Human Breast Milk Shipment Reimbursement

Start Here If You Are New to Breast Milk Shipment Reimbursement

Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24, active-duty nursing mothers on PCS orders receive up to $1,000 reimbursement per PCS for the cost of shipping human breast milk. The benefit applies within 12 months post-birth. Eligible expenses include commercial shipping fees, disposable storage bags, cold shipping packages, refrigeration, excess baggage fees, and dry ice or ice. The reimbursement does NOT extend to unaccompanied tours. The Marine submits the voucher through DTS within 5 working days of the completed shipment. Authorization flows through the PCS orders endorsement via the MOL Outbound Interview Module.

This page walks you through Human Breast Milk Shipment Reimbursement from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24 framework and 26 November 2024 effective date
• The $1,000 per PCS reimbursement cap
• 12-month post-birth eligibility window
• Authorized expenses
• The MOL Outbound Interview Module endorsement workflow
• 5-working-day voucher submission requirement
• Excluded scenarios (unaccompanied tours)

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24, MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24, JTR Chapter 2 Table 2-24 Item 20, and Title 37 U.S.C.Title 37 U.S.C.

What the Reimbursement Covers

Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24, the Human Breast Milk Shipment Reimbursement covers the cost of 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 benefit recognizes the operational reality of nursing mothers on PCS orders. PCS travel often separates the nursing mother from the infant during the move. The reimbursement offsets the cost of maintaining the milk supply chain during this period.

Effective Date

Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24 dated 26 November 2024, the Human Breast Milk Shipment Reimbursement is effective immediately upon publication.

Eligibility

Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24, the reimbursement applies to.

• Active-duty Marines.
• Nursing mothers within 12 months post-birth.
• Marines on PCS orders.
• Marines whose PCS orders include the breast milk shipment endorsement.

12-Month Post-Birth Window

The reimbursement applies within 12 months following the birth of the child. Eligibility begins at birth and ends 12 months later. Marines outside the 12-month window are not eligible.

NOT Authorized for Unaccompanied Tours

Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24, the reimbursement does NOT extend to unaccompanied tours. The benefit applies to standard PCS scenarios where the Marine travels with or transitions toward the family. Unaccompanied OCONUS tours and dependent-restricted assignments fall outside the framework.

Reimbursement Cap

Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24 and JTR Chapter 2 Table 2-24 Item 20.

$1,000 Per PCS

The reimbursement caps at $1,000 per PCS move. The cap applies to total shipment-related expenses, not per-shipment.

One PCS, One Cap

The Marine receives the $1,000 maximum for the PCS event. Multiple shipments during the same PCS aggregate against the single $1,000 cap.

Authorized Expenses

Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24, the following expenses qualify for reimbursement.

Shipping and Carrier Fees

• Commercial shipping fees (FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS Priority).
• Specialty cold-chain shipping carrier fees.
• Excess baggage fees for breast milk transported by air.

Storage and Packaging

• Disposable storage bags designed for human milk.
• Cold shipping packages (insulated containers).
• Refrigeration units rented or purchased for shipment preparation.

Cooling Materials

• Dry ice.
• Wet ice and gel packs.
• Cooling materials required to maintain milk integrity during transit.

NOT Authorized

The reimbursement does NOT cover.

• Breast pumps or pumping equipment (covered separately under TRICARE).
• Nursing supplies unrelated to shipment.
• Food or nutritional supplements.
• Childcare costs.
• Routine medical care related to nursing.

PCS Orders Endorsement Workflow

Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24, the Marine secures an endorsement on the PCS orders before the reimbursement is processed.

Step 1. MOL Outbound Interview Module

The Marine completes the MOL Outbound Interview Module during PCS preparation. Within the module, the Marine identifies the need for the breast milk shipment endorsement.

Step 2. PCS Orders Endorsement

The endorsement is added to the PCS orders by the Marine's S-1 or the appropriate authority based on the MOL Outbound Interview submission.

