The Army is testing new combat boot design prototypes after thousands of soldiers responded to a survey they would rather buy their own than wear Army-issued boots. The boots pictured are not part of the test. (U.S. Army)
Editor's Note: This article by Matthew Cox originally appeared onMilitary.com, a leading source of news for the military and veteran community.
U.S. Army footwear experts have begun field-testing a handful of new combat boot designs after thousands of soldiers responded to a survey that they would rather buy their own than wear service-issued boots.
I'll be honest, I was a bit taken aback when I got a bigass bar of soap as a Christmas gift — okay, okay, I get the hint — but after opening the gung-ho package of Victory from Duke Cannon and giving it a whiff, I was transported back in time to boot camp.
Fortunately for me, and anyone with a nose, the soap doesn't literally smell like recruit training. No one wants the aroma of fear, frustration, and confusion around them. Rather, it's strikingly similar to the the soap I remember using at Recruit Depot San Diego. It's kind of like taking a hygienic scrub down memory lane, with the added benefit that you're not sharing a shower with 50 or so sweaty, stinky, and dirty recruits.
Welcome to Gearhead Wednesday, a regular gear review column by Chief Kristin Beck (ret.), a decorated veteran of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group and all-around badass. Send pitches and suggestions to gear@taskandpurpose.com