Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —
Though Marines have by no means outlined themselves by their gear, sustaining readiness in any clime and place—from the icy reaches of the Arctic to the steamy jungles of the Indo-Pacific—means making certain that every one Marines, whether or not on the frontlines or offering vital help from behind the scenes, are geared up with the proper gear to perform the mission every time they’re referred to as to serve.
To raised help pregnant Marine Corps officers, Marine Corps Methods Command, in partnership with Marine Power Storage Command’s Consolidated Storage Program (CSP), is increasing the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program (MUPP) from Quantico to incorporate East Coast bases corresponding to Camp Lejeune, New River, Cherry Level, Beaufort, and Albany.
This growth—pushed in response to suggestions from Marines throughout the Corps– ensures simpler entry to maternity uniforms, selling each consolation and readiness, whereas additionally addressing fairness between enlisted Marines and officers.
Enlisted Marines obtain a one-time problem of maternity uniforms, whereas officers have been required to cowl the total price, which may run as much as $500. The MUPP permits the Corps to problem and get well maternity uniforms for officers for free of charge, easing the monetary burden and making certain all Marines are geared up for obligation.
“There are Marine officers throughout the Corps who will want maternity uniforms, so increasing this program to the East Coast is crucial,” mentioned Ana Ayala-Spivey, CSP East Coast Regional Mission Officer. “I confused to the MARCORSYSCOM workforce that it’s our accountability to make sure we seize helpful knowledge and suggestions from as many Marines as attainable. Limiting this system to Quantico wasn’t sufficient. Increasing it permits us to assemble the insights we’d like whereas higher supporting our officers in sustaining readiness and luxury throughout being pregnant.”
Since March 2021, this system has already seen important success at Quantico, the place it was first launched, offering important help to pregnant officers stationed there.
“I’ve been pregnant twice throughout my time as a Marine officer, however solely had entry to the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program as soon as,” recalled Maj. Desiree Ok. Sanchez, assistant chief of employees (G-4) at Marine Corps Coaching and Training Command. “The primary time, I needed to buy all of my uniforms out of pocket as a result of this system didn’t exist. By the second time I used to be pregnant, the Corps had made important enhancements, including adjustable tabs to the shirts and smock for a greater match. As an alternative of getting to purchase the up to date uniforms, I used to be capable of borrow them right here in Quantico by this system, saving me from the expense of shopping for new gadgets once more.”
This system gives pregnant Marines with a full set of important maternity uniforms, together with three units of MARPAT work uniforms (blouses and trousers), one inexperienced tunic, two short-sleeve and two long-sleeve service blouses, two service skirts, one pair of service slacks, one blue gown skirt, one pair of blue gown slacks, and three units of service tapes.
The East Coast growth improves accessibility for pregnant Marine officers by offering well timed entry to important maternity uniforms at key installations, all with out including any additional monetary burden to the taxpayer. Apart from the monetary profit, this program additionally addresses the sensible challenges pregnant officers have lengthy confronted in uniform availability and consistency.
In line with Maj. Sanchez, “I used to be serving at Headquarters Marine Corps because the aide to Basic Glenn M. Walters, the ACMC on the time, throughout my first being pregnant. I usually discovered myself discussing the challenges we confronted as pregnant officers—having to pay out of pocket for uniforms that weren’t all the time out there. There have been numerous instances after I couldn’t match my boss in uniform as a result of sure maternity choices merely didn’t exist within the Marine Corps stock. It was a continuing reminder of the gaps we needed to navigate.”
Finally, the MUPP’s growth to incorporate key East Coast bases serves as a powerful sign of the workforce’s dedication to performing on suggestions from the fleet– a vital part of Power Design, the Corps’ strategic blueprint for modernization.
“We actively use the [Interactive Customer Evaluation] program to assemble suggestions from Marines on enhancements or considerations with the maternity uniform,” mentioned Ayala-Spivey. “This enter is crucial for shaping choices that have an effect on the readiness and functionality of the Future Power. As a part of our dedication to Power Design, it’s essential we acknowledge that Marines in a maternity standing are an important part of that future. Making certain they’ve the proper gear helps each speedy operational readiness and long-term sustainability of the pressure.”
To take part in this system, pregnant officers can schedule an appointment with East Coast CSP personnel by way of electronic mail or telephone, utilizing the POC info out there on the CSP web site. Members will then go to their respective Particular person Subject Facility (IIF) to strive on uniforms based mostly on their pre-pregnancy sizing, with changes made as wanted all through the course of their being pregnant.
Though the growth focuses on East Coast installations, pregnant Marines from different places—together with these OCONUS– can take part by contacting ana.ayala.civ@usmc.mil or william.j.wrightington.civ@usmc.mil.
By Johannes Schmidt, MCSC Workplace of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Methods Command
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