Posted on Feb 21, 2015
Why is it that Soldiers do not apply edge dressing to their low quarters anymore?
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I have noticed that soldiers wearing their ASU low quarters look like dust and grayish on the soles. I don't understand that. How can your uniform be complete and looking good? Please explain.
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 20
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SFC Smith, I hate to say it but the answer is quite simple, it is because their senior NCOs have not taught them what is "right" nor have failed to enforce the standards. Prior to 9/11, and some would argue back to prior to Desert Storm/Desert Shield, standards and discipline perhaps had a different emphasis than today's Army, in part due to the endless deployment cycles of the previous decade. I would recommend that any senior NCO share his/her knowledge, training, and discipline with their fellow soldiers and uphold the standards. Great observation.
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My answer is to ask, "Have you properly trained them?"
What I have noticed is that today's Soldier's are not properly informed or trained through TRADOC. It is all about numbers and getting them through. Trainees can do no wrong and negativity is directed towards the NCO at all times.
Therefore it is the NCO's job to train them.
Another factor is that we have been a country at War for over 13 Years. It is going to be the responsibility of Seniors to train these young Leaders on how the Garrison ARMY functions.
What I have noticed is that today's Soldier's are not properly informed or trained through TRADOC. It is all about numbers and getting them through. Trainees can do no wrong and negativity is directed towards the NCO at all times.
Therefore it is the NCO's job to train them.
Another factor is that we have been a country at War for over 13 Years. It is going to be the responsibility of Seniors to train these young Leaders on how the Garrison ARMY functions.
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SFC Oranthal Smith
SSG Fay every Soldier I come in contact with I coach, teach, and mentor. That includes the young Captains and below!
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SSG (Join to see)
Right on! Just letting you know that no one really teaches anything these days in training. It is a sad state of affairs to witness.
I was told to mind my business more than once. Kinda got me in trouble a bit.
I was told to mind my business more than once. Kinda got me in trouble a bit.
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I suspect you'd be hard pressed to find anyone under the age of 30 whose even heard of it...
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
SSG V. Michelle Woods stuff you put on the edges of your soles to make them black and shiny.
http://shoeshinekit.com/kiwhonguared.html
http://shoeshinekit.com/kiwhonguared.html
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SFC Oranthal Smith
OK let's see. Instead of what the masses used to say back in my day, why not put the finishing touches on your shoe that is shiny by applying this to the soles. As we all know the low quarters that I received in basic training had to be shined due to not being automatically shiny. Therefore we shined the whole shoe which now looks good. The heel and toe of the shoe were dull so we shined that part of the shoe by applying edge dressing. Therefore the whole shoe was shining. That goes back to the individual wanting to look good in there dress uniform.
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SSG Paul Headlee
SFC (Anonymous) Black Sharpie should do the trick. Barring that, black Kiwi and a brush shine for the edges and heel should pass inspection.
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I’ll be the first to admit that I like the look of edge dressing on our dress shoes. However, please identify where in DA PAM 670-1 it is required. As a fellow NCO, you understand that our job is to enforce regulations, not create them. If I’ve missed something, please let me know. I feel I am humble enough to continue learning as our Army develops.
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SSG Paul Headlee
If our ranks were filled with those who only do what is required we would suck beyond belief. Above average (and I mean truly excellent) appearance is just one way a highly motivated soldier can demonstrate mastery of his tasks. Success breeds success. Set the example. As leaders we set the tone for how things will be done. A unit is a reflection of it's leadership. While appearance isn't going to win wars, it is a tool we employ to cultivate attention to detail and the expectation that things will be checked. The importance of that can not be denied.
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Soldiers don't put edge dressing on because the Army doesn't demand it anymore. The focus was taken off properly preparing the uniform.
Evident by uniforms you don't iron or starch, boots you don't have to shine, already shined low quarters, Velcro patches ( no more sew-on)
Soldiers got it easy these days when it comes to uniforms. In ranks inspections used to be part everyday life in the military
Evident by uniforms you don't iron or starch, boots you don't have to shine, already shined low quarters, Velcro patches ( no more sew-on)
Soldiers got it easy these days when it comes to uniforms. In ranks inspections used to be part everyday life in the military
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SGT Ray Grooms
I wonder if it is no longer demanded because some of the newer barracks have carpeting in the lounge area as well as in the soldier's individual rooms. If it never dries on oil-resistant soles (or one accidentally knocks over the bottle) the carpet would be ruined.
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Thank you for posting a truly military question!
In response, I think this may have to do with moving to tan boots. Nobody put an emphasis on footwear maintenance in my last few years in the Army and only wore low quarters / jump boots during inspections or at formals. Some junior NCO's never wore a pair of shined combat boots and did not naturally think to pay attention to foot gear. Top this with buying chlorofram type "no shine" low quarters and it is a recipe for neglect. Is it an excuse? Kinda. It is more of an observation that could use some fixing.
In response, I think this may have to do with moving to tan boots. Nobody put an emphasis on footwear maintenance in my last few years in the Army and only wore low quarters / jump boots during inspections or at formals. Some junior NCO's never wore a pair of shined combat boots and did not naturally think to pay attention to foot gear. Top this with buying chlorofram type "no shine" low quarters and it is a recipe for neglect. Is it an excuse? Kinda. It is more of an observation that could use some fixing.
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I used it on my low quarters up to the day I stopped wearing my "blues". That was mid-2009.
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I still do, but my first 6 years (95-2001) I was enlisted as an MP so I am a creature of habit at this point. A lot of habits established from the results of having a guard mount prior to each shift still exist for me
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
Going back to My old Air Police days and squared away uniforms made some good habits for appearance. At Guard mount my uniform and shoes were always inspection ready. It also was pretty well a habit as a Cadet at Bordentown Military Institute, Bordentown, NJ in their Army ROTC program where constant in ranks inspections were the norm and even the 2nd set of low quarter under You bunk better also be ready for inspection with spit shine and edge dressing used. That practice I continued into the Military as well as My civilian Police shoes and boots plus sharp Military creases in My civilian Police uniform and a squared away appearance there also and when 95% of the Police Officers on my Department were prior Military including the Chief of Police We all had the habit including even proper Military standard haircuts, No beards and mustaches within Department rules which were strict.
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My first cycle on the trail I had the soldiers in my PLT buy Edge Dressing. My 1SG said during his 12mths with the unit, it was the 1st time soldiers bought the item n was given a class. It became a tradition after that! IMO It's knowledge that needs to be shared, a skill that's is easily diminishing.
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I do, and I make damn sure my guys do too. Even if I have to throw the bottle at them.
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