As an NCO, I can not force my soldier to buy Jump Boots just because it’s the 101st Airborne tradition, correct?

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:08:28 -0500

Also my unit told me if my soldiers don’t buy the boots than they show no loyalty to the unit and will get passed over for waivers and will be frowned upon for not having them.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Dec 13 at 2017 6:12 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:12:56 -0500

Possession jump boots should be a moot point in the no polish military, if a troop wants to buy a pair for history fine, you can't force a troop to, Its a sign of very weak/toxic leadership to do that strong leadership would inspire troops to go beyond what required.

Fundamentals of Leadership
LEADERSHIP DEFINED
1-1. Leadership is the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to
accomplish the mission and improve the organization (ADP 6-22). As an element of combat power,
leadership unifies the other elements of combat power (information, mission command, movement and
maneuver, intelligence, fires, sustainment and protection). Confident, competent, and informed leadership
intensifies the effectiveness of the other elements of combat power.
INFLUENCING
1-2. Influencing is getting people—military and civilian, governmental and non-governmental partners, or
even bystanders such as a local populace—to do what is required. Influencing entails more than simply
passing along orders. Through words and personal example, leaders communicate purpose, direction, and
motivation.
PURPOSE
1-3. Purpose gives subordinates the reason to achieve a desired outcome. Leaders should provide clear
purpose for their followers. Leaders can use direct means of conveying purpose through requests or orders.
DIRECTION
1-4. Providing clear direction involves communicating what to do to accomplish a mission: prioritizing
tasks, assigning responsibility for completion, and ensuring subordinates understand the standard. Although
subordinates want and need direction, they expect challenging tasks, quality training, and adequate
resources. They should have appropriate freedom of action. Providing clear direction allows followers to
adapt to changing circumstances through modifying plans and orders through disciplined initiative within
the commander’s intent.
MOTIVATION
1-5. Motivation supplies the will and initiative to do what is necessary to accomplish a mission.
Motivation comes from within, but others’ actions and words affect it. A leader’s role in motivation is to
understand the needs and desires of others, to align and elevate individual desires into team goals, and to
inspire others to accomplish those larger goals. Some people have high levels of internal motivation to get a
job done, while others need more reassurance, positive reinforcement, and feedback.
1-6. Indirect approaches to motivation can be as successful as direct approaches. Setting a personal
example can sustain the drive in others. This becomes apparent when leaders share the hardships. When a
unit prepares for a deployment, all key leaders should share in the hard work. This includes leadership
presence at night, weekends, and in any conditions or location where subordinates are working.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2017 6:20 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:20:26 -0500

That’s exactly what I said. I was very happy to purchase my jump boots because I was a previous M1A2 Abrams crewman so I could wear tanker boots and jump boots, but I want my soldiers to be prideful they own them. I want them to be prideful to buy them and not be forced to buy them because the unit says so.

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made Dec 13 at 2017 6:41 PM

Cpl Scott McCarroll — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:41:43 -0500

I would have given my eye teeth to get the canvas topped boots when I was in but hey we didn't start wearing the camy 78 I think the Corp finally did, they did let those who boots on the ground to wear the what we called jungle boots.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2017 9:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 21:29:36 -0500

Yes, you can.

Being in the correct uniform isn’t really something that’s optional.

If you have a Soldier that is that bad and don’t have leaders that can mentor/assist you with this, counsel him on the correct unit uniform. If they fail to meet the requirements of the unit standard given in the counseling, request UCMJ action.

UCMJ action isn’t always the answer, but if a Soldier, regardless of rank, thinks they can do what they want, it may be needed.

We don’t need Soldiers like that in the Army. Fix him or show him the exit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2017 10:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 22:24:01 -0500

Any leader who is forcing soldiers to buy Optional or "Unit" items that isn't issued or given via a Supplemental Clothing Allowance, is wrong. If a BN CDR or higher authority want uniformity for these Optional items they need to work with IMCOM to get CIF to issue them, or authorize said Supplemental Clothing Allowance for those items to be purchased.

Coercing Soldiers by saying you won't get a waiver or some other negative counseling for failing to show "loyalty" is inappropriate and not consistent with Army Regulations. The excuse of "this is how its always been" is never a reason to force Soldiers to do anything like that, its lazy leadership and a poor example for Junior Soldiers regardless of unit type.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 13 at 2017 10:47 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 22:47:01 -0500

"As an NCO, I can not force my soldier to buy Jump Boots just because it’s the 101st Airborne tradition, correct?"
Yes, and I bet you already knew that.
"Also my unit told me if my soldiers don’t buy the boots than they show no loyalty to the unit and will get passed over for waivers and will be frowned upon for not having them."

