I know I’m going to open a major can of worms with this one. But here goes: there is a fair amount of hoopla going on over a photo taken of two female service members breast feeding their children while in uniform. You can read the whole story and see the photos here. But like my friend Amy says, once you see them, you can’t un-see those images—so be warned.
I am all for breast feeding. I have had two children and breast fed both. I never felt the military was impeding on my ability to nourish my child. In fact, I met one of my dearest friends in the bathroom during an indoc course as we were both furiously pumping full breasts for our daughters who were born about the same time.
But this picture/story irks me for a couple reasons. I don’t like the “I’m an underdog just trying to feed my baby” theme going on here. It’s the old ‘boys against girls’ mentality and this picture is akin to posting a “no boys allowed” sign on the clubhouse door. A sentiment which does nothing for equality since basically we’re highlighting a difference and saying everyone has to support this because it’s about women and it’s politically correct. I’m not saying don’t breast feed, just don’t do it in front of everyone and then act surprised when they single you out or react strongly to it.
Number two, I adhere to the notion that when you are in uniform you are in uniform. Not half out of it, not exposing your breasts even if it is for a good cause like the nourishment of your young one. Now, perhaps these two women don’t sit outside on a park bench and nurse every day but the photo makes it seem that way and to me, they are out of uniform. Sorry, but disrobing in any degree warrants seeking out a place with a modicum of privacy.
And finally, I agree with the female Marine quoted in the comments section who said many women have worked hard over the last many years to get our male counterparts to see us as fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. “I do not want them to have the mental image of a babe at my breast. I want them to only see me as a Marine,” she said.
I think there are just some lines you don’t cross. Showing your breast partially and while feeding your child come down on the “too much” side for me but I know others may think differently.
Sound off readers. What do you think of the picture?
Comments
I was extremely offended by the photos. As a retired female CPO, it is a slap in the face to all the women who have worked long and hard to be accepted by their male counterparts. The two women are out of uniform by showing their breasts in public.
"……………it is a slap in the face to all the women who have worked long and hard to be accepted by their male counterparts…."
Thank you. I had heartburn when they decided it was perfectly okay to be pregnant and on active duty
and now this.
What comes next?
So your saying that since I decided to start a family, I should no longer be active duty? This isn't the 1950's ok. Women can work and raise a family. Please get ot the 21st century.
The military is not just a job. I chose to get out when my enlistment term was over, because I couldn't fathom being separated from my future children for repeated 15 month tours. To say nothing of the limit of 6 weeks of maternity leave, the long hours, frequent TDYs and field time, and frequent exposure to solvents and other chemicals. However, that's my call. Yours may be different. If you have a good support system – close family or friends who can help you when you are away, then it is workable, though not easy, to stay Active Duty. I'm not sure dual military families are good for kids though. Not in a time of war…. :S
This is another example of the single parenting epidemic that Our Military is saturated with by these political Social Engineers! Then only fix for this epidemic is release form active duty and from Reserve and Guard Duty as well! OUT OF THE MILITARY at all costs!!!! Is there no end to the disrespect and disgrace to Our uniforms? I am a firm believer of Breast Feeding infants by mothers….Most healthful method for feeding a baby! But not in a military uniform! Sorry, but I would never compromise on this subject…. Why not breast feed babies in Senate Chambers and House of Representatives Chambers at anytime? A special time, and a special place, for everything
Steve I agree but a bit much to get out! I agree that the pic is uncalled for! Breast feeding is a natural thing but come on there are certain things that you do not do in uniform its just respect of the uniform to the men and women who gave their lives for it that’s just wrong image!
Terrific. Just terrific. There IS nothing wrong with breast feeding or pregnancy but IMO there IS in unform
Sorry for all you bleeding hearts out there……..I am diametrically opposed to pregnant soldiers, sailors and marines and equally so when it comes to breast feeding
It may be perfectly okay in the work world but NOT in the military
You want a family etc. then leave the military and have all the kids and do all the breast feeding you
want.
