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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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