WASHINGTON –
On May 24, 2024, the Department of Defense approved a new policy to cover the transportation or shipment of breast milk for Service members during a Permanent Change of Station, or PCS. Service members who are breastfeeding their child up to 12 months old and who are on PCS can be reimbursed up to $1,000 for commercial shipping, excess baggage fees, and dry ice or regular ice.
This policy supports the Secretary of Defense’s “Taking Care of Our People” initiative by reducing a financial burden Service members historically incurred out-of-pocket.
Authorization must be included on the PCS orders prior to any expenses being incurred by the Service member. Receipts must be submitted for all expenses, regardless of the amount (the “$75.00 rule,” which allows most expenses to be claimed without receipt for amounts under $75.00, does not apply).
The new policy will be published in the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) on June 1, 2024. For more information, see the JTR.