All service members can now take up to 12 weeks of parental leave within a year after the birth or adoption of a child, according to Military Times. The newly announced policy sets a standard across the services.

“It is important for the development of military families that members be able to care for their newborn, adopted, or placed child or children,” DOD personnel chief Gil Cisneros wrote in the new policy. “Unit commanders must balance the needs of the unit with the needs of the member to maximize opportunity to use parental leave.”

Before the new policy, birthing parents received six weeks of parental leave, and non-birthing parents received none.

Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Austyn Riley