Leave program helps activated fed employees Published Feb. 4, 2004 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- Federal employees who are called up by a Reserve or National Guard unit to support a contingency can use special leave to supplement lost wages.They can receive their civilian income instead of military pay for 22 days if their civil service job pays more than the military.“Although not new to the federal government, 22 days of military leave is a new entitlement for reservists and (guardsmen) supporting contingency operations,” said Meg Keith, human resources program manager at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters here. “It’s based on a much older program used to compensate employees who perform law enforcement and civil defense duties.”The military leave program went into effect Nov. 24, with the signing of the 2004 National Defense Authorization Act; however, guidance for running the program is still being worked out.“Congress extended this benefit to activated employees who are supporting contingency operations so they don’t lose money,” Ms. Keith said. “We have asked the Air Force to clarify how the ‘22 days of military leave’ program will be implemented. We will provide more details when we get them.”Besides the 22 days, federal employees receive 15 days of military leave each year to train with their National Guard or Reserve unit. Under the 15-day military leave entitlement, they get to keep both their military and civilian pay. (Courtesy of AFRC News Service)