The Navy has announced that it's expanding its already existing maternity uniform program to give sailors more input in choosing uniforms that best suit their workplace.
In an administrative message, the service announced that sailors will be able to choose from four different "sea bag options" that contain varying ratios of utility, work and dress uniforms. The change comes as the Navy hopes to double participation in the program this year -- up to 800 sailors.
The update allows sailors the opportunity to choose uniforms that match their "daily duties and individual command uniform requirements," the message said.
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The Navy first launched the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program in 2022 with the idea of offering sailors maternity uniforms, tailored to fit, at no cost for the length of their pregnancy. They are then returned to the service once they are no longer needed.
In exchange, sailors in the program forgo a maternity clothing allowance.
According to the website for the program, it is open to active-duty and reserve officers and enlisted who are assigned to commands inside and outside the U.S. But sailors need permission from their commands to participate.
The Marine Corps launched a similar program for officers the same year.
In its message, the Navy said that more than 850 sailors have participated in the pilot to date -- each receiving one of each type of maternity uniform and a cardigan sweater.
Now, sailors still maintain that option but can also choose a "waterfront option" that comes with two working uniforms, one service uniform, and one type of dress uniform, along with the sweater.
There are also two "ashore staff" options that forgo some or all of the working uniform in exchange for more working or dress uniforms.
"Participants will also have the option to update their selection if uniform requirements change as directed by their command," the message explained.
According to the Navy's website, the program is set to run through Sept. 30, 2026.
-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.
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