Sabbaticals may help military keep service members in ranks

[unhappycamper]

http://kdhnews.com/military/sabbaticals-may-help-military-keep-service-members-in-ranks/article_b4271880-7c16-11e3-ada3-001a4bcf6878.html

Sabbaticals may help military keep service members in ranks
Posted: Monday, January 13, 2014 4:30 am
Associated Press | 0 comments

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Navy Cmdr. Valerie Overstreet wanted to start a family. But her job as a Navy pilot and the fact that she and her husband, also a naval officer, were stationed in different parts of the country made it complicated.

So she decided to take advantage of a fledgling Navy program that allowed her to take a year off and return to duty without risking her career or future commands.

Now, three years later, she’s got a 2-year-old daughter and a 9-month old son, she’s back at work at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and her promotion to captain was confirmed.

~snip~

Across the military services, leaders are experimenting with programs that will give valued officers and enlisted troops, men and women, the incentive to stay. Also, as the Pentagon moves to bring women into more jobs closer to the combat zone, military officials believe it is crucial to keep midcareer female officers in the services so they can mentor those on the front lines.

[Kaleva]

1. A good idea.