What happens to an employee's status while on military leave?

An employee's status while on military leave is typically classified as being separated from service in terms of their active role within the organization. This means that while the employee is serving in the military, they are not actively working within the department, nor are they participating in the day-to-day functions or responsibilities tied to their civilian employment.

However, it is essential to recognize that although they are deemed separated from service, the law provides protections for military personnel to ensure that when they return from military duty, they are reinstated to their previous position or a comparable role without penalty. This status does not signify termination of employment but a leave of absence due to military obligations.

In contrast, remaining active within the department would imply that the employee continues to fulfill their job duties, which is not the case during military leave. Getting a temporary promotion or being eligible for overtime opportunities would not apply since the employee is not actively engaged in their role during this period. Understanding these distinctions can clarify the implications of military leave on an employee's status within the department.