DURHAM, N.C. — The U.S. Army is looking to add a new piece of clothing to its uniforms: tactical sports bras. The Army says, as of now, there’s never been a bra “optimized for use by female soldiers in the field.”
What You Need To Know
- The U.S. Army is researching and developing tactical sports bras as part of its uniform
- As of now, there’s never been a bra “optimized for use by female soldiers in the field”
- This change has the potential to impact as many as 1 million soldiers
- One USAF veteran in Durham believes the uniform addition is a sign of progress but also wants to see other changes in the military
Chan Little knows that a good workout benefits the mind, body and soul.
“There is a saying that exercise is the most underutilized mental health drug. I really do exercise for my mental health,” Little, owner of The 360 Approach, said.
Little has always loved staying active and motivates others to feel the same way. She solidified her love for training during her eight years in the United States Air Force.
“When I was in Germany, I was our unit health monitor and I used to monitor people who were on our weight management program and I was just really motivated to help them lose weight and stay in the military. I got into helping others get fitter,” Little said.
In 2015, Little opened a gym in Durham and uses lessons she learned from her time in the military, like taking pride in what she wears.
“I still wear a uniform every day. I have 10 of the same shirts, 10 of the same shorts, 10 of the same bras, 10 of the same underwear that I just put on each morning to come to work,” Little said.
But finding the proper fitting workout gear isn’t always easy.
“Oftentimes clients will come in here and say, ‘Well I can’t work out. I don’t have the right bra on.’ Having the proper support is really life-changing. It’s a big deal,” Little said.
For the first time ever, the U.S. Army is creating a tactical sports bra for soldiers. The four prototypes are flame retardant and designed to be more durable than typical sports bras offered in regular stores.
“It’s hard finding a bra that actually fits well, that you want to wear. That feels good and looks good in uniform, how it should look. Having that as something that they hand to you and say 'this is part of your uniform' makes it so much easier,” Little said.
According to the United States Department of Defense, women make up about 15% of active duty soldiers.
“There’s a very low percentage of women that are serving in the United States military. I don’t know that issuing a sports bra or some type of bra for combat or in general is going to change that. I think that’s definitely a step in the right direction, and as a female, it makes me feel better. It’s like you see me and you acknowledge me,” Little said.
“Is the sports bra going to be a change to get more women in the military? I think having a female joint chief of staff to be appointed would be life-changing. To see more women in uniform encouraging others to join the ranks. Not just, you know, we see some times in a recruitment commercial you have your staff sergeant and things like that but you know, seeing more four stars and three stars,” Little said.
Little says this move is a sign of progress but believes there are other changes that need to happen as well.
“As the military begins to acknowledge women serving more and more and change policies that protect women, that support women and then seeing women actually being promoted and in leadership positions across all branches would be ideal,” Little said. “Am I happy that change is happening now? Yes. Like I said, I just hope this is a small step and a lot of change that needs to occur.”
The U.S. Army says the tactical sports bra is currently in the development and research phase. This change has the potential to impact as many as 1 million soldiers between the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve.