Marine Headline News
Black
Cadillacs get the boot
CAMP
FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan
— Marines are instructed that the most
important aspect of foot care is to keep feet clean and dry
but without functional combat boots, this task is virtually
impossible.
Lieutenant
Col. Gabriel R. Patricio, Marine Corps Systems Command’s
Infantry Combat Equipment program manager, recently issued an
information paper outlining the maintenance of the new Marine
Corps Combat Boots, or MCCBs.
The
information paper provides guidance on the new hot weather
boot, the temperate weather boot and steel toe combat boot,
Patricio said.
The
new hot weather boots are equipped with a cushioned midsole,
increased ventilation, improved outsole and tread pattern.
The hot weather boot is designed to provide Marines
with greater comfort as well as dependability and will replace
the black jungle boot and old desert boot.
The mandatory possession date for the boot is Oct. 1.
The
temperate weather boot is the replacement for the original,
black infantry combat boot, which must be regularly polished,
Patricio explained. The khaki-colored, suede boots provide Marines with greater
comfort, better protection from the elements, support,
breathability and durability.
The mandatory possession date for the temperate weather
boot is also Oct. 1.
For
those Marines needing the extra protection of steel toes,
Bates manufactures the only combat boots authorized for use,
Patricio stated. There currently is no mandatory possession
date for the steel toe boots.
Upon
purchasing new boots, a visual inspection should be conducted
to ensure there are no manufacturer’s defects that make the
boot unserviceable, Patricio advised.
A cut, tear, hole, or open seam due to faulty
stitching, is damage that will make the boots unserviceable.
Additionally, the new boots should not have a spots,
stains or discoloration upon purchase.
The
MCCBs should be maintained to reflect a presentable condition,
Patricio said. Cleaning
the boots regularly is recommended.
The only approved method to clean all types of MCCBs is
with warm water and a stiff nylon brush.
Cleaning products are not authorized because many
contain silicone, which can deteriorate the threads and sole
integrity of the boot.
According
to Patricio, MCCB’s should be replaced when they become
unserviceable because of wear.
The outsole, or treaded area of the boot, should not
wear any thinner than 1/16 of an inch, or it will cause
permanent damage to the soft cushioned material between the
outsole and midsole of the boot.
Boots with ripped seams or any other kinds of damage
from rough training should also be replaced.
Patricio
advises that, when boots become worn and need to be resoled,
Marines should choose Nu Shoe Inc. or Vibram to perform the
repair.
Nu
Shoe Inc. provides a postage-paid mailing bag for shipping to
consumers in need of boot repair.
Nu Shoe Inc. can be contacted via their toll-free phone
number at 1- 877-687-4631 or at their website at
www.nushoe.com/usmc/index.htm.
Vibram
offers a website, www.vibram.us.com,
which allows users to find local cobblers authorized to
replace the Vibram 1276 outsole, Patricio said.
The
MCCB’s allow Marines to have functional gear that is not
difficult to maintain, said Cpl. Robert Tandy, an interested
consumer.
“The
new boots will be nice to have because they will not have to
be shined every day,” Tandy said.
“They are supposed to provide much more support than
the old boots, which is a big plus.”
CAMP
FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan --
The Marine Corps Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem is
displayed on these new temperate weather Marine Corps Combat
Boots. The boots
are mandatory for all personnel October 1.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Martin
R. Harris) (Released)
