What do you think?

I think they should be able to feed whenever they want, wherever, wearing whatever but personally I don't think it is something that needs to be photographed and published.

[bobk]

I'm personally fine with it, but I can understand why the Army wouldn't want photos like this published online. The way the military presents itself is important for morale internally and how it is perceived by other people around the world (friend or enemy). Therefore it will avoid anything that is even remotely controversial. Public breast feeding shouldn't be a big deal, but the reality is that it's still not acceptable in many places in the US and elsewhere.

[SuzySunshine]

I think regardless of what they say it was meant to elicit a response and it has, whether it got the response they wanted or not they can't control.

[GrayMatterWife]

Oh, let's face it: if the women had been old and ugly, no one would be offended. But they are young and beautiful, so their boobs make people think of sex.

[DCJenn]

I'd also like the add that the military has a whole still has some developmental issues when it comes to women. The military is like a horny 16 year old. Women are FINE when they're either in their fatigues- which basically hide everything or in their crisp uniforms which no doubt has a whole subset of fetish freaks. (and are also prim, proper and most importantly covered up.

The military goes out of it's way to encourage breast-feeding so if anyone at the top is offended then they ought to come by their local military hospital and hang out in the ob or peds departments. The problem is that women who are in control cannot be manipulated and as we're now experiencing two more men in charge of basic training at the local AFB being charged with rape, intimidation and other heinous things- that's what's bothering a lot of people. Strong women in a male dominated career doing the most feminine thing you can do (other than give birth) Makes a whole, whole lot of people really uncomfortable.

J.

ETA- the thing I find offensive is that anyone would find it offensive. Come on, it's 2012. That woman could have flown a helicopter in and out of Helmand province- if she wants to flippin' feed her kids, more power to her.

[Ladybug]

I think this is a recurrent media issue and it's important. I have no problem with breastfeeding in public, but i do think modesty is resepctful of the people around you. It's not a big deal to cover up or be discrete. Men will have a primal response to seeing women's breast exposed like that. Not because they are lewd, but because they are natural men, which could lead them to guilt and conflicting feelings. Out of love and respect for those men around them they should practice modesty, just as we expect miltary men to extend modesty and respect to them. The underlying issue is respect/love of neighbor within their human limitations, not breastfeeding.

[TigerLily]

ETA- the thing I find offensive is that anyone would find it offensive. Come on, it's 2012. That woman could have flown a helicopter in and out of Helmand province- if she wants to flippin' feed her kids, more power to her.

YES! 100%

And I think it's wonderful.

[ladymoreta]

So well said, Ladybug!

[Chrisada]

I like what Ladybug said. I breastfed both of my children everywhere. And I mean everywhere. I don't go into cars or bathrooms. But I also never flashed any boob and most people around me had no idea what I was even doing because I kept my breasts covered with my shirt.

ETA my breasts were gigantically enormous. I would also use a thin blanket to cover when needed.

[Vanquisher]

When I breastfed, I always hid in the car. It was just impossible to cover up my gigantic H-cup boobs, and I could not do it modestly enough for my own comfort. I have no problem with other women breastfeeding wherever, whenever.

[houseelf]

I actually see both sides of this debate (respect the uniform and oh-for-cripes-sakes-she-is-just-feeding-her-kid). Mostly I'm just bothered that this is THE debate in the media. Really? There are no mass murders going on in Syria, the economy is fully recovered, the world is living in absolute peace and harmony? Nope. We're still stuck on boobies. We might get back to news about the Kardashians when this has died down. And then maybe we'll come back to boobies again. Tell me that this isn't a bit mysoginistic.

I am an A cup normally and *maybe* a C cup when nursing. I'm only a little bit jealous that my rack never looked like those hotties. Only a little.

[weeniegeniewife]

I read in the paper today that the National Guard is upset about the picture and they don't support the women "using the uniform in that way."

[spotty_dog]

The whole photoshoot is super cool. http://www.brynjaphotography.com/?p=4377

[ms.conception]

totally agree about the military views on Women and that this is 2012 - I cannot believe that people get in such an uproar about things like how people choose to feed their babies. Really. When there are so many other things that happen in our world that are truly offensive and disgusting