So how do military clean boots now?

[em2nought]

I've got a pair of desert boots now, and I'm wondering how you go about cleaning them? If the military has done away with that, maybe I want to reenlist. lol

Does the USN wear desert boots? lol

[Aktungbby]

7. Your Combat Boot is designed for maximum performance in a field environment. Do not apply polish to your Combat Boots.
8. Your Combat Boots are designed to be easy to care for. The nylon quarter side panels of your boots are as strong as leather and will last if cared for properly. To clean your Combat Boots, brush with stiff nylon bristle brush to clean and then use warm water. Do not use soap to clean your boots. If additional, more stringent cleaning is necessary, only water-soluble cleaning products should be used as oil- or alcohol-based cleaning products may damage your boots.

[August]

No shine boots, breaking Drill Sergeants hearts everywhere!

[Oberon]

Wow. Then again I guess the parade boots will require at least four tons of polish before the Provo will stop throwing beds around.

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by August

No shine boots, breaking Drill Sergeants hearts everywhere!

I wonder if in basic are they still issuing black boots... just so the recruits can carry on an important military tradition.

[Stealhead]

Originally Posted by Platapus

I wonder if in basic are they still issuing black boots... just so the recruits can carry on an important military tradition.

No they do not. Still have the dress shoes to shine.

In my career field keeping the boots shinny was a waste of time. Most simply had a shined pair of non steel toed wore to the shop and away from the shop at work you wore your real boots. The dirt,oil and hydraulic fluid made keeping a good shine impossible on a pair of boots you actually worked in. We got dirty I think it confused other airmen who did not know of such labors when they saw us. Get dirty at work then get dirty playing rugby we scared some teams away only the Army would play us.

[ikalugin]

I wonder if in basic are they still issuing black boots... just so the recruits can carry on an important military tradition.

There are always black wheels that need diezel coating and a paint job to look proper.

[Platapus]

Ahh basic training

If it moves, salute it
If it does not move, pick it up
If you can't pick it up, paint it.

I remember it well. But I still feel sorry for that inattentive Lieutenant that was standing there....

[ETR3(SS)]

It's my understanding that recruits are still being issued black leather boots to polish in USN boot camp. They're a little different from the boondockers that we had when I was in, more like regular combat boots it looks like.

[Stealhead]

Originally Posted by Platapus

Ahh basic training

If it moves, salute it
If it does not move, pick it up
If you can't pick it up, paint it.

I remember it well. But I still feel sorry for that inattentive Lieutenant that was standing there....

You forgot if it is metal shine it.
If it is a floor wax it.

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Stealhead

If it is a floor wax it.

USAF policy was that once a week (Usually on a Friday), the floors needed to be stripped, mopped, waxed and buffed.

My first duty location was a maintenance type warehouse. We had concrete floors.

I quickly learned a few things about military life.

1. It is possible to wax concrete floors and buff them to a gloss
2. No did not matter whether A1C Platapus agreed with the policy nor was it important that he even understand the policy. His job was to implement the policy.
3. Waxing concrete floors was evidently "good for training" and would prepare me for "the rigors of combat".

But at least I did not have to do anything really stupid like mowing dirt.... oh yeah, I did.

Ahh the good ole days. They sucked.

[ikalugin]

How do you think one makes the wheels shine?

Basically we have a saying - a soldier should be kept busy. If there is nothing to do - give him a crowbar and tell him to sweep the courtyard.

[Cybermat47]

Originally Posted by August

No shine boots, breaking Drill Sergeants hearts everywhere!

Maybe they should become AAFC staff members, black boots are still common at my squadron at least.

Thank God I have the newer Army-style boots

[August]

Look what I found in an old trunk the other day. Not bad for a 30 year old shine. They still fit too!