Boots in Blues

[bosshawk]

Although I only read CT randomly, I note that a lot of you folks are extending this argument about uniforms with some kid who isn't even a member.  I suggest, that to get rid of him, you ignore his postings(even though they ruffle your feathers).  Doing that, he will soon get tired of seeing his posts ignored and go away.

[Майор Хаткевич]

But this is fun! Positive attitude is everything.

[Eclipse]

Although I only read CT randomly, I note that a lot of you folks are extending this argument about uniforms with some kid who isn't even a member.  I suggest, that to get rid of him, you ignore his postings(even though they ruffle your feathers).  Doing that, he will soon get tired of seeing his posts ignored and go away.

The problem with that course is that CAPTalk is a pretty significant part of the Zeitgeist of CAP, thanks muchly to the good folks at Google.

In a lot of cases, CT is the first, or in the top 5 of searches on a given topic, so messages here tend to get quoted, and allowing for the
average attention span of two sentences these days, sometimes are quoted even when wrong.

[NIN]

In a lot of cases, CT is the first, or in the top 5 of searches on a given topic, so messages here tend to get quoted, and allowing for the average attention span of two sentences these days, sometimes are quoted even when wrong.

I resemble that!

[Dracosbane]

You've received good info here, that boots are authorized with blues.

I don't make it a requirement for my cadets to wear oxfords or cor-fams or dress shoes over boots, but I do make it a suggestion that once they become officers, it does look nicer to actually wear shoes instead of boots, and it sets a good example.  If we're at a regular unit meeting, it doesn't matter what shoes they have on their feet, so long as it is a part of the uniform.  If we're out doing a public function, they'd all better be wearing the same type of shoes, either all boots or all dress shoes. 

I am, however, a stickler for shine, with one caveat:  boots in the field.

[Cap'n]

Where do these wive's tales come from?

I had a buddy at Colorado Springs who told me they would sometimes have them wear unbloused shined combat boots with service dress during snow and such.

I'm in Colorado Springs, so I can imagine having to wear boots when it snows badly enough. However, I've never seen anyone in my squadron do it before. Might not be the worst idea, with some of the snowstorms we get.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Today to get to our squadron storage I had to step into some 6 inches of snow or so in my dress shoes...my feet got wet and cold pretty quickly.

[SarDragon]

Today to get to our squadron storage I had to step into some 6 inches of snow or so in my dress shoes...my feet got wet and cold pretty quickly.

Totes makes an excellent product that helps avoid such angst. 

[J2H]

Now... do you blouse them or straight leg it?  I straight legged it in active duty

[Майор Хаткевич]

We're not PJs and are in CAP. Straight is the only way to go.

[RogueLeader]

We're not PJs and are in CAP. Straight is the only way to go.

No, straight leg is tucked straight in the boots, its also known as peg-leg.

Now... do you blouse them or straight leg it?

We don't do either.  Trousers are worn the same when wearing boots or shoes.

I straight legged it in active duty

I bloused mine in the Army. 20th ENG BDE (C)(A).

[Майор Хаткевич]

Learn something new every day!

[Storm Chaser]

While CAPR 39-1 is clear that combat boots are allowed with all service uniform combinations (and pants are worn the same way as with shoes as was stated by others on previous posts), I personally wouldn't recommend it under normal circumstances. I've been wearing blues for over 25 years in both CAP and USAF and can tell you, it just doesn't look good. If there are practical reasons to wear them, then do so knowing that you're within regs. Otherwise, stick to military-style shoes; they just look more professional IMHO.

I would also like to emphasize that if combat boots are worn with blues, then they must be "black" and "highly polished, high gloss, or patented leather." Also, combat boots are not allowed with mess dress or semiformal (cadets only) uniforms.

[RogueLeader]

While I may not match your years of experience, when properly worn, boots can look a lot better than low quarters.  My Cochran jump boots are nice, and I can wear them all day.  I can't say the same about my dress shoes.

[Storm Chaser]

While I may not match your years of experience, when properly worn, boots can look a lot better than low quarters.

I was careful to state that this was just my opinion; CAP obliviously feels that either shoes or combat boots are acceptable. That being said, other than combat airmen (pararescue, combat controllers, security forces, etc.), it is rare to see Air Force personnel wearing combat boots with service uniforms. There's a reason for that; service uniforms are the equivalent of civilian business attire. While dress boots are occasionally worn with civilian business attire, no one would wear utility boots with such attire. Shoes seems to be the preferred option for business and dress attire.

[Hawk200]

I wore plain black Ropers(which are legal, read the pub.) Most people didn't even know I was wearing boots. I have had a few people over the years that noted that they didn't have laces. Some people got their own and wore them, but most people noted it, and just moved on.