In a bid to support working mothers, the U.S. Coast Guard has introduced a new initiative that reimburses shipping costs for breast milk sent home. This program aims to alleviate some financial stress for new moms juggling their duties at work and breastfeeding.
Active-duty members wishing to send their breast milk to their infants can now receive up to $750 annually for shipping expenses. This initiative was developed in response to insights gathered from the Women’s Retention Study and Holistic Analysis, aligning with the Commandant’s Strategic Intent to bolster support programs for a mission-ready workforce. The studies highlighted challenges that women face in the military, particularly regarding retention and the unique hurdles for mothers.
“While the Coast Guard has one of the highest retention rates among military branches, we recognize there’s room for improvement,” stated Admiral Michael Sampson, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard. “This initiative is a crucial part of our efforts to create a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the society we serve.”
This program extends to all active-duty personnel, including Public Health Service officers, U.S. Navy chaplains attached to the Coast Guard, Reservists on Active Duty for Operational Support, and their spouses, as well as civilian employees.
Research from the RAND Corporation indicates that women leave active-duty positions at a significantly higher rate than their male counterparts. For instance, retention rates for men are about 5.6% higher at the five-year mark, and this gap widens to 13% at nearly 20 years of service. Factors contributing to these disparities include the challenges of extended deployments, childbirth, breastfeeding, and the societal expectations placed on mothers as primary caregivers.
Although this reimbursement initiative is not a comprehensive solution to all issues facing women in the military, it represents a positive step toward addressing some of the unique challenges that working moms encounter. Eligible members can apply for reimbursement after any absence exceeding 72 hours. For those away for more than 60 days, a family member may submit the application on their behalf.
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In summary, the U.S. Coast Guard’s new program to cover breast milk shipping costs is a commendable effort to support working mothers in the military. By addressing some of the unique challenges faced by moms on duty, this initiative helps foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all service members.