Finally, when you are called up, don't whine 'my obligation to my family is. . . . '
I saw that happen when they were called in Desert Storm……………some were married to military
What if daddy and mommy had not been there to take the kids?
I think this is the dumbest thing a woman has ever said. Seriously, female soldiers can not have kids because of being in the service. Thats sad you would say that…by you saying that YOU have set female soldiers back ages. Should women has less rights in the service as well? Woman should just forget being human and want to start a family and should just be alone for the rest of their lives? Us men soldiers do not have to…so i guess that would make you sexist. You need a hug honey…please find someone to give you that hug.
I think it is derogatory and the female soldiers should be charged with indecent exposure in public and given an Article 15, and if they hold any rank at all, they should be demoted to Private. If the soldiers who looted the Walmart store after the 2011 Tornado hit Joplin can be demoted for picking up trash, then these women can also be demoted for indecent exposure and improper care and wear of the military uniform. AR600 says that the uniform should be worn properly and in order.
Connie – you are right on target but in this era of political correctness the service will do nothing and women will continue to be taken less seriously because of these bozos! Sorry for the rant.
I personally think they should be kicked out of the military because they obviously are clueless! They might need to be drug tested also because they must be on crack.
2 things, They are Air Force, so its AFI 36-2903. And it is not indecent exposure. I will admit I just found this blog and haven't had the time to go through every yet, but if the AF does not take all these harsh actions against a TI in Playboy, why do it with these two?
As a guy in an all male careerfield I don’t care. They’re trying to make something out of nothing. We’ve got a handful of females in my unit and none of them have had a problem pumping. They go in an office shut the door and pump away. I just really don’t care.
THANK YOU!!!
Yes agreed thank you!
Agreed
I believe most women (and men) are opposed to public breast feeding – in or out of uniform. After 28 years Army service, I retired in 1989 – so we didn't see these sorts of things then. Uniform regs are uniform regs. If you don't like the regs, you can always get out of service – that point seems to have escaped these two female soldiers publicly (and proudly) breast feeding their babies. Following my Army service, I worked in a law firm for another 18 years. No uniforms there — and there was also NO public breast feeding in the office. Get a pump ladies. Get behind closed doors. No one enjoys seeing you feed your baby, even though it is the natural act of nutrition by mothers. But, then again, I'm probably just an old dinosaur.
Bob,
I'm a 22 year old single, childless woman in the military. You aren't a dinosaur for thinking this, because I feel the same way!
Funny Bob…. I am pretty sure that pooping is an act of nature too but it is illegal to poop in a park for all the world to see. They obviously have no respect for their jobs, thus the uniforms they wear or the country they support. This may be ok in a third world country but last I checked the U.S. was not one of them and we do have modern facilities for "natural acts" like that…….I agree that they should be disciplined for their disrespect to women, the military and our country!!
As a female and mother in the military I found the pic offensive. I am not against breast feeding, but it is the MILITARY. I believe that they have the right to breast feed privately, however, the image will forever be burned in my brain and keep me of ever thinking of them as professionals. They apparently are clueless and haven't the slightest inkling that they are in the military. I never once thought to flop out a boob at work, in public or in uniform.These 2 clowns should not be in the military and give the rest of us a bad name. These are the same females who will get "offended" because a man dared look at their breasts and then file a sexual harassment claim. It might be a good idea to get a job in the civilian sector and go work at a topless bar.
Dene
As the wife of a retired Navy man, in his military days, you would have never seen this. When I saw the picture of the two nursing mothers, I had mixed feeling about it. Nothing is more natural than brestfeeding you child, but could they not have found a private place to nurse the babies? I think the Uniform is sacred, like the flag, and should not be dishonoured.
Dang it, Maggie, you beat me to it!
I am not a mother, but I am a service woman. I'm all for women's equality and rights, but breast feeding while in uniform in public? No. Just no. On so many different levels, no.
