MARCH 14, 2026 – The Department of the Air Force released an update to DAFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, on Feb. 26. The revision incorporates changes mandated by the Department of War and streamlines leave policies to ensure Airmen and Guardians are fully aware of their entitlements.
The updated instruction aligns with DoDI 1327.06, Leave and Liberty Policy and Procedures, formally incorporates previously issued guidance, and introduces several key modifications to the military leave program.
Key Policy Changes
Maternity and Parental Leave
Inactive Duty Parental Leave is a new non-chargeable leave allowance for the Air Reserve Component and Space Force Active Status–Not on Sustained Duty members. IDPL authorizes the birth and non-birth parent to use 12 IDPL periods after a qualifying birth event, adoption of a minor child or placement of a minor child with them for adoption or long-term foster care. IDPL is retroactive for members with a qualifying event between October 1, 2024, and August 7, 2025, providing a one-year window from August 7, 2025, to August 7, 2026, to utilize this benefit. This change more closely aligns with active-duty service member allowances to support both parents in uniform.
With the new IDPL allowance, Reserve Component Maternity Leave has been adjusted from 12 to 6 Inactive Duty Training periods to align with active-duty service member allowances of convalescent leave. More information on IDPL can be found here (for CAC-enabled users).
Non-covered Assisted Reproductive Technology
To align with DoDI 1327.06, Military Leave, Liberty, and Administrative Absence, the terminology for “Non-covered Reproductive Health Care” has been updated to “Non-covered Assisted Reproductive Technology.” The full list of approved services under this leave allowance can be found in the updated DAFI.
Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program
The Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program, a leave allowance for designated overseas locations, is now integrated into LeaveWeb. This streamlines the former manual process to increase trackability and efficiencies for the member, commanders, and other offices to track online.
Permanent Change of Station Moves
As previously announced through command channels, this DAFI incorporates recent changes to expand Permissive TDY usage during PCS moves. PTDY is now authorized incrementally between gaining and losing duty stations, as well as for packing and unpacking household goods, to best suit the service member’s needs. In addition, the instruction clarifies members are authorized to use at least 30 days of their existing leave en route to their new PCS to ensure service members and their families are allowed time to adjust to their new location.
Reduced Special Leave Accrual Cap
Also previously announced through command channels, Airmen and Guardians are reminded of the changes to Special Leave Accrual that are now in effect. The transition period for these changes ends on September 30, 2026.
- Reduced Cap: As mandated by the Fiscal Year 23 National Defense Authorization Act, the SLA carryover cap is permanently reduced to 30 days. The standard annual leave carryover cap remains at 60 days.
- Use-or-Lose Deadline: The maximum combined leave that can be carried over into the new fiscal year is 90 days (60 days annual + 30 days SLA). Any leave balance exceeding this 90-day total on Oct. 1, 2026, will be forfeited.
- SLA Sell-Back Option: Enlisted members at risk of forfeiting leave have a one-time option to sell back up to 30 days of their SLA. This will count toward the career 60-day sell-back limit. Members should contact their local servicing Military Personnel Flight to initiate this process.
All personnel are encouraged to review their leave balances and plan accordingly to avoid forfeiture. The updated DAFI 36-3003 can be found here.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs