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I have a new squad leader and we did uniform inspections yesterday. I was told that the scuff marks on my boots made them unserviceable. My response was that I would clean them to remove the scuff marks. In response, he said that wouldn't be acceptable and that I will buy new ones. I understand that uniforms must be kept to standard and usually wouldn't have a problem with this. However, I will be ETSing in about two months and am trying to save and manage my money so that I at least have some form of safety cushion for when I get out. Also, what little clothing allowance I did received for the year has already been used on new ACUs and necessities for my ASU. Can I be forced to buy new boots and would you force your soldier to purchase high dollar items with only two months of service left?
Regulation
Enlisted
Korea
Garrison
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 22
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18
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Do you only have 1 pair of boots?
Clean them to standard, if they can't be cleaned to standard, then go buy some at an off post surplus store to get cheap.
Clean them to standard, if they can't be cleaned to standard, then go buy some at an off post surplus store to get cheap.
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SPC (Join to see)
I have more than one pair. The other ones appear to be serviceable when looking at them. But, the inner soles provide little to no shock absorption nowadays.
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SGT (Join to see)
Then buy a pair of sole inserts for $12.00. You only have to get by for 60 days, right?
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SGT Daniel Rocco Ames
Exactly. Unless you are being tasked with some type of funeral detail or something similar, as long as they are serviceable you shouldn't have to buy new ones.
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I would like to know where your Squad Leader is finding that a scuff mark makes boots unserviceable. I found nothing in DA Pam/AR 670-1. You are required to have two pairs of boots, yes. So, if the unit is unable to issue you new boots, then you will need to buy them. Go to C&S and look for the boots that are the standard issue pattern boots. Those are usually the cheapest.
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SGM (Join to see)
Additionally, and more to the point, if your squad leader is focused on what is acceptable with the "fair wear and tear" of a clothing item, he definitely better be able to SHOW you the regulatory requirement that defines what makes that item unservicable. Having marks on boots from either normal use, field work, and even stains from working in the motor pool do not necessitate the requirement to buy another pair of boots. (Although I had a designated set for dirty work and another set for garrison / office type work, just to look more professional.)
Unservicability in boots specifically addresses Soldier's safety, like torn leather, broken / separated / worn out soles, that don't allow the boots proper traction, not cosmetic looks. If he's merely focusing on the fact that your coyote brown, suede boots have a black mark on them then there's a bigger issue at hand. (Ask all the motorcycle riders how they manage shifter marks on their boots). It's no different if you tear a hole in your uniform, then have it sewn and patched to fix it. It may not look pretty, but the uniform is still servicable and functional.
And as previously mentioned, don't get in a pissing contest with your squad leader. You'll end up paying for it. Ask him to please educate you on where the standard is in the regulation on servicability/cleanliness so you can square yourself away on the boots and anything else you might be lacking in. If he can't, there's the problem.
Unservicability in boots specifically addresses Soldier's safety, like torn leather, broken / separated / worn out soles, that don't allow the boots proper traction, not cosmetic looks. If he's merely focusing on the fact that your coyote brown, suede boots have a black mark on them then there's a bigger issue at hand. (Ask all the motorcycle riders how they manage shifter marks on their boots). It's no different if you tear a hole in your uniform, then have it sewn and patched to fix it. It may not look pretty, but the uniform is still servicable and functional.
And as previously mentioned, don't get in a pissing contest with your squad leader. You'll end up paying for it. Ask him to please educate you on where the standard is in the regulation on servicability/cleanliness so you can square yourself away on the boots and anything else you might be lacking in. If he can't, there's the problem.
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11
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The advice by SFC Marc Wagner below is solid, see if you can clean to standard or try to purchase a relatively priced pair from a store off post, the 2nd is going to be more of a challenge and that is to tactfully talk to your Squad leader and explain your financial situation and see if he will work with you, it is high job to ensure his soldiers meet the standard and even though you only have two months left , you can't expect your Squad Leader to lower the standards. I also have to ask if you have more than 1 pair of boots, I would imagine the thing your Squad leader cares about is the standards are met. On the bright side if you do end up getting another pair of boots unless things have changed you get to keep them , I still have my desert boots that I retired with 15 tears ago, lastly please do not get into a contest of wills with your Squad Leader he outranks you and can make your last two months very difficult if you don't do as he asks.
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SSG Jeff Furgerson
HN Kathleen M Peck Thank you , I hope everything works out for this soldier. When you are a short timer , you just want ti get it over with but this soldier is better off playing the game with two months left and not getting on his Squad Leader's bad side.
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Why do we treat our Soldiers like this? Unless your boots scuffs are scuffed to the point of holes on your boots then why? Especially if you only have two months left. I think a picture of the boots should be posted so we can see these scuffs. :[
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PO1 Fred Anderson
I suspect that him being a short timer maybe the issue. We've all met the senior enlisted who thought poorly of anyone who chose not to reenlist.
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SFC Marc W.
COL (Join to see) This was my initial reaction. But at this point, just want to help ease the pain of 59 and a wake up.
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7
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Only a complete and utter tool would force a Soldier to buy a $100 uniform item two months prior to ETS. “I couldn’t find them in my size, Sergeant.”
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Another answer if you are still looking for one. I am assuming you are in Korea based off the tag on your post. That place is famous for rigid and thoughtless leadership that bases everything off of a “blue book”. The best answer is don’t worry about it. Your leadership does not have the time to chase down trial services or CIF to get you for only having one pair of boots. Your squad leader probably won’t follow up with a reinspection, and probably didn’t document your uniform deficiency in a counseling statement. Don’t spend money on anything except getting yourself ready for civilian life. If your leadership is so concerned with your readiness, they would have procured some boots for you, at least for the inspection.
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You can find them at shoe stores, New Buck Suede Eraser. Takes scuffs out of rough leather
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If needing “boots to standard” then see your supply guy have them issue you a set or order you a set. Don’t spend your money if your getting out soon. Besides why spend money on something you only going to wear for Teo more months to then most likely not wear them again. Most importantly have a conversation with your SL explain to him or her I the best way possible while being respectful. Wash those boots up and get them as good as you can and give it another shoot.
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I am a big where does it say that person so I would ask where in the regs does it say a scuff mark makes your work boots unservicable. They’re work boots. You’ve got to have another pair somewhere you can pull out. I am sorry that you have to deal with such a lack of empathy from your squad leader. Easily the Army’s biggest downfalls are the leadership and personnel management skills.
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You are mist maintain 2 pairs of boots, so if that pair is your only one then yes.
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