-world use - not hype.

View Best Sellers