Marine Corps to reimburse nursing mothers for breast milk shipping costs

In November 2024, the Marine Corps announced a reimbursement initiative for active-duty nursing mothers who need to ship breast milk during permanent change of station (PCS) moves. This program allows eligible female service members with infants up to one year old to claim up to $1,000 to cover various shipping-related expenses. These expenses include costs for commercial shipping fees, disposable storage bags, refrigeration, and dry ice. This reimbursement aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with military relocations, particularly during travel when mothers might be separated from their infants. The initiative aligns with the broader Pentagon initiative known as 'Taking Care of Our People,' which focuses on providing better support to military families, especially those dealing with the unique challenges of moving while caring for young children. Christopher Woods, the policy branch chief at the Defense Travel Management Office, highlighted that this policy helps minimize out-of-pocket expenses that many military families previously encountered during routine moves. The policy stipulates that service members are responsible for arranging their own transport logistics for breast milk and must collect receipts for any incurred expenses. To receive reimbursement, they must endorse their requests on their move orders and submit their travel vouchers within five working days after completing the move. The Pentagon's initiative was, in part, a response to feedback from military families advocating for more support and assistance when traveling with small children, indicating a willingness to adjust policies based on service member needs. Despite the small percentage of likely beneficiaries, as Woods estimates that only about 7% of military moves would qualify for reimbursement, the policy signifies a meaningful step toward enhancing the well-being of military families. The stress of relocating, especially for mothers traveling with infants, can be exacerbated by the logistical challenges of transporting necessary supplies like breast milk, making this supportive measure crucial for easing transitions during PCS moves.