You can be proud of breast feeding your child. I'm all for that. Kudos. But if you're going to do it, respect the uniform. Go somewhere behind closed doors and do it. The women in the articles even state that they go behind closed doors to pump. Why is breast feeding any different?
Let me put this into perspective: a female service member is at medical with her child, waiting to be seen. Several male members are present and waiting. She pops up her top, and begins to breast feed her child. The child, when finished, unlatches, and her entire breast is exposed. Several of the male service members witness this.
First off, I know most women usually cover themselves and their child with a blanket while breast feeding to prevent this kind of thing. But accidents do happen and things can slip. How, pray tell, is that not indecent exposure? And how is it also not borderline sexual harassment? When I expressed this view to my child rearing friends, several of them got huffy and told me that I, a childless service member, "just don't get it". When I asked for an explanation, they were unable to give it.
I feel a policy needs to be put into place that if a woman wants to breast feed in uniform, it needs to be behind closed doors. It is inappropriate, indecent and should not be tolerated. Same goes with pumping. I don't have a problem with mothers being in the military. They have a right to serve as well, so long as they don't let their families interfere with their career (because Uncle Same comes first).
Respect the uniform. Respect that you are representing the rest of us who have fought so hard to be considered equals by our male counterparts. Respect yourself enough to not be indecent around your brothers and sisters in arms. Breast feeding is something to be proud of, yes. But do not disrespect the rest of us by misusing that right.
“I feel a policy needs to be put into place that if a woman wants to breast feed in uniform”
A policy is already in place it states that” all members of the armed forces while in uniform will carry themselves with proper military bearing”; uniform regulations clearly defines what proper military bearing is. Having your blouse unbutton and your t-shirt pulled up around your neck exposing your bare breast no matter the reason is hardly proper military bearing. These two airman should be reprimanded they have clearly lost their minds.
What'd you expect? They're AIRFORCE! ;)
THANK YOU! You beat me too it!
The Air Force started to go to hell when they allowed men in the AF use to umbrellas while in uniform, and allow WAF's to wear ear rings while in uniform ,it has gone down hill in a hand basket since then! I'm glad I retired in 1980!
I was thinking the same thing! :)
Ya Army guy is not the branch jerk and yes I am against it! Air Force married to Army! Believe you are just pigheaded
Ya Army guy is not the branch and yes I am against it! Air Force married to Army! Believe you are just pigheaded
Rightly so, there should be an uproar. Too many people today has turned our military into an extension of the social civvie life when it's far from that. Do what you want OUT OF UNIFORM.
Please! This is just another group of people looking for 15 min of fame! Check their records for breast feeding and you'll find no public demonstration until that Time cover with the psycotic mom and her 7 year old! Breast feeding should NOT be a public viewing like a guy playing guitar on the sidewalk. Both my kids were breastfed by a concentious mom(wife) who fed them without a crowd. Can I take a leak in public? NO! But it's just another normal body function. Any military person who is allowed to bring their kids to work is in the wrong unit! The commanders need to get requalified in leadership and the soldiers need to be reeducated on military duties. If you want out of uniform then QUIT! It is a volunteer military there is no draft especialy for woment!
I DON'T CARE, if they breastfeed in public, in private, who cares and why should I impose my views on someone else. Should they cahnge just to breastfeed for Christ sakes? And as a guy in the service in an all male MOS. I enjoy it more chance for me to catch a glimpse. More power to them. I say we should throw away gender and make everyone equal. Women want the same rights as men and want the same rights as women. We take showers and use the bathroom together, that's equality. No special treatment, you want gays in the military, great who cares if they like the same sex, put us all together so it can be equal. make love not war…
I'm thinking you enjoyed the movie "Starship Troopers".
At least they have nice racks
Unbelievable! I have no problem with women breast feeding their children. After all, it is a natural act, HOWEVER, the photos are degrading to the uniform!! As for an Article 15, that's going to be an interesting task.
