Posted on May 3, 2016
US military may soon have to buy American sneakers
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Athletic footwear has long been exempt from what is known as the "Berry Amendment" — which stipulates that the Pentagon must purchase American-made gear and uniforms for its recruits — because it was difficult to find brands made entirely in the United States, according to The Boston Globe.
However, legislators have rallied behind Boston shoemaker New Balance, noting that the brand has the capability to make all sneaker components in the country.
If signed into law, the bill by Massachusetts Rep. Niki Tsongas and Maine Rep. Bruce Poliquin would mean that around 150,000 pairs of shoes would be manufactured in America for the military. In addition, the increased production demand would boost the number of jobs at New Balance's five factories in Massachusetts and Maine.
However, legislators have rallied behind Boston shoemaker New Balance, noting that the brand has the capability to make all sneaker components in the country.
If signed into law, the bill by Massachusetts Rep. Niki Tsongas and Maine Rep. Bruce Poliquin would mean that around 150,000 pairs of shoes would be manufactured in America for the military. In addition, the increased production demand would boost the number of jobs at New Balance's five factories in Massachusetts and Maine.
US military may soon have to buy American sneakers
Posted from msn.com
What Would You Do
Shoes
Pentagon
Recruit
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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Hey RP Members I started my military career taking the physical fitness test in combat boots all the way through Fort Ord, CA in 1975 and 1976. I can't even remember when the Army switch over to sneakers. I started wearing a pair for my own PT running around the Air Force Base in Chievres, Belgium from 1977 to 1980. When did they actually switch over to sneakers - I must have missed that part during my 37 years LOL!
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PO3 Steven Sherrill
SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT - Wait wait wait wait wait. The army used to make you dress in yellow on yellow PT Gear? How can they get mad at the Navy for making bad jokes at their expense when they have done it to their own people.
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LTC Stephen C.
I'm with you COL Mikel J. Burroughs! When I started BCT at Fort Jackson, SC on 11NOV69, we wore boots during PT. In fact, it was the same for AIT, jump school, SFTG, OCS and the SOBC!
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SFC (Join to see)
LTC Stephen C. - Here Here Ft Jackson, SC Dec1971. We PT'd in fatigues and boots, every day all the way!. Some of the best Drill Sergeants, calling the firey political incorrect CADENCES all the way to tank hill and back.
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So in conclusion, more jobs in the USA with New Balance are a lot more important than Service Members having shoes that fit their needs best. That's cool.
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SFC Alfredo Garcia
I have many New Balance products and I have no complaints. It is not a combat boot or such but even if NB is the only game in town I know they will need to have a minimum quality standard. If they are subpar someone else will undoubtedly fill the void. So it is a potential win/win. I remember when we had to change out so many berets because they were foreign. Mine was made in Sri Lanka. The American made replacement was much better (at least in my instance).
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SGT (Join to see)
SFC Alfredo Garcia - Just because something worked for you doesn't mean it will for me. It also doesn't mean it worked best for you.
Options.
Options.
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This is an excellent catalyst to bringing manufacturers back to the US from the overseas locations. It would force competition riddled with stipulations to get contracts with the DoD. Ideally, this should be the case with many National Organizations/Departments that contract out services/utilize products. "American Made" should be the standard in our government.
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