Your Guide to Army Pregnancy Uniforms: MUU and ASU-M Explained

Becoming a parent is a significant life event, and for soldiers, navigating pregnancy within military service comes with unique considerations. Obtaining the correct Army Pregnancy Uniform should be a seamless process, allowing expectant mothers to focus on their health and well-being. Each year, approximately 16,000 female soldiers in the Army experience pregnancy and require clear guidance on acquiring maternity uniforms. The Army provides two primary army pregnancy uniform options: the Maternity Utility Uniform (MUU) and the Army Service Uniform – Maternity (ASU-M). This guide offers a step-by-step breakdown of how to obtain both the MUU and ASU-M, ensuring every pregnant soldier has access to the information they need.

Procuring Your Maternity Utility Uniform (MUU)

The Maternity Utility Uniform (MUU) is designed for comfort and functionality throughout pregnancy, ensuring soldiers can continue their duties with appropriate attire. Here’s how to get your MUU:

1. Medical Confirmation: The first step is to have your pregnancy confirmed by a doctor at your local Military Medical Treatment Facility (MTF). The MTF will update your medical records to include a pregnancy profile.

2. Commander’s Authorization: Your commander will access your updated medical records and provide a signed memorandum authorizing the issue and wear of the MUU. This memo acknowledges your need for the army pregnancy uniform.

3. CIF Appointment and Issue: Schedule an appointment with your local Central Issue Facility (CIF). Bring the signed memorandum and doctor’s certification to your CIF appointment. Active Duty soldiers are authorized three sets of MUUs, while National Guard and Reserve soldiers are authorized two sets, as per CTA 50-900. It’s important to note that MUU sizes may differ from your standard Army Combat Uniform (ACU) sizes. If your size is unavailable, the CIF will order it and arrange a follow-up appointment for pickup. Units utilizing OCIE Direct Ordering (ODO) can also order the MUU for unit delivery. If your MUU size becomes unsuitable at any point, contact CIF or your ODO coordinator for a size exchange.

4. Post-Pregnancy Return: After your pregnancy, return the MUUs to CIF or through the ODO process within 90 days of returning to duty. This ensures the uniforms are correctly removed from your clothing record.

Obtaining Your Army Service Uniform – Maternity (ASU-M)

The Army Service Uniform – Maternity (ASU-M) allows pregnant soldiers to maintain a professional appearance in formal settings. Here’s the process for enlisted soldiers to obtain the ASU-M:

1. Medical Confirmation: Similar to the MUU process, begin by having your pregnancy confirmed by a doctor at the local military MTF. Ensure your medical record is updated with a pregnancy profile.

2. DA Form 3078 and Commander’s Signature: Enlisted soldiers require a DA Form 3078 “Personal Clothing Request” signed by their unit commander to be issued the ASU-M. Unit supply sergeants will handle the DA Form 3078 process:

   • Verify the current ASU-M price within the Army Military Clothing and Sales (AMCS).
   • Complete the DA Form 3078 according to AR 700-84, paragraph 1–6p, for supplemental issue. Include the statement in block 30 (remarks): “Issued as supplemental items as authorized by CTA 50–900 (Clothing and Individual Equipment).”
   • List all necessary ASU-M components required for duty.
   • Attach a copy of your pregnancy profile to the DA Form 3078.
   • Print an original and four copies of the DA Form 3078. The unit retains one copy, and the soldier receives a copy.

3. AAFES Issue: Take the signed DA Form 3078 to your local Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). You will be issued the required ASU-M items listed on the form.

4. ASU-M Retention Policy: The ASU-M issue is active for three years. If you experience another pregnancy within three years of the initial issue, a new ASU-M will not be issued. Reuse your existing ASU-M in such cases. For pregnancies occurring more than three years after the initial issue, you are authorized an additional supplemental issue of the ASU-M, and the process restarts from step 1. Crucially, the ASU-M does not need to be returned, regardless of usage duration or frequency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Army Maternity Uniforms

To further clarify the process of obtaining army pregnancy uniforms, here are answers to some common questions:

Q1. Who is authorized to receive a Maternity Utility Uniform (MUU)?

A1. All expectant mothers, both officers and enlisted personnel, are authorized MUUs. Active Duty soldiers receive three sets, and National Guard and Reserve soldiers receive two sets, as per CTA 50-900.

Q2. Who is authorized to receive an Army Service Uniform-Maternity (ASU-M)?

A2. All pregnant enlisted soldiers are authorized a supplemental issue of the ASU-M. Officers are not eligible for supplemental issue as they receive a uniform stipend upon commissioning and are responsible for procuring their uniforms.

Q3. When can I begin wearing my maternity uniforms?

A3. You can start wearing army pregnancy uniforms (MUU or ASU-M) once your standard Army Combat Uniform (ACU) becomes uncomfortable or no longer fits properly. This typically occurs around the three to four-month mark of pregnancy, but it varies for each individual and pregnancy.

Q4. Is it true that the maternity uniform is outdated and poorly designed?

A4. Outdated Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) maternity uniforms are obsolete and no longer issued by CIF. If you possess UCP maternity uniforms, return them to CIF to update your record and receive the current Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) maternity uniform if needed. The design was updated in 2016 to mirror the current ACU design more closely, including incorporating standard pockets in the jacket and trousers, addressing previous design limitations.

Q5. What should I do with my MUU if I PCS during pregnancy?

A5. If you receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders during your pregnancy, inform your CIF that you will need to retain your issued MUU for transfer to your new duty station. Obtain a memorandum from your commander confirming your pregnancy profile status, move dates, and new duty assignment. Upon completing your pregnancy and maternity leave, return the MUU to the CIF at your new duty location.

Q6. What are the consequences if I don’t return my MUU?

A6. The MUU is accountable government property listed on your OCIE clothing record. Failure to return it upon CIF clearance will result in a statement of charges, similar to any other unreturned OCIE item.

Q7. Is the MUU acquisition process different for officers and enlisted soldiers, like the ASU-M?

A7. No, the process for obtaining the MUU is the same for both officers and enlisted soldiers.

Q8. As an enlisted soldier, I know I keep the ASU-M for three years. What if I become pregnant again after that period?

A8. Enlisted soldiers are authorized a supplemental ASU-M issue with a three-year retention period. If a subsequent pregnancy occurs within three years, reuse the previously issued ASU-M. For pregnancies occurring after more than three years, you are authorized a new supplemental ASU-M issue, and the standard process applies.

Q9. I am a commissioned officer; how can I get reimbursed for purchasing the ASU-M?

A9. Currently, there is no reimbursement for officers purchasing the ASU-M. U.S. law stipulates that officers receive an initial stipend upon commissioning to cover uniform costs and are subsequently responsible for procuring all their uniforms.

This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process of obtaining army pregnancy uniforms. By following these steps, pregnant soldiers can confidently acquire the MUU and ASU-M, ensuring comfort and adherence to uniform regulations throughout their pregnancy. For any further questions, consult your unit supply personnel or local CIF.