Women in the U.S. Armed forces have a long and complicated past. Although they’ve been working along with their male counterparts to protect our country since 1948, it wasn’t until several years later that President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. The bill put into place important, protective regulations regarding women’s involvement in the military. It wasn’t until 20 years later that laws were enacted making it unconstitutional to dismiss a pregnant woman in the military, just because she was pregnant.
Now, 50+ years later, the U.S. has finally addressed the issue of how to best clothe pregnant service members.
New uniforms for pregnant military members
The U.S. Congress recently passed the “Rent the Camo: Access to Maternity Wear Act”. The bill outlines important innovations for pregnant women’s military uniforms, and tasks the Defense Logistics Agency with establishing pilot programs across U.S. military branches that connect military moms-to-be with no-cost maternity uniforms. (With women in all three services of the American military wearing the same uniform, the Army will hold the responsibility of maintaining the supply and distribution of camouflage maternity uniforms for the program.)
Pilot programs are already popping up across United States installations here domestically and abroad. It’s exciting to know pregnant airmen, soldiers, and guardians are now able to acquire free maternity uniforms at 10 installations.
“By temporarily issuing free maternity uniforms, we can improve our airmen and guardians’ quality of life so they can focus on executing the mission,” said John Fedrigo, the principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, in a recent Fedweek.com article.
Locations selected for inclusion in the program are all near Army installations that house a Central Issue Facility–which manages the Army’s Occupational Clothing and Individual Equipment Direct Ordering system. Pilot bases currently in operation include:
- Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
- Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
- Joint Base San Antonio, Texas
- Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey
- Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina
- Yokota Air Base, Japan
- Kadena Air Base, Japan
How expectant service members can receive uniforms
After a service member receives medical confirmation of pregnancy from one of the Armed Forces’ medical treatment facilities, they’ll be able to partner with their first sergeants to fill out the necessary paperwork to acquire the maternity service wear.
After new uniforms are issued, expecting service personnel will hold on to the uniforms throughout their pregnancy and up until six months postpartum. Uniforms would then be returned, inspected, laundered, repaired (if needed), and prepped for the next servicer person to use them.
Previously, many pregnant service members had to buy or borrow larger, often poorly fitting uniforms. And some even tried to alter those uniforms themselves. The updates will ensure clothing fits more comfortably and is safer, for all women.
More help is on the way
To ensure Space Force members (the newest addition to the U.S. Armed Forces) are included in the program, several bases where Guardians are assigned were included in the pilot. And, there are more military uniform options in the works. From two-piece maternity flight suits for Air Force personnel to uniform wrap dresses.
It’s hard to believe that women were first integrated. the U.S. Armed forces in 1948–and it took until just this year for proper uniforms and maternity supplies and support to catch up! With recruitment numbers low, this shift could help boost the number of female recruits–and retain members who become pregnant.
I’m excited to see fresh support for women working in contemporary military positions. Much-needed comfort and support will help better meet the demands of pregnant military members. Working military moms and moms-to-be may be able to rest a bit easier (and more comfortably!).
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