Military Moms Breastfeeding in Uniform Stir Controversy

[Darthphere]

Originally Posted by chamber-music

Breasts are not seen as a sexual thing everywhere which is why those tribal women in Africa and South America walk around topless as breasts are not seen as sexual.

In Europe many women on beaches go topless and most people don't care.

Mens penises are not used to feed people so comparing it with breastfeeding is ridiculous

You sure about that?


I should have used a different smiley.

[Darthphere]

Like I said earlier, I find it annoying. I'm not calling for a ban on it or anything, babies gotta eat and all that. But I'm not offended or disgusted by it, just annoyed.

For some backstory, I work in retail and can't tell you how many times I'm ringing a woman up and they have their baby just there sucking away. I mean, lets use some common sense. Go sit on a bench and do that.

[Quasimod0]

I would rather not see people breast feeding in public. Maybe that's just me.

[PemLam]

Originally Posted by roach

unless you want to go in your pants you do

Like I said there are strict rules for the uniform. The one the women are wearing is only for on base work....you are not allowed to go off base in it....with the exception of going home. Its not a uniform to be hanging around outside in.

Your comment about not wearing the ABU's off base, except for going home is wrong. I spent 20+ years in the AF and ABU's (Airman Battle Uniforms) can be worn on or off base, to include shopping, short excursions, eating establishments, etc. (You can even travel via commercial air in them now if on official duty.) Perhaps the rules are different in the Navy (though I've seen plenty of USN personnel out and about in their utilities as well). AFI 36-2903 is very clear on when and where ABU's can and cannot be worn.

As for the pic of the two Airmen, I understand the need/desire to breastfeed and typically have no issue with it (except in a few circumstances) but in this case, it appears the photo is staged and in that case, what they are doing IS wrong. Not because they're breastfeeding, but because they are using the uniform to make a statement...something that is strictly against the rules. The military will come down harshly on anyone that uses the uniform in any kind of campaign, whether it be political, religious, ideological, what have you.

**Stepping off my soapbox now.