Right, as well as..when the unit has a formation, and "that" SM does not have the called for uniform, the CDR/1SG may exclude them from that formation/ event. And then you have a SM that is available for that BDE tasking....or CQ, or road guard , or what ever needs to be done while the unit and 99.76459% of the unit that does have Jump boots is in formation, then the company BBQ and early release.
Your SM can be an individual, or a member of the team, it is his choice ..Inform, encourage, lead by example and then let that SM make a choice. He gets to own his choice.

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 14 at 2017 12:22 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 00:22:13 -0500

Marine Perspective:

Uniform issue is uniform issue. One reason that uniformity is important, is so that unit leaders, with their higher pay are operating with the same gear and limitations as those they lead. Another reason that uniformity is important is because the supply chain is not going to cater to "champagne wishes" in theater.

If the Army thought jump boots were necessary, they would be unit issue. Anyone who buys non-issue gear and wears it during ops should be reprimanded for uniform violation. I had a problem with NCO's and junior officers using their superior pay to buy gear (specifically boots) the troops can't afford. At the time Danner boots were all the rage and about $120 a pair (1980's). Issue boots were $17 a pair. I got a particular case of the "Red Ass" when I heard that some NCO's and Lts with the non-issue boots were giving troops with issue boots grief for foot problems.

I resolved the issue scheduling a 10 mile speed march. When we did the 1 mile pack check, I personally inspected boots. Every NCO and Officer with non-issue boots was told to remove them. They were then given a choice:

Keep your boots, but put them in your pack, then finish the speed march in socks and moleskin. Which I will do with you, also in socks and moleskin.
OR
Throw your boots in the tree line from where your are standing and take a 1 mile leisurely pace back to the barracks, get in your car and hope the boots are still there when you get back. Then pray I never see non-issue gear on your body when you are not on liberty.

One Sergeant decided to pack his boots and march on. I sent the entire Company back under the XO's command. The Sergeant and I wore out socks, moleskin, and our feet. He admitted after 2 more miles that he was pissed, thought I was bluffing, and wanted to quit. I told him he made his choice and WE were going to abide by it.

I suggest you tell who ever is mandating this, regardless of rank, in the most polite militarily courteous language possible to "PUT IT IN WRITING OR PACK SAND." If you see any repercussions, request mast two levels above the person building their reputation on their soldiers backs.

Request Mast is an official Marine and Navy procedure where you speak Marine to Marine with the Commanding Officer, up to and including the CG. I have been told the Army and the Air Force have a similar conduit, but I don't remember the lingo.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2017 3:04 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 03:04:42 -0500

Is part of the uniform. He gets a clothing allowance for expenses like this. It also about unit loyalty, personal pride, and tradition to name a few. In my personal opinion, this Soldier is undisciplined and unfit to serve in a unit like the 101st. I never served in the 101st, but I served as a paratrooper in the 82d and 173d. Is time for you to bring out the counseling and help this sorry soldier move out and make room for those who want to be part of the unit.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2017 7:14 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 07:14:51 -0500

Interesting, I did not know there were soldiers who wanted to be in a unique unit but didn't want to wear any unique items for that unit. Is it just a money issue because clothing allowance should cover it. Or is it a matter of principle? It's hard to say anything about this without knowing why the soldier doesn't want to buy it. Also, the 101st a is special unit to be so I can understand the unit's perspective. I remember a similar debate about pin-on vs sew-on rank.

From my perspective I'm wondering why is this soldier even in the 101st ABN to begin with. I served in the 3/504 at Bragg and I had to buy jump boots, flash for my jump wings, a maroon beret, and a french fourragere for my dress uniform. I also had to buy the blue discs for my infantry insignia. Its weird I guess to expect that, but I always thought being in the 82nd was freakin awesome and wearing distinctive items too. The good news about jump boots is that you can sell them when you leave to another soldier.

On another note I foresee much more disagreements with this soldier in the future. You're going have to earn your pay on this one. hah! Especially if the solider has a college degree.

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 14 at 2017 9:10 AM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 09:10:32 -0500

I cant stand these practices. When I was in my clothing allowance afforded me a new set of actual boots and a new set of ACUs. Its all well and fine when you're a staff officer who may see the field once or twice a year and can keep uniforms longer than 6 or 7 months and you can buy dress uniform accessories with your money, but soldiers should never have to come out of pocket to meet unit standards. If they want everyone to wear them, issue them.

