Why, yes they are! In the Army and Air Force, that is. But we are hopeful that the other branches will soon follow suit. The Army approved our breastfeeding shirts as an optional uniform item on 16 Apr 2018 and the Air Force was close behind with their memo on 13 Jul 2018. We are thrilled that these two services are supporting new moms in uniform by making their nursing experience easier! So the next time the debate ensues on if these shirts are within military regulations, guide them here! The memos are attached below!
Tina
Hi, I’m looking to get some clarity on whether or not to order the light brown shirt (which you have listed for ABUs) or dark brown shirt (which you have listed for Army OCPs) for when the Air Force transitions to OCPs. I saw in AFI 36-2903 the section where it discusses t-shirt color once we transition to OCPs:
“(Add) 5.5. T-Shirt. T-Shirt will be Desert Sand or Tan and will be tucked into OCP trousers. [NOTE: effective 1 June 2020, Airmen will only wear the Tan 499 T-Shirt.]”
Which is further convoluted by the section that discusses the breastfeeding shirt:
“(Add) 6.5.2.5. Airmen are authorized to purchase and wear a long or short sleeve breastfeeding T-shirt with their utility uniform. The T-shirt will be Sand in color when worn with the ABU and Tan in color when worn with the OCP.”
Do you know what the difference between “sand” and “tan” is? But really, my question is: which one of your shirts should I order as an airman wearing OCPs? Thanks for any advice you have!