XBradTC

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XBradTC

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Army PR is the Worst PR.

Seriously. The Army thought this was the most important news to send out to the troops via its daily email newsletter.   Based on Secretary of the Army John McHugh-approved Army Directive 2015-37 Breastfeeding and Lactation Support Policy, effective Sept. 29, 2015, commanders will designate a private space with locking capabilities, an electrical outlet, and…

Seriously. The Army thought this was the most important news to send out to the troops via its daily email newsletter.

 

Based on Secretary of the Army John McHugh-approved Army Directive 2015-37 Breastfeeding and Lactation Support Policy, effective Sept. 29, 2015, commanders will designate a private space with locking capabilities, an electrical outlet, and access to a safe water source for Soldiers to express milk. If the designated space is within a restroom, it will be a fully enclosed, separate area designated for breastfeeding or expressing milk (i.e. not a bathroom stall). Army senior leaders expect commanders and Soldiers to collectively work to balance lactation support and readiness. The policy is not too prescriptive to afford commanders the flexibility to support the unique needs of women Soldiers who request breastfeeding and lactation support.

Source: U.S. Army STAND-TO! | Army Breastfeeding and Lactation Support Policy

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  1. JoshO

    Since when are troops allowed to bring any kids to work? This is retarded, we’d be better off chaptering out all the women than putting up and even encouraging with this kinda bullcrap.

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  2. ultimaratioregis

    So is breast feeding limited to infants only? Or can retirees get in on the deal?

    Liked by 1 person

  3. timactual

    I am really looking forward to seeing how this policy will be implemented for women in combat arms when they are in the field.

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  4. Casey Tompkins

    Oh, my stars and garters. I was certain this was another Duffleblog article. How depressing.

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  5. Mike Burke

    I have to disagree with some of the sentiments expressed here. I remember when all the Army single parents were men–this was in the early 1970s when I got commissioned. We used to have to accommodate them in some of the same ways as we have had to accommodate women single parents, but somehow the same practices that were OK for men were suddenly not OK for women. Second, we get grumpy about women breastfeeding, something only they can do–but we don’t get nearly as upset at the E3 who gets into a motorcycle accident, breaks his leg, and is out on profile for months going through rehab. Somehow that’s OK, when it is another voluntary activity–no soldier needs to be a motorcycle rider–but when women are involved, any short-term profile is the end of the Army–we start clutching whatever the male version of pearls are. We forget sometimes that we would not have a successful volunteer military without women, and we have to meet their needs in the same way we meet the needs of male soldiers. I spent three years in the Army DCSPER working on compensation and other personnel issues, and trust me, there are not enough quality men volunteering, so women have to take up the slack. Whether they should serve everywhere and do anything is another story– I admit I’m biased–I spent 27 years in, all in units with women in them, as well as gay and lesbian soldiers, including the Gulf War in an armored division, and my wife is a retired Army officer. I am glad to see some clarification of the breastfeeding rules because it will make life easier for everyone, men and women, commanders and soldiers. I will now hunker down and prepare for incoming.

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  6. xbradtc

    I’m not at all troubled by the policy. You make plenty of valid points on that front. It’s just that the Army’s daily Stand-To newsletter could be a much more useful tool. I’ve subscribed to it for years, and virtually every day, it’s completely useless to the vast majority of soldiers.

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  7. Mike Burke

    On that I think we both agree! I too have been subscribing for years, and it usually is a pretty big yawn.

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  8. LT Rusty

    Okay, so, I’ve got no problem with active duty soldiers breastfeeding, but … why are they doing it at work? Does the Army allow them to bring the baby to work?

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