Step 3. Submit Travel Voucher

The Marine submits the travel voucher with shipment receipts attached.

DTS Voucher Submission

The Marine submits the reimbursement claim through the Defense Travel System (DTS) on DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher).

5-Working-Day Submission Requirement

Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24, the Marine submits the voucher within 5 working days of the completed shipment. The 5-working-day window starts the day the shipment is completed (delivered or arrived at destination).

Required Documentation

• Receipts for all shipping fees, storage bags, cold packs, and other authorized expenses.
• Endorsed PCS orders showing the breast milk shipment authorization.
• Documentation of the shipment completion (carrier confirmation, delivery receipt).

Workflow

1. Marine completes the MOL Outbound Interview Module before PCS.
2. PCS orders are endorsed with the breast milk shipment authorization.
3. Marine ships breast milk during the PCS period.
4. Marine retains all receipts.
5. Within 5 working days of shipment completion, Marine submits the voucher in DTS.
6. Receipts attach to the voucher.
7. AO approves and routes to DFAS for payment.

JTR Chapter 2 Table 2-24 Item 20

The reimbursement is codified in JTR Chapter 2 Table 2-24 Item 20 as a reimbursable miscellaneous expense for active-duty nursing mothers. The JTR table identifies the specific authorized expenses and the $1,000 cap.

Marines and AOs reference the JTR table directly for edge-case expense classifications.

Common Questions Marines Ask

How much do I get reimbursed?

Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24, up to $1,000 per PCS. The cap covers total shipment-related expenses, not per-shipment.

How long after birth am I eligible?

Within 12 months post-birth. Eligibility begins at birth and ends 12 months later.

Is the reimbursement available on unaccompanied tours?

No. Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24, the reimbursement does NOT extend to unaccompanied tours. Standard PCS scenarios with family travel apply.

What expenses qualify?

Commercial shipping fees, disposable storage bags, cold shipping packages, refrigeration, excess baggage fees, and dry ice or ice. Pumping equipment is covered separately by TRICARE, not by this reimbursement.

How do I get the PCS orders endorsement?

Complete the MOL Outbound Interview Module during PCS preparation. The S-1 adds the breast milk shipment endorsement to your orders based on the MOL submission.

When do I submit the voucher?

Within 5 working days of the completed shipment. Submit through DTS with receipts and the endorsed PCS orders.

What if I have multiple shipments during the PCS?

Multiple shipments aggregate against the single $1,000 cap. Track all receipts and claim total expenses up to $1,000.

What if my expenses exceed $1,000?

Costs above $1,000 are at the Marine's expense. The reimbursement caps at $1,000 per PCS.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24 verification. The MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24 message at https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/.
• MOL Outbound Interview Module. Through the Marine Online (MOL) portal during PCS preparation.
• PCS orders endorsement. Coordinate with the unit S-1 administrative office.
• Travel voucher submission. Through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/ within 5 working days of shipment completion.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• PCS landing page lists all the PCS topics.
• PCS Orders and Overview covers the foundational PCS framework.
• Pet Transportation Allowance covers pet shipment reimbursement.
• Member and Dependent Travel covers travel modes for dependents.
• Travel Vouchers and Reimbursement covers DTS voucher submission.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the MOL Outbound Interview process and the breast milk shipment endorsement workflow.
• Admin at S-1 supports the MOL Outbound Interview submission and the PCS orders endorsement.
• Commanders endorse PCS orders with the breast milk shipment authorization.

Human Breast Milk Shipment Reimbursement provides up to $1,000 per PCS for active-duty nursing mothers within 12 months post-birth. Per MARADMIN 574/24MARADMIN 574/24 effective 26 November 2024. Authorized expenses include shipping fees, storage bags, cold packs, refrigeration, and dry ice. PCS orders endorsement through MOL Outbound Interview Module. Voucher submission within 5 working days. NOT applicable to unaccompanied tours.