This is an obvious attempt at getting the15 minutes of fame they think they deserve. Now ladies, please go somewhere private and feed, milk, pump, whatever.
DO NOT DEGRADE THE UNIFORM!!!!
Now, on the lighter side, as a former C-130 Tac Loadmaster, I can imagine this:
"Pilot to crew, abort drop, abort, abort, abort!"
"The Naviguesser needs to RTB to pump excess lactate"
"Pilot to Loadmaster, recalc for landing weight and moments".
"Loadmaster to pilot, WTF Over!"
Dave lol! That was great!
Dave lol! That was great! How true or how about please stop shooting breast are lactating
You people seriously disgust me. To state a woman should be taken off active duty for starting a family is disgusting. Yes, I understand we have to do things diffrently than most for a few months, but we shouldn't be punished for something we don't have control over. Meaning: If a male service member started a family with his partner, he gets patted on the back, and with a female we are automatcally accused of getting pregnant on purpose so we do less work. It is disgusting how many chauvinistic pigs are STILL around.
Yea as a military spouse…they should be kicked to the curb. Not for starting a family, or for breastfeeding, but for disrespecting their uniform and for using it as a TOOL to promote a non military agenda for a private group of people.
Oh sorry Sara and guest good thing we wear boots bc that crap is deep I was a single mom due to death by the air force no don’t kick them out I never was as a single mom but there is a time and place for it at least cover up! I am sure u liked the Time mag cover too!
Women have no control over getting pregnant? Now whose operating with blinders Sara? Never heard of the Pill, a diaphragm, Norplant, IUD, condoms, etc? As a retired Master Chief I can tell you of the damage this causes a Navy command is significant. For months we train and work diligently to become a team, each member depending on the others to do their part. We do so with the understanding that we will deploy to dangerous operations as well as leave our homes and loved ones behind. When a female member of that team announces at the last minute that she will not be going on deployment because she just got pregnant, the entire team suffers. She made a decision to, by her actions, remove herself from the team and remain at home with family and friends etc. No, we cannot get a replacement with such short notice but even if we could, there is the issue of training and team integration. Pregnancy is not an illness; unlike the flue or a cold… it doesn't just happen. It is the result of a deliberate action. If you have committed to be a team member than your off duty behavior should not contradict or threaten your team commitment. If you absolutely cannot resist the urge to procreate – fine, that's how we all got here anyway, just time it to not interfere with the team or at least wait until shore duty rotation or your enlistment is up and do not re-enlist. (of course who would get out to have a baby when staying in will cover all medical costs, despite the negative impact on the team).
Finally, America needs to get over her obsession and prudish behavior about the female breast. They are functioning organs designed to feed a child. That we elevate these to sexual apparatus is ludicrous. However, ladies, get a clue. Most men are (genetically designed to ) get slightly excited about a naked breast. Again, is your insistence on doing YOUR thing, even when contrary to the good order and discipline of the unit, so important to you? I'm fairly certain your baby would prefer a quite, private location to feed anyway.
Now turn-to, and get back to work!
5 out of 10 female soldiers (married and single(sometimes with unknown father)) were not deployed in my BDE due to pregnancy, that's pretty high don't you think. So, it's affecting the military readiness as a whole.
believe me you. the main target is to demoralize and bring down the armed forces. they could care less about their team. they are not team players. they do what they want to do because they let them get away with it. they play the politically correct cards by the book.
I am all for breast feeding, but when they signed that contract, it is a matter of appearance first. So I say feed or pump in private..At any minute you might be called on to be the military person that you are, so always look like it in public.
I also find these photos to be a little on the "c'mon really" side. I have never ever seen a female on active duty do this or even think about this because they just know its not a good idea. A lot of reserve personel have been in the news as of late for doing things outside of the norm while in uniform, who is training these folks?
The only thing better about this story qould be that they are both gay, married to each other, with their in vitro fertilized children at their breasts. Complaining, of course how they get no respect and have been denied attendance to Air Commando training. Go figure, another look at me i am special moment.
