Navy proposes giving sailors 3 years off

[unhappycamper]

Navy proposes giving sailors 3 years off
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, April 16, 2008

ARLINGTON, Va. — Congress plans to review a Navy proposal that would give sailors up to three years off to pursue other interests while they keep their health benefits and receive a monthly stipend.

The sailors would determine what to do with their time off, such as pursuing an education or caring for an ill family member, said Lt. Stephanie Miller, a spokeswoman for the Navy’s Diversity and Women’s Policy Directorate for the Chief of Naval Personnel.

Upon returning to active duty, those sailors — who would retain their rank — would be required to serve two months for every month they took off, she said.

The proposal is written to apply to all servicemembers, but only the Navy plans to use it so far, Miller said Tuesday.

“They are interested to see how we make it work before they implement their own programs,” Miller said.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54080

[Kokonoe]

1. Ill family members should not serve the military.

But thats not my decision.