Marine Corps cuts deployment deferment for new mothers from 1 year to 6 months

Above: Women Marines during basic physical training at Parris Island. Expectant Marines are exempt from routine physical fitness training during their pregnancy and for six months following their return to full duty under the rules.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Marine moms will have to cut the apron strings sooner than before under new rules covering pregnancies and deployments.

New guidelines for pregnant Marines cut in half the time that mothers can defer a deployment or unaccompanied assignment after giving birth, from a full year to six months, according to a Corps-wide message released Thursday.

“Service women will not normally be transferred to deploying units from the time of pregnancy confirmation up to six months after the date of delivery,” according to MarAdmin 358/07. “Commanders have the option of extending this deferment if, in consultation with the [health care provider], it is deemed necessary for the health of the mother or child.”

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