Topic: CAF Combat boots policy 2005-2018

[PuckChaser]

I don't think Binrat said they were black, just pimped out MkIVs. Can be made out of a brown leather.

[LightFighter]

I don't think Binrat said they were black, just pimped out MkIVs. Can be made out of a brown leather.

Ack, I think I got the black colour in my head from reading the Toronto Star article and the photo they used and the below quote from the last page

I've heard from a reliable source that the CAF will be returning to Black Mk 4 leather combat boots except they'll come with vVbram soles and speed laces. And of course will be the only authorized boots to wear   

[BinRat55]

I don't think Binrat said they were black, just pimped out MkIVs. Can be made out of a brown leather.

Or even a nice purple-ish blue for the flyboys! (and girls... flygirls too!)

[Eye In The Sky]

that's not the colour I want...can I order different ones?  Purple-blue won't go with my crew patch or my eyes dammit.

[Jarnhamar]

Random weird question but speaking of non-issued boots does anyone own and find Lowa mountian boots or Lowa desert elites pull their socks down?

I know, first world problems.

[daftandbarmy]

Random weird question but speaking of non-issued boots does anyone own and find Lowa mountian boots or Lowa desert elites pull their socks down?

I know, first world problems.

I've got a pair of Lowa 'Combat' boots. They are awesome.. full stop.

[RomeoJuliet]

I have the Lowa Uplander. Great for the field and load bearing, in addition RSM and adj friendly.


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[BinRat55]

I have the Lowa Uplander. Great for the field and load bearing, in addition RSM and adj friendly.


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Well, that would depend on the RSM - not all are created equal. Adj has literally nothing to do with boots. Unless you are talking about a Warrant Officer (WO/Adj)...

[RomeoJuliet]

Well, that would depend on the RSM - not all are created equal. Adj has literally nothing to do with boots. Unless you are talking about a Warrant Officer (WO/Adj)...

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[Eye In The Sky]

Adjts generally have something to do with lots of stuff and act on lots of stuff their commanders deem important.  Boots/dress stuff could be one of those things, after all the Authorizing sig on things like Wing DIs is the Wing Comd officially as an example.   

[Tcm621]

Well, that would depend on the RSM - not all are created equal. Adj has literally nothing to do with boots. Unless you are talking about a Warrant Officer (WO/Adj)...

The Adj often fills a lot of  the RSM role for officers. While most RSMs will dress down jnr officers when required, it isn't technically allowed. So the CO will often charge the Adj to ride herd on on the subalterns. The assumption being anyone over the rank of major wouldn't require any such herding.

[trooper142]

Rumour mill is running at full speed these days. The new rumour is a canforgen authorizing civilian pattern boots to be worn and reimbursed up to $340 a year per member.

Can someone confirm or deny this rumour? I want to believe, the military has been making real efforts lately to address the common sense gap (most notably the quick turn around ref the relocard nonsense) so I am optimistic this has some truth to it.

Any comments would be appreciated

[PuckChaser]

I'll confirm or deny it for you by end of day on 16 July 18.

I also heard we were losing LDA, but that was 6 years ago and I still have it.

[kratz]

Nothing is official until the message is signed and released.

Anything else is RUMINT.

[Loachman]

Even then...

[Once_a_TQ]

Nothing is official until the message is signed and released.

Anything else is RUMINT.

Except the Combat Boot Working Group page on ACIMS, the 3 phased approach approved by ADM(MAT), the draft CANGORGEN that was reviewed and submitted for final signature this week, the claim process proposed that mirrors the BTU system, the presentation to Army council (which is available on the DIN) out lining all the above, ect ect.

There was some really good work done on this. I am pleasantly surprised.

This one has some serious steam and it will only be a matter of time till is comes out. Will it meet the July 16th date, I dont know. But if it doesn't I dont think it will be far off.

[Eye In The Sky]

Is this pan-CAF, Army only?

[FSTO]

So I was at a promotion ceremony at 101 yesterday and the CDS had quite a joke about the boot issue. Being a Navy guy who never wears combats ashore I guess this has been quite the issue eh? I get the feeling that if the boot issue gets solved then the current CDS will consider his career a success!

[daftandbarmy]

So I was at a promotion ceremony at 101 yesterday and the CDS had quite a joke about the boot issue. Being a Navy guy who never wears combats ashore I guess this has been quite the issue eh? I get the feeling that if the boot issue gets solved then the current CDS will consider his career a success!