Response by COL John McClellan made Dec 14 at 2017 9:13 AM

COL John McClellan — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 09:13:08 -0500

But... you can lead them to the right answer!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Dec 14 at 2017 9:13 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 09:13:18 -0500

When I got to Ft Campbell many MANY years ago we had the same requirement! It WAS a strain for a young E-2 to go out and buy Jump Boots. However I did so. They where cheap and I bought them at a pawn shop. My NCO didn't agree with going out and buying a 200 dollar pair of boots either. So I bought a good used pair and really didn't have to shine them up that much! If I remember Ft Campbell, there are MANY pawn shops on 41 A that could be looked over for boots, that troops have pawned for their X Box games, they could go and get for 50 to a 100 bucks.

It was a since of pride that I wanted to buy them and they gave me a grace period to by them, considering I was new to the unit. But like SGM Erik Marquez stated, there is post guard, post police and a plethora of other details for the SM to do if they still refuse! If it is still a thing post police SUCKED!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 14 at 2017 9:43 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 09:43:28 -0500

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member, I would take precisely the opposite view of this situation! If you're in an elite unit, you should want to wear Corcorans! I graduated from jump school on the DZ on 9APR70. Before we bussed over to SFTG at Fort Bragg the following Saturday or Sunday, the Black Hats "suggested" to all of us that we go to the PX and get jump boots. They said that's why we got the extra $55 a month (jump pay for enlisted back then)! Here's a photo of me in my shiny new Corcorans, just before we shipped to Fort Bragg. I've always owned Corcorans since that day and still have the pair that I was wearing when I retired in MAY98! I can't even imagine wearing issue boots with a dress uniform!
By the way, E-2 pay back then was $138.30 per month!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2017 10:41 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 10:41:17 -0500

I would float to the command the possibility of setting up a unit fund for junior enlisted. I understand NCO's being expected to put in their own time and dime, but Specialist though Private? Senior NCO's should be building a pot for their platoons and squads to identify those Soldiers who might need some financial help without embarrassing them. If you make the requirement, you need to supply it.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 14 at 2017 11:39 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 11:39:53 -0500

Nope can't make them.... But it's your job as a leader to make them want to be a part of the team and take pride in the unit, especially a unit with as great a history as the 101st.
If the Soldier doesn't have the unit pride items they can be excluded from events and functions that those are the required wear. Read that as shit detail candidates, which would be on the negative side.
As far as the waivers go, those are not guaranteed and are not a rite or entitlement. You can bet your butt as a 1SG I would vote for and lean on the commander in favor of the Troop that took pride in and supported unit traditions over the troop who didn't as that shows motivation and esprit de corps and would be way to easy a decision to defend and fend off any complaints.
As a young Soldier I purchased the newest equipment as soon as available and authorized because I liked the Army and being a Soldier; also because it was one less thing for anyone to screw with me about.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 14 at 2017 11:55 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 11:55:11 -0500

Interesting discussion. I don't recall any unit-directed variations from Service-provided uniform items during my 22 years in the Air Force. As officers we bought our dress and duty uniforms and kept them in good repair. When uniforms changed, we had to have the new uniforms before the wear-out date for the old uniforms. Service-provided work uniforms, such as BDUs, were one-time issue to officers then we were expected to keep them up. Special uniforms, such as flight suits, were issued and replaced from the supply system when they wore out or were changed. For example, we transitioned from cotton to fire-retardant flight suits and jackets in my time. Unit items such as patches and scarfs worn with flight suits were issued out of unit funds. There were and are things in the Clothing Sales store you could buy such as Corfam shoes or higher quality boots. They were never required.

I've worked around the Army enough to understand to whole boot vs leg thing, but requiring service members to purchase special uniform items seems wrong. Certainly requiring them to be worn to an official formation or function appears out of bounds. Too much Hooah for me.

Response by SGT Morrison (Mike) Hogwood made Dec 14 at 2017 12:15 PM

SGT Morrison (Mike) Hogwood — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 12:15:24 -0500

in today's Army,why are jump boots the issue when you are issued the suede boots,i did not think they were worn anymore,or are there exceptions to policy because you are Airborne or stationed are Campbell,I've read some comments about clothing allowance being given,but this is a tradition not everyday military clothing issue,i understand unit,post and Army traditions,but if they want you follow tradition then the Army needs to give the soldier the items or special request for finance to purchase said items,when the soldier leaves Ft Campbell then all the all that tradition stuff is history what do you do with it when your gone.In today's Military with all the changing in uniforms,I'd be upset to,there has been way to many changes to uniforms in the last 20 years,some Soldiers probably had to Buy more than their Uniform Allowance gave them.A good Soldier will always be a good Soldier until some tradition comes along and then their no longer a good Soldier because they can not comply with someones ego or afford it.just my 2cents

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Dec 14 at 2017 1:21 PM

SFC Gary Fox — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 13:21:13 -0500

Let me guess. The soldier is a millinneal?

