“While there is no policy that addresses breastfeeding in uniform, Air Force spokesperson Captain Rose Richeson told MSNBC: "Airmen should be mindful of their dress and appearance and present a professional image at all times while in uniform." (Yahoo – Shine)Hiking up your BDU blouse and t-shirt and opening your bra in public like the young lady in the picture does not present a professional military image.
"People are comparing breastfeeding in uniform to urinating and defecating in uniform. They're comparing it to the woman who posed in "Playboy" in uniform [in 2007]" Scott told Yahoo! Shine in an interview. "We never expected it to be like this." (Yahoo – Shine)People who stir controversy with photos like this aren't advancing a cause, they are being provocative. They love stirring the pot and making martyrs of themselves.
The problem here is that it is not their uniform. The uniform and all it stands for belongs to the United States Air Force. They throw out the red herring about people comparing breast feeding to urination, defecation or having sex in uniform to detract from their poor military image. If there is an issue with the DoD not providing private facilities to breastfeed, then address it! But you don't do it by disrespecting the uniform and violating the rules.
The DoD sets policy of dress and appearance and standards of behavior while in uniform. For example, you can’t walk around with your shirt unbuttoned or your jacket open. You must wear a hat when outside. You also can’t be fat. Even details like umbrella use and how to carry things in your hands are regulated. All of these things detract from a professional appearance and tarnishes the image of the military.
Motherhood First
We don't need Zena the warrior goddess mommies. Our country is not in mortal danger where we need every last citizen manning the battle lines. If motherhood conflicts with military duties, one of them has to go, and it sure shouldn't be the baby.
A woman in the article talked about breastfeeding during a guard weekend. Should we be paying people to do that on military time? How much duty are you really pulling if you take your baby with you? Our military is becoming a European-style social program. We have maternity versions of Battle Dress Uniforms. Think about that. A pregnant woman dressed in combat camouflage. That same woman, rightly so, is also on a medical profile that prevents her from being ordered to dig holes, fill sandbags and perform other arduous field duties, but she’s being paid and she’s wearing the uniform. It don't make sense
Rush Limbaugh said it best: The mission of the military is to kill people and break things. I served with many outstanding women, and I am all for them being all they can be so long as serving does not conflict with their motherhood.
* - I am very pro-breastfeeding. Please see Breasts, Bucks and Bondage
