MARADMIN 574/24 - Transport or Shipment Reimbursement of Human Breast Milk Expenses During a Permanent Change of Station

Scope

MARADMIN 574/24 publishes the implementation details for transport or shipment reimbursement of human breast milk expenses during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Eligible Service Members receive up to $1,000 reimbursement per PCS. The message implements Section 626 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 and is effective immediately upon publication on 2024-11-26. Applicability is the Marine Corps Total Force.

Audience

• Active duty Service Members who have given birth within the prior 12 months and are executing PCS. Eligible.
• S-1 staff and Defense Travel Administrators. Endorse PCS orders and process vouchers.
• Disbursing officers. Pay reimbursement claims.
• Commanders. Brief the entitlement during PCS counseling.

Reimbursement rules

• The cap is $1,000 per PCS. The cap covers total shipment-related expenses, not a per-shipment amount.
• Eligible expenses include commercial shipping fees, disposable storage bags, cold shipping packages, refrigeration, excess baggage fees, and dry ice or ice.
• The reimbursement covers shipping expressed human breast milk from the Marine's PCS travel location to a designated recipient, typically the dependent infant at a separate location during the move.
• The reimbursement does not extend to unaccompanied tours. Unaccompanied OCONUS tours and dependent-restricted assignments fall outside the framework.
• Authorization flows through the PCS orders endorsement via the MOL Outbound Interview Module. The Marine secures the endorsement before reimbursement processing.
• The Marine submits the voucher through DTS within 5 working days of the completed shipment. The window starts the day the shipment is delivered.
• JTR Chapter 2, Table 2-24, Item 20 carries the entitlement.

Connection to higher policy

• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328) Section 626. Statutory authority.
• Joint Travel Regulations, Chapter 2, Table 2-24, Item 20.
• Title 37 U.S.C. Pay and allowances framework.

Connection to Marine Corps doctrine

• MARADMIN 573/24. Taking Care of People (TCOP) Program Initiatives Overview. Companion overview summarizing this reimbursement among seven CY24 initiatives.
• MARADMIN 537/24. Travel Reimbursement for a Designated Person to Provide Childcare During PCS Moves. Companion family support pilot.

Status

Released 2024-11-26. Originator CMC Washington DC MRA MP. Effective immediately upon publication. Applicability is the Marine Corps Total Force. Active.