Transport or Shipment Reimbursement of Human Breast Milk Expenses During a Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
This MARADMIN announces reimbursement of up to $1,000 for expenses related to transporting or shipping human breast milk during PCS moves for active-duty nursing mothers within 12 months post-birth. Authorization must be included on PCS orders endorsement before expenses are incurred, and all receipts must be submitted with travel vouchers within five working days of completing PCS travel.
Issued: November 26, 2024
1. Purpose. To announce the reimbursement of expenses for transporting or shipping human breast milk expressed by the Service member during the travel periods of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. This is available for PCS travel occurring within 12 months post birth, which is consistent with Federal law. 2. Authorization. Reimbursement must be included on the PCS orders endorsement via the Marine Online Outbound Interview Module before any expenses are incurred. Installation Personnel Administration Centers (IPAC) should annotate the approval for the miscellaneous reimbursable expense (human breast milk) in the orders endorsement. For example, human breast milk transport and shipment authorized as a travel accommodation for a special need. This authorization is only applicable to active-duty nursing mothers and does not apply to military spouses. 3. Reimbursement Limits. Per reference (c), authorized expenses may be reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,000 per PCS, provided it is authorized in advance of travel on the PCS orders endorsement and accompanied by all valid receipts regardless of the amount. Eligible expenses may include the following: commercial shipping fees, disposable storage bags or non-durable containers, cold shipping packages, refrigeration, excess baggage fees, and dry ice or regular ice. Service members are ultimately responsible for arranging the transport or shipment of their human breast milk and for handling all related logistics. Expenses may not include the cost of a rental vehicle. 4. Unaccompanied Tours. This authority does not extend to nursing Service members during an unaccompanied tour. 5. Travel Voucher Submission. Service members must submit travel vouchers within five working days of completion of PCS travel. 6. Transport Guidelines. Authorized service members should consult the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/ breast-milk, for questions regarding transporting breast milk within carry-on baggage. 7. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force. 8. Release authorized by Brigadier General David R. Everly, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.