<p>Will 2011 be issued the existing BDU’s or will they receive the new ABU? Will this mean different Boots?</p>
<p>I'm not sure when the Academy will switch...there's been a rumor that 2011 will, but just a rumor. When they are switched, it WILL mean different boots...ones that don't have to be shined. :)</p>
<p>Thanks G4C. Do you have to purchase the new uniforms if they switch or will they be issued to you. Our duaghter got (2) nomination letters today so she is one step closer to Bold Gold. I am still trying to figure out what I'll be spending on boots etc. She is running around the house in her yellow SS hat and can't wait for June.</p>
<p>Congrats ds52262! If your daugter does get an Offer of Appointment, she will have the opportunity to attent one of three Orientations. She should plan on purchasing her boots at that time to allow time to break them in.<br>
You will be given detailed instructions at a later date.</p>
<p>I'm going to guess 2011 won't. They are supposed to be available come summer, and those will probably be a priority for deployed and active duty outside USAFA. Also, I believe USAFA still has a nice stock of BDU's and Boots that need issuing, but cross your fingers, because you would be the envy of cadets if your class gets ABUs!</p>
<p>I don't think the AF will have to switch completely to ABU's for a couple years, so 2010 and up probably won't need to worry for awhile, I hope.</p>
<p>I agree with Hornet Guy, this week's AF Times front cover was on the ABUs. They spoke of a shortage of the green suede boots and people would authorized to wear the sand colored boots until there are a good supply of the green. Those being deployed with the next AEF would getting the ABUs first.</p>
<p>As for the current boots, Bellevilles run about $100. Once they are broken in, the boots can be pretty comfortable. By the time I came to BCT, my boots were the most comfortable issue footwear I had.</p>
<p>My son purchased his boots in March after a scheduled tour. He broke them in by doing short evening runs every other night. He would increase his miles as May approached.</p>
<p>Duaghter has a pair of Corcoran boots bought at BX/Military clothing sales she uses for her CAP BDU uniform. Are these allowed or do they require Bellevilles?</p>
<p>We were told that only the boots given to you by the Academy specifically are allowed. However, I have noticed people with other types of boots, though they are usually prior prep schoolers or upperclassmen.</p>
<p>Bottom line, don't count on it. Order a pair from the Academy at orientation or online (I think there's a way to do that)</p>
<p>The two main brands are Bates and Bellevilles. From what I've seen, bates are easier to shine than bellevilles, but bates are ginormous and heavy, I speak from experience with my bates...aka clown shoes. :)</p>
<p>My Bellevilles took a week of "Oh, no! I'm in basic" attempted shines, before they actually started to look good. (My suggestion, get a good base of Kiwi on them, then start using Lincolnwax.)</p>
<p>I bought my Bellevilles on-line, after doing some research as to what were "accepted" boots. I heard that Bellevilles were good boots. (I heard that here, IIRC.) I'm pretty happy with them, but they are not the only option for boots.</p>
<p>If you inprocessed with a different pair of boots, you'd probably get away with it, but its really not worth risking that you might have to get a new pair of boots which aren't broken in.</p>
<p>If you're trying to get by with Corcoran boots though, it's definately not gonna work...Corcorans are boots pretty much only upperclassmen wear...I don' know if its actually a rule or not, but you don't wanna be the Basic walking around with Corcorans</p>
<p>Whatever you decide to do, I'm really thankful my parents spent 30 dollars to buy me inserts for my boots...just something to consider.</p>
<p>Yes... wear them spiffy corcorans. She will get a lot of great friends that will go to great lengths to help her out during basic. Also, make sure she makes everyone aware that she was in CAP. People praise CAP kids at the academy since they know so much.</p>
<p>A "Train This" tshirt would be a nice addition to the Corcorans...</p>
<p>so wait u guys think dont think we should wait till orientation to buy boots? I mean some of guys were saying we could be getting new boots. Well just curious, b/c if u know were not then I'll go and by some now. allrighty thx</p>
<p>I do tease her and tell her I'll get her a train this shirt, but couldn't really do that to her. I am mostly trying to figure out how much next year may cost me. I was always partial to the corcoran boots, even when they gave us much heavier steel toes at the fire department. Never liked heavy boots.
I have serious doubts she will share her CAP experiences either. She tends to be pretty quiet, and always tries to be the last one noticed. Plus she will have to make her own way there.</p>
<p>Word to the wise: don't wear anything Air Force or aviation on I-day!</p>
<p>You can wait to buy boots untill after Orientation. There is more than enough time to break them in.</p>
<p>I think she already has a plain black TShirt and jeans picked out. She heard the story about the "train this" girl, and really doesn't want to attract any attention. She is so short and that alone could make for unwanted assistance from the cadre.</p>
<p>on the subject of not getting "special treament" don't join any myspace groups about your class before Basic and especially don't trash talk your cadre on them...</p>