Becoming an expectant parent brings many challenges. Getting maternity uniforms shouldn’t be one of them. Each year about 16,000 female Soldiers become pregnant and need clear, accurate information about how to get maternity uniforms. There are two Army maternity uniforms available for wear – the Maternity Utility Uniform (MUU) and the Army Service Uniform - Maternity (ASU-M) and each has a different way of being obtained. Here is a step-by-step guide that explains how to procure the MUU and/or the ASU-M, followed by answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to clarify this process. Click here to view a printable infographic associated with obtaining Army maternity uniforms processes.
MUU Process
1. A doctor at the local Military Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) must confirm your status and update your medical records with a pregnancy profile.
2. Your commander, who will have access to your updated medical records, will provide a signed memorandum authorizing the issuing and wearing of the MUU. (Click here to view a sample memo.)
3. After making an appointment with the local Central Issue Facility (CIF), take the signed memorandum and doctor certification to CIF. Expectant mothers are authorized three sets of uniforms for Active Duty Soldiers and two sets for National Guard and Reserve Soldiers, as per CTA 50-900. Sizes of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and the MUU may not be the same. If the correct size is not available, the CIF will order it and schedule a follow up appointment for pick- up. Units with OCIE Direct Ordering (ODO) can order the MUU and have it shipped to the unit. If at any time, the MUU size no longer fits properly, Soldiers may contact the CIF or ODO coordinator for a new size.
4. Post pregnancy, return the MUUs to the CIF or through the ODO process within 90 days of returning to duty to ensure the items are removed from the clothing record.
ASU-M Process
1. A doctor at the local military MTF, must confirm your status and update your medical record with a pregnancy profile.
2. While commissioned officers who require the ASU-M must purchase it, the uniform is available to issue for enlisted Soldiers using a DA Form 3078 “Personal Clothing Request” signed by the unit commander. Unit supply sergeants should:
a. Verify the current uniform price within the Army Military Clothing and Sales (AMCS).
b. Complete the DA Form 3078 in accordance with AR 700-84, paragraph 1–6p, for supplemental issue. Include the following statement in block 30 (remarks): “Issued as supplemental items as authorized by CTA 50–900 (Clothing and Individual Equipment)”
c. List all necessary components of the ASU-M that are required for duty.
d. Enclose a copy of the pregnancy profile.
e. Print an original and four copies of the DA Form 3078. The unit will retain a copy in the suspense file and the Soldier will receive a copy.
3. Enlisted Soldiers should take the signed DA Form 3078 to the local AAFES to get issued the required items listed on 3078, including the ASU-M.
4. Following pregnancy, the uniform issue is active for three years. If you have another pregnancy in the following three years, the Army will not issue a new ASU-M within that time. If the Soldier has another pregnancy more than three years later, she is authorized an additional supplemental issue of the ASU-M, and can obtain an addition ASU-M by repeating the above steps. The ASU-M, regardless of how long or often you use the uniform, does not need to be returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is authorized to be issued a Maternity Utility Uniform?
A1. Expectant mothers, both officer and enlisted, are authorized three sets of uniforms for Active Duty Soldiers and two sets for National Guard and Reserve Soldiers, as per CTA 50-900.
Q2. Who is authorized to be issued an Army Service Uniform-Maternity?
A2. All pregnant, enlisted Soldiers are authorized a supplemental issue of the ASU-M. Officers are ineligible to receive a supplemental issue, as they receive an initial Army-funded stipend upon commissioning and must procure all of their own uniforms.
Q3. When can I start wearing my maternity uniforms?
A3. Pregnant Soldiers may wear the maternity uniforms once the Soldier’s Army Combat Uniform (ACU) no longer fits properly. This will occur at different times for each woman and each pregnancy, but usually around the three-four month mark of pregnancy.
Q4. I’ve heard the maternity uniform has a giant collar, doesn’t fit well, and is in the old camouflage pattern. Is that true?
A4. The old Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) maternity uniforms are classified as obsolete and have been removed from CIF. If you have UCP maternity uniforms, please return them to your local CIF to clear your hand receipt and draw the new OCP maternity uniform, if required. Along with the pattern change, there was an update to the uniform design in 2016. It was designed to “to mirror the new ACU design to the fullest extent possible.” Also, to improve upon the previous design, which “lacked sufficient pockets,” the maternity jacket and trousers now include all of the standard pockets that the new ACU design incorporates.
Q5. Who do I return my MUU to if I PCS to a new installation during my pregnancy – the CIF at the installation that originally issued the MUU or the new installation?
A5. If you PCS during your pregnancy, communicate with your CIF that you will need to keep your issued MUU to transfer to your new duty assignment. Provide a memorandum for record from your commander indicating your pregnancy profile status, the dates of your move, and the new duty assignment. Once your pregnancy and maternity leave are complete, turn the MUU in to the CIF at your new duty location.
Q6. What happens if I never return my MUU?
A6. The MUU is accountable property on your OCIE clothing record. Like any item of OCIE when it is time to clear the CIF, you will have to provide the item or you will receive a statement of charges.
Q7. Is the process different for commissioned officers verses enlisted Soldiers for obtaining the MUU, like it is for obtaining the ASU-M?
A7. There is no difference in the issue process for obtaining the MUU.
Q8. I understand that as an enlisted Soldier I receive a supplemental issue of the ASU-M and am required to maintain the uniform for three years. What happens if I get pregnant again after those three years?
A8. Enlisted Soldiers receive a supplemental issue of the ASU-M and must maintain it for three years. If the Soldier has a pregnancy within the next three years, that Soldier will not receive a new ASU-M and should reuse the ASU-M already issued. If the Soldier has another pregnancy more than three years later, that Soldier is authorized an additional supplemental issue of the ASU-M. The process to receive it is unchanged.
Q9. I am a commissioned officer, and I understand that the process is different for obtaining the ASU-M when compared to what enlisted Soldiers are required to do. But, as a Commissioned Officer, how do I get the Army to reimburse me for purchasing the ASU-M?
A9. There is no reimbursement for officers who require the ASU-M. U.S. law currently states officers received an initial stipend upon commissioning and then must procure all of their own uniforms.
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