Maternity Uniforms
What I want to show you is that being pregnant is not infallible in BMT and that you will be given an army maternity uniform. This article is for women who are afraid to get into a situation like mine. There will be a lot about maternity army uniforms.
Advice at once: before you get pregnant, think of a military maternity uniform))
Ah, AirForce maternity uniforms! You’ll most likely have a love/hate relationship with them, for various reasons I’ll share below. At this point in my pregnancy, I’m twenty-two weeks along. I’ve been wearing a mix of maternity and normal uniform pieces, so I’ll share what I’ve learned so far about the army maternity uniform.
You’ll be issued maternity uniforms, or at least the basics to get you by. As soon as you learn that you’re pregnant, it’s best to see the clothing monitor in your orderly room, also known as the Commander’s Support Staff (CSS) office. When I learned of my pregnancy, I found out that budget constraints were making for long wait times. Better to put in your request on air force maternity uniform before you actually need them and can’t wear your normal uniforms anymore.
What I`m wearing: about maternity blues and maternity ABUs
I wear maternity ABUs. Even now I’m wearing maternity ABU trousers and my regular ABU top. All of my other items are non-maternity, including outer garments, cold weather gear, and sand t-shirts. I’ve had to wear the jumper for my Deserving Airman Commissioning Board when a service dress was required. I haven’t had to wear blues, since I’m not typically there on Blues Monday. Plus, now that the Space Command has put an end to Blues Monday, I’ll probably rarely wear them. That’s why I don’t need maternity blues.
Maternity cold-weather gear is non-existent.
Weaknesses of military maternity uniform
My biggest complaint is the lack of functionality in the maternity ABUs. It’s as though the designer viewed pregnant women as completely useless, even in the office. There are no hip pockets in the pants, only tiny pockets on the sides. The blouse has no breast pockets, just two small patch pockets in front. Neither garment has pen pockets. Absolutely ridiculous, especially when you figure that most pregnant women are going to be kept inside an office, doing administrative tasks during this time. As a Personnel, this is really frustrating to me, and this is why I’m holding onto my non-maternity top for as long as possible.
In conclusion about military maternity uniform
I’ve found that a positive attitude and smile goes a long way when sporting these uniforms. No one is going to look particularly attractive, so you may as well have fun with it! I owned that maternity jumper and it was a great conversation starter in my squadron. If I would’ve dwelled on the negative of military maternity uniform, I know that would’ve come across during my board, and potentially affected my confidence and outward appearance to the board members. Stay comfortable, Airman mommy, and rock those maternity uniforms!
BMT: Murphy's Law
4 Comments
Bikegirlsaid
You are looking fantastic! Even in the maternity uniforms! lol! I think they need a woman to redesign them so they are actually funtional to wear! Hope you have a merry christmas!
Active Duty Mommysaid
For active duty you can't get maternity clothing allowance every pregnancy…unfortunately. It's only allowed every 3 years and obviously can't apply for it unless pregnant. Good info you put together! -Active Duty Mommy of 2…1 on the way!
Erinsaid
@Active Duty Mommy – Thanks for clarifying for my AD mommies! Congrats on your pregnancy!
Brooke Savagesaid
I went to military clothing issue and they recommended I order my maternity uniform 2 sizes larger than my regular uniform size. Does anyone know if this information is accurate or not?