Why does the Army bother to issue boots?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 May 2018 18:33:06 -0400

Everywhere I look, I see Soldiers, (including myself) who spends money on more comfortable boots. Maybe they should just issue a boot voucher up to the price of USG issue and let us get what we want from the outset.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2018 6:40 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Thu, 24 May 2018 18:40:54 -0400

So there'd be a reason for podiatry...kind like high heeled shoes, LOL....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2018 6:41 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Thu, 24 May 2018 18:41:29 -0400

Oh, also, I'm total perm disabled now, however, been there, done that (BTDT)....LOL....

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 6:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 May 2018 18:57:49 -0400

Probably has to do with establishing a sense of uniformity during BCT.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 24 at 2018 8:02 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 24 May 2018 20:02:28 -0400

Your comfort is not what is important to the service- Wear, durability, protection, environment range, etc. What will you do if deployed, and your boots die- can't DX them now can you.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made May 24 at 2018 9:42 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Thu, 24 May 2018 21:42:18 -0400

They do come in handy for packing lists, at least...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 10:18 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 May 2018 10:18:24 -0400

I'm a Squid...so take that for what it's worth.

Personally, I think the Armed Forces would save a lot of time, money and confusion by putting together a field/utility uniform "seabag" (packing list, etc.) of issue items that offer the best technology available at the time to every Solider, Sailor, Marine and Airman who may ever find themselves forward deployed. If we can blow billions on developing the next tactical aircraft...surely we can spare a few thousand extra per member to ensure everyone has the BEST.

Elite status should be reflected in a training jacket and specific awards/insignia...not "organizational clothing" (ok, except headgear and all ceremonial/dress uniform items). If a specific pattern of camo is the best, or a specific brand of boots the best...that's what we need. If stuff can be made lighter...more durable, do it. If there is a distinct benefit in a particular design of helmet, IBA, or even flashlight...incorporate it.

SNCOs and senior officers with extensive field/combat experience should advise...no politicians, good idea fairies, or anyone looking for a reason to exist. Dispense with "sacred cows" if they've not worked, and are known not to work.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made May 25 at 2018 10:59 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Fri, 25 May 2018 10:59:29 -0400

Because we have to have a base line item to issue incoming troops and boots in stock as replacements for extended deployments and combat resupply. Also the basic issue boot has been through testing and the developmental process to ensure it is as durable as possible for as little cost as possible. The commercial boots don't get the same level of, or volume / mass of testing. (not economical for industry)
As a young Soldier at Ft Hunter Liggett in the old Combat Development Experimentation Command and later in life as SGM for the Capability Development Integration Directorate we did numerous tests on boots, uniforms, MOPP suits, helmets, tools, vehicles and a ton of other stuff to prove or disprove it's viability. Read that as road marches, field exercises and various combat simulations. Much of the stuff PEO Soldier and ERDIC do now.
There is a ton of things that go into the procurement of our equipment, Soldiers get a tough, decent product that can be provided at a reasonable cost based on volume purchases, the voucher you would receive would not enable you to get the really nice boots without any out of pocket expense but lock you ( read that as Soldiers) into the price range of the issued item.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 13 at 2018 12:27 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 12:27:40 -0500

The longer I was in the more I came to realize there is absolutely nothing wrong with an issue boot and available commercial boots that actually met the requirement to be authorized really didn’t have much on the issue boots