<p>Are these boots used for ROTC as well as the AFA? Because AFROTC is my backup plan and if they are the same, I could get some to break them in now.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.usafaclasses.org/2009/CombatBootDescription.htm[/url]”>Combat Boots Description</a></p>
<p>Can't say for sure. I'd call the ROTC unit at the university you are planning on attending and ask them.</p>
<p>I can't imagine an ROTC detachment being more picky about boots than USAFA. And, as far as I know, there's not quite the need for boots (at least as a freshman, and probably not until you go to field trng) at an AFROTC det. Pls correct me if I'm wrong, any ROTCers out there...</p>
<p>Alrighty...I'm not an official source but I do know a little something about combat boots. First of all to answer your question yes; you can use the same pair of boots in ROTC and in the AF and I believe even the academy. For the academy you might need that special brand but anywhere else it just has to be a combat boot. </p>
<p>Something you really need to consider if you plan on going to USAFA. Get the boots as soon as you can and start breaking them in over the summer. You can run in them to get use to it or just walk around if you. You don't want to show up with a new pair of boots that aren't broken in because you will have foot problems while the boots are being broken in. You gotta get use to running in them because its like nothing else you've ever felt (a few of my buddies say its like running with tennis shoes full of concrete. Anyway, BREAK THEM IN.</p>
<p>Get use to shining them also because your going to do it almost every day you need them regardless of if you go ROTC or USAFA. Attention to detail is big on this. </p>
<p>Good Luck! Congratulations! And AIM HIGH!</p>
<p>Thanks for the clarification</p>
<p>Good boot break-in procedure: Put new boots into warm bath-tub water until they're soaked all the way through. Drain and pat dry. Put them on over some good thick boot socks and a pair of very thin boot liner socks. Walk/jog in them outside until their dry or very nearly so. It's a good way to mold them to your feet and prevent future blisters--generally jump-starting the break-in process. Putting some vaseline on your feet before the socks, especially on any hot spots and between toes will help prevent any blisters during this procedure, too.</p>
<p>I can't stress enough how bad it is to show up at USAFA with virgin boots that you aren't comfortable in for 3-5 miles. It's far more important than arriving with them shined, and my #3 most important prep issue after 1) being in great physical shape; 2) having a great attitude.</p>
<p>This works with the Gore-Tex/Cordura boots, not just leather ones?</p>
<p>My question is this...
When it comes time to buy the boots at orientation, will we be able to get the right ones? I got a notice via email with boot info and it was NOT the new type of boot that has been mentioned in a past post.
If someone can post what type of boot you purchased at an upcoming orientation, that would be great.
Thanks</p>
<p>My reccommendation is for leather boots. I don't think USAFA cadets will get Gore-Tex/Cordura boots--harder to shine the Gore-Tex.</p>
<p>I they sell them to you at orientation, then they'll be the right ones.</p>
<p>docfrance:
Below is the boot information that the OAG is putting on their website for the class of 2009. Are you saying appointees can purchase either the leather boot or the one described below?</p>
<p>Mr. Ed Richardson at the USAF Academy confirmed that the boot for the Class of 2009 is not the boot listed in the Appointee Booklet. That boot has been replaced with Infantry Combat Boot, PGC 02823.</p>
<p>Here is a link to a description and photo he sent us. </p>
<p>Mr. Richardson's number is (719) 333-3017 if you have any questions.</p>
<p>Infantry Combat Boot, PGC 02823 </p>
<p>Replaced PGC 01895 (Black, leather Combat Boots) as issue boot for Army and Air Force. Boots may be purchased at most AAFES stores [Base Exchanges (BX), Post Exchanges (PX), etc) and at many Army Surplus-type stores. Please call Mr. Ed Richardson at the US Air Force Academy with any questions: (719) 333-3017. </p>
<p>Black Boots ONLY
Soft-sided
GORE-TEX® Fabric Bootie: Durably Waterproof, Breathable
VIBRAM® Premium Tread Outsole
CORDURA® Nylon Fabric
Waterproof Full Grain Leather Engineered for Superior Breathability
Surlyn Box Toe
Polyurethane Removable Insert
Extensive Foam Padding Under and Around the foot
Detailed information available at <a href="http://www.bellevilleshoe.com/federal/federal_5.htm%5B/url%5D">www.bellevilleshoe.com/federal/federal_5.htm</a></p>
<p>Again, I stand corrected. Gee, I hope there's enough leather on those to polish--or the place really has gone to hell! ;-) Back in the day, we had raw leather from a cowhide and had to make our own boots and soles, then we had to tan, dye, polish, and buff them until we could shave in the reflection. Oh, well...</p>
<p>It looks like most of the lower part of the boot is leather. In that case, I would still break them in per my recs above--they'll dry faster with the Gore-Tex, anyway! How much do they cost? I may buy a pair for myself.</p>
<p>Doc I wish we had somebody like you on the Navy and CG boards! You do a great job with the kids and parents!</p>
<p>I purchased a pair for my son about two weeks ago at Scott AFB for $98.00. And get this, the little instruction card that came with the boots says not to polish the leather because it degrades the ventilation qualities of the leather. Looks like the academy will have to find something for the 09 cadets to do now that they'll have all this extra time on their hands!!! Ha</p>
<p>Hah! The grad community will have a collective aneurysm if the rule is to NOT polish boots. I, for one, feel a headache coming on myself just thinking about it. I HIGHLY suggest your son NOT point out that little instruction to the cadre this summer and simply await instruction.</p>
<p>Since when did boot leather have "ventilation qualities" anyway?</p>
<p>Thanks, Boss! I may not be doing this for too much longer, so I'll enjoy this last "admissions year."</p>
<p>Well best wishes to you. I wish I had found this site about a year ago instead of late fall...but it has been a huge help!</p>
<p>docfrance:
Who knows, maybe they started making boots out of frog or toad leather!!! ha</p>
<p>Well I sure got all my questions answered. :D Those boots are cheaper than I thought they would be</p>
<p>My daughter is a WP appointee but our recent experience buying boots at the local air force base might shed some light on the subject. Firstof all the Army and the Air Force are both phasing out the all leather black boot and it is being replaced by the gore-tex. HOWEVER, FINDING the gore-tex in stock may be a problem. The Air Base we visited had only a limited number of the new style in stock and a limited number of sizes. The clerk explained that most boots being sold are still the older style and the USMA instructions said that either was acceptable to report with in June. I asked the clerk how long it would take to receive them if we ordered and he replied it "could be a long time still". Quantities of the old boot need to be exhausted first. This was at March Air Base in Riverside, Calif. The price of the all leather black boot was 75 dollars a pair. My daughter will be breaking the all leather in for West Point plebe summer and then most likely purchase the new style later on when they are more readily available. I don't know what directions the Air Force Academy will give on this but given our experience was at an Air Force Base I thought it might help.
Good Luck.</p>
<p>I am currently in the guard, entering the Academy class of 2009, and these are the exact same boots they started issuing while I was at enlisted Basic Training at Lackland AFB, TX. The old ones were the same as the old Acadmey Yes, we all tried the "but the tag says no polish" excuse, and no, it didn't work. Oh, and here's another joke for you, you're not supposed to starch your BDUs either (rumor has it this is an official regulation, but I've never looked it up). Supposedly, starch increases IR reflectivity (meaning you are more visible to night vision goggles).</p>