BOOTS

[jcj]

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DealSignedForNewCombatBoots.htm

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As part of a contract worth £80m, troops will have the choice of wearing five different boots depending on where they are based and what job they are doing.

I don’t begrudge them but I have to say I am a bit envious of the range of clothing issued to our soldiers. Like most who visit this site I was issued with boots DMS. We wore those in all terrains the only other boot I was issued with was the NI patrol boot (ideal for BFT) and boots ammo, surprisingly comfortable once broken in.

[John Turner]

Like most who visit this site I was issued with boots DMS. We wore those in all terrains the only other boot I was issued with was the NI patrol boot (ideal for BFT) and boots ammo, surprisingly comfortable once broken in.

Luxury! When I joined (IJLB Oswestry) we were issued 2 pairs of ammo boots, one for 'best' and one for everything else, including huge hikes across the Berwyn Mountains. There was one other type - 'Cobbly Wobbly' boots, or 'Boots CWW' (Cold Wet Weather), these had a stiff rubber sole and were only used on 'EL' (External Leadership) courses - rock climbing etc.

In 'Z' company (recruits) we had weekly foot inspections - everyones' feet were black from the leather, but it was blisters and bunions that they were looking for ... and they didn't have to try too hard.

Whenever you took your boots and socks off at the end of a day, you'd go "aaaaaahhhhhhh" and there'd be a nice mesh pattern embossed in to your feet from the 'socks polyester'. Chainmail for the feet.

When DMS boots came along for all else but drill and best boots, I thought I'd been issued slippers! But when they discontinued ammo boots altogether for the Infantry, it was a sad day - the halt changed from "Check BANG-BANG" - to "Check - phht phht"