MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – In a move to support expectant mothers, pregnant Marine Corps officers in the National Capitol Region (NCR) can now access maternity uniforms without incurring any expenses. This initiative is part of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Maternity Uniform Pilot Program, launched this month.
The necessity for such a program was highlighted in the National Defense Authorization Act of October 2020, which recognized the financial burden of maternity uniforms on service members. In response, the DLA, in collaboration with Service Secretaries, was tasked with creating a pilot program to provide temporary maternity uniforms at no cost to pregnant service members.
Previously, enlisted Marines received a one-time uniform issue for maternity wear. However, officers were required by law to purchase their maternity uniforms out-of-pocket, averaging around $500. This new pilot program seeks to alleviate this financial strain for Marine officers by issuing and recovering specific maternity uniform items free of charge.
The program encompasses essential uniform components, including the Maternity Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) in green tunic, short and long-sleeve service blouses, service maternity skirts, and slacks, along with service tapes. The blue dress skirt and slacks are slated to be included in fiscal year 2023, further expanding the program’s offerings.
“When the Marine officer comes in, she can try them on quickly and say, ‘Hey, I need to go up or down,’ and work with the facility to determine the right sizes,” explained Emily Madden, a clothing designer from the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, who is fully integrated with Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC).
Emily Madden further elaborated on the considerations behind the selection of items for the Maternity Package, emphasizing both clothing logistics and service standards.
“The items we identified to go through this program were what would be the most beneficial to pregnant Marines,” Madden stated. “Internally, within the Marine Corps, we considered aspects like alterations, ribbons, and cleaning services. We also prioritized items that were already in production for the enlisted package, utilizing their 604 form.”
The NAVMC 604/604B form serves as a crucial tool for approving and tracking individual clothing requests, maintaining a centralized record of all issued uniforms. Leveraging items already listed on this form provided the program management with a practical starting point for estimating the required uniform quantities. Unlike the enlisted package, this pilot program mandates the return of uniforms to the issuing facility after use. Upon return, each uniform piece undergoes inspection, adhering to established serviceability standards.
“Similar to other gear issued to Marines, we have a serviceability standard,” Madden clarified. “Unserviceability can be due to stains, excessive wear and tear, fabric thinness, and other standard criteria used to evaluate gear returned through the Consolidated Storage Program (CSP). If a returned item does not meet specifications, it will be retired, but at no cost to the Marine.”
Participation in this program requires written authorization from a commanding officer. Eligible female officers can schedule appointments at the Individual Issue Facility (IIF) at Marine Corps Base Quantico to receive their uniforms. A key aspect of the program is its recognition of the diverse nature of pregnancy and individual sizing needs. Madden suggests that officers begin by considering their pre-pregnancy clothing sizes as a starting point. The IIF staff are trained to assist in determining the correct fit for each uniform item. This sizing data and user feedback are invaluable for program refinement.
“For example, if an officer wears a medium regular combat trouser in non-maternity sizing, the equivalent maternity combat trousers in the same size would likely be a medium,” Madden illustrated. “The issuing facility staff will discuss sizing with each officer and assemble a set of equivalent items. Officers can then try them on at the facility and request size adjustments as needed. This feedback is then collected by the IIF and recorded.”
Recognizing the dynamic changes in body size during pregnancy, the program allows for size adjustments throughout the duration. Officers requiring different sizes for uniform components can contact the program office to arrange exchanges for the correct sizes.
Currently, the pilot program is focused on officers stationed within the NCR and bases within a 100-mile radius of MCB Quantico. Officers attending courses or training within this region during the program period are also eligible to participate. Madden highlighted the NCR as an ideal test region due to the high concentration of officers stationed or attending advanced service schools in the area, allowing for broader testing and feedback, particularly concerning service dress uniforms.
“One of the frequent concerns we’ve heard is about maintaining service uniforms in wearable condition for events or meetings,” Madden noted. “We anticipate gaining valuable insights in this area through the pilot program.”
Officers participating in the program are responsible only for alteration costs, which must comply with regulations. The program recommends utilizing tailor shops in the vicinity of MCB Quantico or those familiar with the TM 1020-15-1B Technical Manual for Uniform Fitting and Alteration.
Participants are required to return the issued uniforms within six months after pregnancy. Officers receiving new duty orders during pregnancy can coordinate with their local command’s mail facility for uniform return. Crucially, officers will not be charged for any uniform piece deemed unserviceable upon return.
This pilot program is scheduled to run through fiscal year 2025, with findings and conclusions expected to be reported in Spring 2026. Madden encourages all program participants and Marine officers utilizing maternity uniforms to provide feedback on uniform fit, durability, and availability to the program office.
For more comprehensive details about the Pilot Program for Issue of Maternity Uniform, please visit https://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/maternity-uniform-pilot-program/.
