Boots

[Field_Sailor]

When in the sandbox, are the boots the issue w/ the DCU's sufficient or do you need something else/better? What ya'll reccomend? I like the ones on Ranger Joes, any of ya'll wore them?

For everyday wear:


For the Dessert

The standard issue boot was a little hard for me to break in, but after that it was fine.

The started a system here in Iraq called RFI (rapid fielding initiative). This program was set up to get very usefull equipment to the troops on the ground in the theater.

Part of the items issued were two pairs of new boots. Somtimes it's Bellville's, Somtimes it's Danner's.

There is a winter pair, and a summer pair. I have not used my winters yet, but have not stopped using the summer boots. They are very comfortable.

My advise, use the issue boots untill you get your RFI, I don't think you'll be able to buy any that are more comfortable. AND THEIR FREE..

Other RFI items

underarmor long john's, fleece liners for gortex(top and bottem), cammelback, wick away socks, dry weave t shirts, nomex gloves 2pr. 1 winter 1 summer, rigger belt, goggles, & the new kevelar helmet.

[Field_Sailor]

lol, That's everything I've been told to pick up.

I hope I was able to save you some money. A Gerber multitool or a Leatherman and a good pocket knife are some things I would recomend. Some units are even issueing Gerbers now.

[Field_Sailor]

Now are these for when entire units deploy? I deploy as part of a small team. And I'm Navy, will I still be able to take advantage of this?

The RFI is for everyone in theater, The Gerber's are being done by individual unit's, If that unit has a supply sgt. that will do the paper work,(we don't). You are probobley better off to go ahead and buy the gerber yourself( around 50.00). I recomend the needlnose style, They come in very handy, almost daily.

[Grimmy]

Danners are the kind!!

When I was in service it was them ol' nasty Acme boots. Danners were a wet dream to all ground pounders back then.

[Field_Sailor]

The Gerber is "standard issue" for us, we have the black matted ones. Pretty handy. Now for the stupid question, Does everyone still have to go through Kuwait? Most of the people come right into their AOR correct? What about the Stan? Where do they assemble?

Sorry for the delay, Been gone a couple of days. Yes, everyone goes through Kuwait. It would be a lot better if they could get an APOD and an SPOD in Turkey, But untill, and if that ever happens it will be Kuwait. (it suck's for me too)

F/S, even the civilian contractors come through Kuwait. I got to be friends with some here in my AO. I was on my way back from leave, and ran into one in Kuwait. He was coming back from leave(vacation, or whatever civilians call it). Civilians, you would think, could fly right into BIAP, but they don't. Hope this helps..

[Field_Sailor]

It does, thanks.

I flew straight to BIAP when i arrived, then when I flew out 15 months later I left via our favorite ride the C-130!!



:plane-par

[0311Marine]

The boots we were issued were a little tough to break in, but after a while they were fine, no need to spend alot on an extra pair, just make sure you get the right size or youll regret it later.