Question for breastfeeders in puplic and in uniform. Senior officer walks by do you drop baby leave breast uncover and salute?
A time and place for everything, RESPECT THE UNIFORM AND BREAST FEED IN PRIVATE.
Personally, women breastfeeding out in the open don't bother me. I've been around my female relatives doing it around home, so it just doesn't strike me as out of the ordinary. However, taking along a shawl to cover up while you nurse in public is a matter of common courtesy, and consideration of other people's modesty. Not everyone grows up around nursing women.
And in uniform, yeah, definitely use a subdued color shawl and cover up while you nurse. Being half out of uniform is not acceptable. I'd think one of those shemaghs you picked up in Iraq or Afghanistan would do the trick nicely. :)
Just another example of the slow but steady watering down process of the US Military and the implementation of political correctness at all costs….
Ranger School Milk Pumpers next….WTF?
Amen. How right you are !
The breastfeeding is not the problem, the breastfeeding in uniform is. There is no way in hell you would see a female Marine in Dress Blues (or any other uniform for that matter) in public breastfeeding. What the hell is the point of this? And whatever happened to discretion? I have never seen ANYONE with breast exposed breasfteeding in public. I mean damn!! I was appalled. What next, firefighters, cops, CEO's of companies following suit? Sorry ladies, only women in Hollywood can get away with acts like that. That picture so sooo unprofessional, and it pissed me the hell off. Thanks for setting us back ladies.
First, the photo was staged to show that breast feeding mothers are in the military too. As mentioned in the article, these women do not do this in 'public' areas but try to find a place to do this with discretion.
Why is American society so obsessed with boobs? They are glands that all of us have, they just 'develop' a bit more in women. Women fought long and hard to take a vital role in the military and now men's focus on their breasts is creating a 'tempest in a tea pot.' Take a chill pill dude!
Because..she is showing her breast!! Someone on here even commented on her rack. Men are not seeing her breast as a food source for her kids, but as a sexual object, even with two kids attached to them. There are some things you just don't do and this is one of them. Every time she gives her subordinates an order, if they have seen this photo, guess what they will be thinking of? How professional is that? She is shocked by the backlash? What world is she, (and her friend) living in?
This is, in my not so humble opinion, not disprespecting any uniform. A simple fact of life, resulting in the usual uproar by those who are far too easily offended. Semper Fi.
Such immaturity and hatred from many of the posters here. One comment, grow up!! Women show more at the base pool in a bikini..so indecent exposure….really??? Get over yourself! Throw them out of the military? Good grief. Are you people for real or just trolling? For those "appaled, " "offended," "disgusted," I find you equally repulsive for your vitriol toward these moms. As this pic was staged, do you normally see mom's breast-feeding like this around base? Around town? No, you don't, they do practice modesty, so take your hate-filled mantras (Carrie S) and get a life! What world are you living in that a breast so traumatizes you that you seem to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown over this? Do everyone a favor, take your meds and relax….
Why are we even having this conversation? Women should not be serving period! Their presence creates uncomfortable situations and often sexual harassment charges follow suit and it need not be. Its not like we are truly in need of women service members. They are only filling a quota because of a political agenda. The Marines are about to put women into the infantry? Why? Are we really hurting for male volunteers? Maybe 1 of 100 can compete or even 10 of 100, eventually a number, out of the blue, will be created and regardless of ability that will be required. I have seen it happen and so have you. FYI my wife is in aggreement and so are many others who are silent because of the PC police. Lastly, Black Male service members are not the same as women.
“FYI my wife is in agreement” No one even cares what you think much less your brain washed wife.
“Lastly, Black Male service members are not the same as women.” That’s not what the racist at the time had to say about black men; I guess that makes you and improvement over them.
Apparently you do, seeing as though you took the time to reply. It was my wife who brought it up, not me.
The second comment was referring to the fact that many people enjoy lumping the plight of Black's to the same plight as all other military minorities.
