South Dakota Military Leave Policy allows employees who are members of the military, whether in the National Guard or any other branch of the armed forces, to take time off from their regular employment to fulfill their military duties. This policy is designed to support and protect the rights of military personnel while ensuring that they can carry out their required military obligations without any adverse consequences of their civilian careers. Under South Dakota Military Leave Policy, employers are required to grant eligible employees up to 15 days of unpaid leave per calendar year for military training or service. This leave may be taken consecutively or intermittently, depending on the needs of the military service. The policy applies to all public and private employers in the state, regardless of the size of the company. The types of South Dakota Military Leave Policy can be categorized as follows: 1. Military Training Leave: When individuals are called to participate in mandatory military training exercises, they are entitled to take leave without pay, as long as they provide advance notice and documentation of their military orders. 2. Active Duty Deployment Leave: If an employee is called to active duty, whether for domestic or overseas deployment, they are entitled to take unpaid leave for the duration of their service. This type of leave includes both voluntary and involuntary deployments, and the employee must provide documentation of their military orders. 3. Emergency Military Leave: In cases of emergencies or crises, where immediate military service is required, employees may take leave without pay for the duration of their emergency duty. This type of leave applies to situations such as natural disasters, civil disturbances, or other unforeseen circumstances demanding immediate military action. 4. Military Caregiver Leave: South Dakota also adheres to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides eligible employees with up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave in a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member who is their spouse, child, parent, or next of kin. This leave category supports employees who need time off to attend to the medical needs of a service member who has suffered a serious injury or illness. It is important to note that South Dakota Military Leave Policy ensures that employees are reinstated to their previous positions or comparable positions upon completion of their military service. Employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on their military service, and the policy includes provisions to protect the job security and benefits of military personnel during their absence. In conclusion, South Dakota Military Leave Policy grants eligible employees the opportunity to fulfill their military obligations without facing negative consequences in their civilian careers. By providing an overview of the different types of military leave, this policy ensures that employees can serve their country while preserving job security and protecting their rights as members of the military.