Being pregnant may be each an thrilling and irritating time – particularly for service members. Prior to now, buying maternity uniform items has been a problem for a lot of pregnant Sailors. Nevertheless, due to the Navy’s new Maternity Pilot Program (MPP), the tough activity of acquiring the entire right maternity uniforms has been alleviated.
Initially introduced in December 2021 with the discharge of NAVADMIN 284/21, the MPP is a staff effort, administratively managed by the Chief of Naval Personnel’s Uniform Issues Workplace with the assist of the Navy Trade Service Command (NEXCOM) for achievement.
“The objective of this system is to guage if offering returnable maternity uniforms is extra possible and environment friendly than offering a uniform allowance,” stated Rob Carroll, the top of uniform issues.
Carroll famous that this system is open to all pregnant officers and enlisted, energetic and reserve Sailors. Sailors are additionally allowed to take part within the MPP greater than as soon as with reference to future pregnancies.
As soon as authorised and chosen for this system, individuals obtain one set of maternity working, service and costume uniforms, and the maternity cardigan sweater at no cost as a mortgage, which individuals will return as soon as they’ve transitioned again to common Navy uniforms. Maternity working uniforms come full with sewn-on embroidered title tape, service tape and qualification insignia. Enlisted E-1 to E-6 maternity costume uniforms will include sewn-on rank insignia. Hemming and cargo of uniforms is carried out freed from cost.
Hospital Corpsman third Class Savana Romey, who’s anticipating her first baby and at present assigned to the dental clinic at Walter Reed Nationwide Medical Heart, realized about this system by means of a household planning class held at her command.
“I used to be drawn to this system as a result of it appeared like the easiest way to make sure I used to be getting the entire maternity uniforms I wanted,” stated Romey. “Probably the most interesting half to me was that I’d have all the right sizes of uniforms shipped to me without spending a dime, and I’d not have run round to search out the entire required uniform items.”
Romey stated the entire means of making use of for this system was very fast and straightforward, because the MyNavyHR web site for the MPP had step-by-step directions on easy methods to apply. The Uniform Issues Workplace at MyNavyHR was additionally very useful when it got here to answering any questions she had.
Inside at some point of submitting her command-approved paperwork, Romey was accepted into the MPP after which shortly thereafter acquired all of her authorised maternity uniforms at her doorstep.
“It actually was the best choice for getting maternity uniforms,” stated Romey. “It alleviated any stress I had about maternity uniforms, and was simply one of many many supportive packages the Navy has for pregnant Sailors.”
As a way to apply for this system, Sailors should fill out the MPP utility and route it by means of their chain of command. As soon as authorised by their command, Sailors obtain a dimension measurement sheet from the web site, take it to the NEX Uniform Store and get measured for his or her maternity uniforms. If the Sailor is just not stationed close to an trade, the web site has a video with directions on measuring themselves.
If stationed nearer to an Army/Air Pressure or Marine Corps uniform heart, these retailers will even assist measure Sailors. Uniform Issues then sends the approval and measurements to NEXCOM.
“The uniform objects shall be despatched from NEXCOM’s Southeast Distribution Heart to the Sailor’s residence,” stated Cmdr. Terri Gabriel, Deputy Commander, Army Uniforms of NEXCOM. “The Sailor doesn’t want to select up or have their uniforms altered on the NEX. It’s going to arrive at her door, able to put on.”
After the being pregnant is over and the maternity uniforms are now not wanted, the Sailor returns them to the NEXCOM Southeast Distribution Heart. The Navy once more picks up the invoice for delivery. Returned uniforms are inspected, laundered and repaired if obligatory. NEXCOM will reissue returned uniforms that meet acceptable put on requirements to different MPP individuals.
The MPP will run by means of Sept. 30, 2026. For fiscal 12 months 2022, this system goals to assist a minimum of 400 Sailors. The Navy is on monitor to fulfill that objective with 333 Sailors having participated this 12 months already. Carroll famous that this system remains to be accepting purposes for this fiscal 12 months and is aiming to fulfill their objective of 800 Sailors subsequent 12 months.
“We’re very completely happy that we’re seeing the advantages of this program upfront,” stated Carroll. “It’s good to know pregnant Sailors have a one-stop store for maternity uniforms. They’re getting all the things they want hassle-free – all they must do is submit a discount and we do the work for them.”
All info and assets concerning the MPP may be discovered at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/Maternity-Pilot-Program/.
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