The Navy has introduced that it is increasing its already current maternity uniform program to present sailors extra enter in selecting uniforms that greatest swimsuit their office.
In an administrative message, the service introduced that sailors will have the ability to select from 4 completely different “sea bag choices” that include various ratios of utility, work and gown uniforms. The change comes because the Navy hopes to double participation in this system this 12 months — as much as 800 sailors.
The replace permits sailors the chance to decide on uniforms that match their “day by day duties and particular person command uniform necessities,” the message mentioned.
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The Navy first launched the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program in 2022 with the concept of providing sailors maternity uniforms, tailor-made to suit, for gratis for the size of their being pregnant. They’re then returned to the service as soon as they’re not wanted.
In change, sailors in this system forgo a maternity clothes allowance.
Based on the web site for this system, it’s open to active-duty and reserve officers and enlisted who’re assigned to instructions inside and out of doors the U.S. However sailors want permission from their instructions to take part.
The Marine Corps launched the same program for officers the identical 12 months.
In its message, the Navy mentioned that greater than 850 sailors have participated within the pilot so far — every receiving considered one of every sort of maternity uniform and a cardigan sweater.
Now, sailors nonetheless preserve that possibility however may also select a “waterfront possibility” that comes with two working uniforms, one service uniform, and one sort of gown uniform, together with the sweater.
There are additionally two “ashore employees” choices that forgo some or the entire working uniform in change for extra working or gown uniforms.
“Contributors may even have the choice to replace their choice if uniform necessities change as directed by their command,” the message defined.
Based on the Navy’s web site, this system is ready to run by Sept. 30, 2026.
— Konstantin Toropin will be reached at konstantin.toropin@navy.com. Observe him on Twitter @ktoropin.
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