Absolutely correct, AD Marine, and thank you for your service and for sounding off. It's absolutely stupid to equate a person's skin color (something which cannot be controlled) versus the deviant sexual behavior of gays and the physically biological weakness of the female. It's comparing apples and oranges. The inception of women into the military has complicated matters tremendously and has expedited the deterioration of a once noble institution.
It's actually very interesting to me the difference between military mothers and non-military mothers being highlighted here. As women we want the respect of men as equals. Does that mean hiding what makes us different? Men in the military would be considered out of uniform if they removed their shirts to their bare chest, as they do but this is somehow worse and more out of uniform? I am not a mother nor in the military but I support a woman's right to both serve and feed her child. The war between women needs to stop. We need to be strong together and stop ripping each other apart.
Not in uniform.
The picture made me blink a million times and then try and stop from getting sick. And I mean SICK! How frichen’ disgusting and degrading. I work for hard to be treated as an equal and then these women want to sit on a park bench and shove their ***** out in public, while in a military uniform, and breastfeed- and say it is ok?!?!?! You cannot even have earrings and long hair in uniform! How in the world is it ok to undress (lift a shirt, stick out a breast, or two, and allow your breasts to hand while having a child stuck to it? Are we cave women again? Let’s get struck in the head with a stick and drug across the field to be slaves for our men, too. In uniform, of course! I want people to respect me in the workplace. Sure I am a mother and breastfeeding is natural. But so are bowel movements. Should we do those in public as well?
Let’s get real! The women who choose to do this must be punished according to the rules and regulations set forth by the military organization they chose to be a member of. In the meantime, as proud as I was to breastfeed, I will wear my uniform TO THE STANDARD!!! Because I do not want preferential treatment. I want to just be a soldier! HOOAH!
What happens when a pregnant member in uniform goes into emergency labor. What uniform was she supposed to be in, so as not to offend you. Guess the position she will be in when she goes into labor. OMG she is in uniform, special requirement for T-Shirts and a bra’s. What uniform do you need to be in to die for your country, car crash or in childbirth. She is a woman, it is normal. I agree some form of being discreet to avoid the stares while in the office. Although it is normal, a fact of life. Military or civilian’s having problems with seeing a picture or a women breastfeeding then question her professionalism. That is your problem not hers, it is a matter of maturity, your lack of maturity level to handle a picture of a child being fed. If you can’t handle the visual picture in your head, then look away. Milk did not always come from a bottle, box or that fact a cow. What did you suck on as a child, was it real or plastic. Do you portray your mother to be some kind hussy for she may of breast fed you. What difference does a uniform have to do with it. Grow up people!
Milk and fried chicken. Now, that's an idea! Mmmmmmmm… Or should we include whole milk as part of the colonel's secret recipe? Along with the herbs and spices.
So, I didn't read all the posts, got the general theme… Back in my day this type of thing never would have happened… Blah Blah Blah. A lot of things didn't happen back in the day that should have! That is the core of forward motion, of progress. These women made a statement and that was the point. Most people miss the subtleties and need a good swift kick in the A** to wake up– Consider yourselves awake and present. Take a look at what is going on around us, we are breaking stereotypes — Women have been changing and making progress and breaking down barriers and we will continue… It is time to encourage our sons to do the same. Ask yourself what is the measure of a successful man? Has it changed in the passed 50 years? Now ask yourself what is the measure of a successful woman? Has it changed it the past 50 years?
I'm guessing if you saw a woman feeding artificial formula to her child from a bottle while in uniform, there would be no outrage. But the fact that a women in the military goes the extra effort to breastfeed in a natural way? Kuddos. I breastfed my child for a year…never in uniform, and sometimes having to pump sitting on the bathroom floor. Poor judgement, I would never want my fellow soldier/sailor/Marine/Airman to see my breasts but this whole photo shoot was completely staged. Real miltary women don't always get enough time off to bond, breastfeed or even care for their babies…they march off to do their duty and miss out on baby milestones, just like real military men. Parenting in the military is tough. Don't make it tougher for moms who choose to breastfeed.
