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New DOD Breast Milk Reimbursement Policy

The Defense Department has introduced a new policy that covers costs associated with shipping breast milk during permanent change of station (PCS) moves. This policy aims to support breastfeeding military parents by reimbursing up to $1,000 in expenses.  

Air Force Staff Sgt. Brent Rochette inspects the condition of shipped items at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. Photo by the DOD.  

Introduction

Military families often face unique challenges during relocations. The new Defense Department policy offers financial relief by covering breast milk shipping costs during PCS moves. This initiative aims to ease the burden on breastfeeding service members and their families, ensuring that they receive the support they need.  

Policy Details

The Defense Department’s new policy, published in the Joint Travel Regulations, reimburses up to $1,000 for breast milk shipping expenses. This reimbursement covers costs such as: - Dry ice - Commercial shipping fees - Excess baggage charges Federal law prohibits reimbursement for packaging and container expenses.   Impact on Military Families Christopher Woods, policy branch chief for the Defense Travel Management Office, emphasized the importance of this policy. "This allowance allows the breastfeeding service member to ship that milk back to the previous, permanent duty station where the dependents still are," Woods stated. This policy aims to support military families who often have to travel separately during PCS moves. Military families frequently incur significant costs to store and transport breast milk during moves. Whether it’s purchasing ice, dry ice, or special containers to keep the milk cold during long trips, these expenses can add up quickly. This policy change provides much-needed financial relief, ensuring that breastfeeding service members can maintain their routines without added stress.  

A woman filling in a claim form. Photo by Digits. Wikimedia.  

How to Claim Reimbursement

Service members seeking reimbursement must follow these steps: - Authorization: Obtain authorization included on PCS orders prior to incurring any expenses. - Claim Submission: Submit all receipts associated with the claimed expenses with the PCS voucher once the move is complete.   Reimbursement Process Step Description Authorization Include on PCS orders before incurring expenses Expense Tracking Keep all receipts for associated expenses Claim Submission Submit receipts with PCS voucher after move This process ensures transparency and proper use of funds, making it straightforward for service members to claim their reimbursements.  

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Christine Higgins and husband Jermaine Higgins use the lactation pod at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida. Photo by Deidre Smith, Navy. DOD.   Broader Implications The new policy aligns with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families" campaign. This initiative focuses on enhancing support for military personnel and their families through various measures, including: - Improving access to quality and affordable childcare - Easing the burdens of relocation According to Military OneSource, more than 400,000 service members change duty stations each year. This policy is part of a broader effort to address the unique challenges faced by military families during these frequent moves. Woods highlighted the department's ongoing commitment to improving the experiences of service members. "We're adapting to challenges and different circumstances in order to better support our workforce," Woods said. This includes recent policy changes to cover travel expenses for transporting pets during PCS moves.   Final Thoughts The Defense Department's new policy on breast milk shipping reimbursements is a significant step towards supporting military families. By alleviating the financial burden associated with shipping breast milk, the DOD is reinforcing its commitment to the well-being of its personnel. This policy not only supports breastfeeding service members but also aligns with broader efforts to improve the quality of life for all military families.   Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense. Read the full article