Washington, DC - President George W. Bush issued a memorandum requiring agencies to take actions to ease the return of military reservists to their civilian federal jobs. In that memorandum, the President directed Executive departments and agencies to grant five days of uncharged leave from civilian duties to Federal employees returning from active duty.

Kay Coles James, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, issued guidance to department and agency heads on implementing the President's order. James stated, "Many of our employees have endured great disruption to their families and their normal lives as a result of their service in the war against terrorism. Therefore, I join the President in urging that agencies do everything possible to ease their return to civilian life."

In recognition of the sacrifices activated civilian employees have made, the President directed that all agencies grant five work days of excused absence, without charge to leave, for employees returning to Federal civilian employment. This request covers all employees who were activated for military service in connection with Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In addition to explaining the excused leave policy, Director James' memo provides guidance to agencies on the requirement to reinstate reservists who apply for reemployment within specified time limits. Further information on requirements for agencies with returning reservists can be found at http://www.opm.gov/oca/compmemo/2001/2001-09A.asp.

See Presidential memorandum and OPM guidance.

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