Then there's the tac vest....

[Eagle Eye View]

If this rumour turns out to be true, it would be interesting to see what colour they go for. Is the RCAF converting to brown boots? 

[PuckChaser]

I get the feeling that if the boot issue gets solved then the current CDS will consider his career a success!

Considering the absolute failure boots have been throughout the Afghan conflict, he'd probably be right.

As a Navy guy, imagine Clothing Stores never having stock of boots for your NCDs, the style of boot changed 5 times in 15 years, and whatever boots you do get are woefully inadequate for shipboard life (they slip on metal when wet, melt when in fire situations or that they disintegrate in 3 weeks due to sea water). Then you buy your own boots to be able to do your job and are told you'll be charged if you wear them again. Add in a splash of issued boots destroying feet/knees/ankles, and you'll know what the Army has gone through.

[RomeoJuliet]

All good points. Had a soldier wear his shitty issue zipper boots, big toe came through the boot and zipper broke so he bought his own boots as there were no issue boots available.  Hurt his foot training and was told he may not be covered as the boots weren't issue.  Sigh...

Considering the absolute failure boots have been throughout the Afghan conflict, he'd probably be right.

As a Navy guy, imagine Clothing Stores never having stock of boots for your NCDs, the style of boot changed 5 times in 15 years, and whatever boots you do get are woefully inadequate for shipboard life (they slip on metal when wet, melt when in fire situations or that they disintegrate in 3 weeks due to sea water). Then you buy your own boots to be able to do your job and are told you'll be charged if you wear them again. Add in a splash of issued boots destroying feet/knees/ankles, and you'll know what the Army has gone through.

[Eagle Eye View]

I’ve purchase my own boots since 2008, like most of us at the Sqn. Never was I told I couldn’t wear them. My wife is a physiotherapist and the first thing she said when she saw the Air Force issued boots was not to wear those, they’ll destroy your feet, knees and back. Everyone’s feet are different and I’m a strong believer that you should be comfortable wearing the footwear that is right for you.

As for not being covered, I can personally testify that having been through a VAC claim, including the redress process, never was I asked if I was wearing issued kit, but again every cases are different and maybe someone may share a different story.

[FSTO]

Considering the absolute failure boots have been throughout the Afghan conflict, he'd probably be right.

As a Navy guy, imagine Clothing Stores never having stock of boots for your NCDs, the style of boot changed 5 times in 15 years, and whatever boots you do get are woefully inadequate for shipboard life (they slip on metal when wet, melt when in fire situations or that they disintegrate in 3 weeks due to sea water). Then you buy your own boots to be able to do your job and are told you'll be charged if you wear them again. Add in a splash of issued boots destroying feet/knees/ankles, and you'll know what the Army has gone through.

We had an issue after they got rid of the ankle boots. The first replacement sucked massively but lately (at least when I last sailed) they weren't that bad. I'm sure a current sailor will come here and tell me I'm out to lunch with that comment!

[Once_a_TQ]

Straight from the PPT given to the Army Council and avalible on the DIN.

"Ref: CDS meeting with CCA and ADM(Mat) on 13 June.
Outcome:
Approval of 3 phased approach.
Rapid implementation of an interim policy to allow soldiers to buy boots of their choice.
“implement by next Friday”

CA / ADM(Mat)  Approved phased approach

Short Term (asap to summer 2019)
Allow CAF members to obtain boots of their choice using simple criteria to be defined.
Similar to brassiere and undergarment policy.
LOTBs remain available.

Medium Term (summer 2019 to fall 2021)
Allow CAF members to obtain boots of their choice based on a prequalified list with industry engagement.
Supply chain provides General Purpose Boot (GPB) as initial issue and for operational contingency.

Long Term (beyond fall 2021)
Remove operational footwear from the DND supply chain by leveraging OCFC2."


"Timeline
20 - 21 June: Presentation to Army Council.
25 - 26 June: Boots WG  (CA G4 / ADM(Mat) co-chaired)
4 July: Back brief to CCA on WG outcome / COA development.
9 -13 July: Vector check with CDS (CCA and ADM(MAT), including draft CANFORGEN.
9 - 13 July: CANFORGEN circulated for comment.
16 July:  CANFORGEN published."