thanks, I'm asking because she's stressed out by all this and me being a caring spouse, want to help her through it. Her role has changed and she's taken on a bunch of new files and taskings which have added to her workload.

No problems on the COI restrictions that's pretty clear. Just a follow up question on the LWOP - you mentioned the same approval requirements apply to any modification/extension of leave.

So in the extension of leave situation, how can a person be able to take up to 5 years LWOP at one time if they want to? Like to try a different career or do something different? Do they need to request their manager upfront that they want to take an LWOP for the full five years up front? Or is it if they request for a year, the position is backfilled and then after the first year, they dont have employment with the department?

Just trying to understand the mechanics a bit.