The City Manager is authorized and directed to grant a leave of absence to any City employee who makes application therefor under the provisions of this chapter. The City Manager is authorized and directed to reemploy in his former position any City employee who has been granted a leave of absence as herein provided upon the employee's return from the military service and upon the employee's making application and furnishing proof that he is physically fit to perform the duties required of the position. (1980 Code 37.03)