I understand the need to breast feed andsupport womens need to do it in public. However, it should not be allowed in uniform simply because it is not the proper wear of the uniform.
who cares its not that serious
I am a military mom of two girls, academy graduate, multiple-tour combat vet, give the Army everything I can possibly give and try to maintain what I believe is best for my girls as well. I breastfed my first daughter for 15 months (she's 2 1/2 now) and I'm still breastfeeding my second daughter now (she just hit 7 months). I do this so they can have the best possible headstart in life that I can give them. I work, so I'm not with them as much as I would like to be (and yes, I am aware that is my decision), so I pump about 6-8 times during the day so she won't need to have any formula and so she can be healthy.
Breastfeeding is better for all of us- children that are breastfed are generally healthier and do not go to the doctor as often, and women that breastfeed reap health benefits as well. A healthier population affects everyone. I personally would not breastfeed my daughter in public. I won't even pump in public view. That's just me.
There are an incredible lack of pumping facilities across the nation, however, and I believe that is due to our lack of awareness and consideration for this natural function. I have had to pump while standing and holding my pumping bag in numerous bathroom stalls around the nation, pump in airplane bathrooms, pump in parking lots of places I knew had nowhere else for me to pump, pump in storage closets, etc. That disgusts me but I do the best that I can.
Before my blog/comment, there were 70 or so comments about this topic, so if nothing else, the photos they took generated some good discussion (and some ridiculous discussion, but discussion nevertheless) about a topic that is pretty taboo. If it generates discussion around the country and raises awareness, I think that is a positive thing.
We can argue all day that this is a uniform issue, and that was my initial reaction as well. However, if men played basketball on a court and took their shirts off, would we be so mad at them and talking about indecent exposure? I think we should address the outrage appropriately. It makes people queasy to see women breastfeeding. It makes some people queasy still to see women in the military. (It saddens me that some folks still do not recognize the capabilities different people can bring to the table, like women or minorities, but that's not my problem, it's theirs). It makes some people queasy to see women in the military breastfeeding. Got it.
The photos shocked me as well, and I could never see myself doing what those women did, but you have to admit that it took guts. When you look at the reasoning behind the photos, I think that might be more important than what we're arguing about here. Our culture (although others see us as quite promiscuous), is also conservative in some respects. Although breastfeeding is much more accepted in other cultures than our own, Americans still get a little queasy overall if a woman breastfeeds in public. I imagine people still get queasy when they see men holding hands or kissing, or women for that matter. However, society is changing. People have very strong feelings about that, and that's okay and to be expected. What that women on the cover of Time did and what these women in uniform did is undoubtedly bringing this natural function to the forefront of people's minds.
I think over time, as our society shifts and changes, those perspectives may change as well. Or not. The beautiful thing is that we live in America and can have any opinion we desire. We can also do mostly everything we want to do, which includes breastfeeding, or being mad about people/servicemembers breastfeeding. No matter what side you subscribe to though, I hope you can appreciate the larger picture of what people do or why they do it, even if it makes folks upset.
As a Major in the U.S. Army and a breastfeeding mother of a 10 month old baby girl, I am appalled by the photo of two Air Force women breastfeeding in public. There are rules and regulations that say I can't walk and talk on my cell phone while I am in uniform. I follow them. There are also rules and regulations that say I must be in the proper uniform at all times. That means I can't breastfeed my daughter in uniform in public – and I don't. It's unprofessional.
It all comes down to rules and regulations – we must follow them. It's that simple. What those two Air Force women did was inappropriate.
Considering that most people who commented here are concerned about the degradation of the uniform, one would think there would be a huge uproar about all the rape that happens in all arms of the military that goes unpunished. If you want the military and the uniform to be associated with honor get off your lazy, cowardly duffs and make the so called men in the military show up and be real men and honorable human beings instead of subhuman pigs we are better off without.