A US flag on the uniform of a US soldier. (Photo by Armin Weigel/picture alliance via Getty Images) The U.S. Army expanded benefits last week for soldiers who are parents.
The overhaul affected parenthood, pregnancy and postpartum policies after a grassroots effort by soldiers identified several issues and challenges.
The Army said the changes impact more than 400,000 parents within the total force. "We recruit Soldiers, but we retain Families," said Gen.
James McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army. The new directive addresses 12 components, including physical fitness testing, uniforms, fertility treatments and lactation accommodations.