Response by MSG Mel Trout made Dec 14 at 2017 2:08 PM

MSG Mel Trout — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 14:08:40 -0500

I'm old. Retired from Black Boot Army. Never in 101st. I always wore jump boots. With the suede boots does the 101st still wear them. May seem like a dumb question, but I don't know.

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made Dec 14 at 2017 2:19 PM

PFC Elijah Rose — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 14:19:58 -0500

The fact that one feels the need to coerce someone to "show loyalty" infers that you feel that a reasonable person within that unit may believe that there is no unit cohesion whatsoever. You're talking about forcing someone to spend hundreds of dollars of their own money on boots they don't strickly need just so the unit will look good.
Think of this; if everyone in the unit hates each other then how many risks will individuals take for the unit. Seriously, try building actual comaraderie.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 14 at 2017 4:10 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:10:24 -0500

That's an EO complaint waiting to happen... that also sounds like it's borderline hazing.

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Dec 14 at 2017 4:13 PM

Jordan Gaudard — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:13:05 -0500

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member So I read through a lot of responses and I think the legal portion has been covered quite a few times. Another suggestion I would like to offer up is checking for a less expensive alternative. Try to get them used boots that may need some elbow grease to look presentable. Maybe they would be a size too big, if they are not taking a long walk in them it wouldn't be too awful bad.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Dec 14 at 2017 5:36 PM

MSgt John Taylor — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 17:36:18 -0500

If the unit so hot on tradition, they should provide the boots. Do the Cav guys have to buy horses?

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Dec 14 at 2017 7:52 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 19:52:18 -0500

I don't get you they wouldn't want to wear them, but I'd assume peer pressure is still present. Who wants to stand out as being a problem?

Response by SFC Cornelius Walsh made Dec 15 at 2017 6:40 AM

SFC Cornelius Walsh — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 06:40:43 -0500

No. It's an optional wear item. However, I'd do my best to encourage them to buy them, by means of teaching them about unit history, esprit de corps, and the simple fact that our dress uniforms look great with jump boots!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 15 at 2017 11:53 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 11:53:35 -0500

Soldiers DO NOT have to purchase any items not shown on their clothing/TA-50 sheets. With that being said, what idiot wants to be on the 1SG/CSM shit list for not having any pride in their unit?

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Dec 15 at 2017 1:52 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 13:52:13 -0500

I was in the 101st in 1976/77. I was a SGT and was assigned to the 2/502d Inf. I was told that I had to go to Air Assault School. I was 7 months from ETS, and did not wnat to go. I read the Reg and the first thing it said was you had to volunteer. I informed my 1SG of that fact. He said OK, from this point on, your headgear will be your Helmet. I was the only soldier in the unit wearing a helmet, not a beret. It took 2 weeks before I acquiesced. I went to Air Assault School in January of 1977, and was Honor Graduate, Got out in July...Came back in Nov 78 Retired in 1997.

Response by SSG Bobby Castle made Dec 15 at 2017 2:18 PM

SSG Bobby Castle — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 14:18:35 -0500

I retired in 07 from the Army (19K) and I could have sworn that in my days between 1982 -07 the Regs stated that a Unit commander could add to but not subtract from the regulation. Does this still apply?

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 16 at 2017 1:40 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 13:40:03 -0500

You can make him wish he had never been born

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Dec 17 at 2017 5:45 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 17:45:32 -0500

When I was a NAP in the 173rd I bought a pair just because it seemed like the right thing to do. Of course I went and bought Cochran two's and was mocked mercilessly by the Airborne types.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 17 at 2017 6:48 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 18:48:40 -0500

Yes, I had to do so in the 1980's because back then... regular issued leg boots were not worthy of the dress uniform, it has to be jump boots and they cost as I remember $50 a pair back then.......which was pretty steep. It wasn't against purchasing them though because the 101st Airborne was then part of the Rapid Deployment Force and additionally you had WWII and Vietnam era Veterans visiting the post once or twice a year. I didn't have an issue buying them as I think they made the dress uniform look kick-azz.

As for buying used boots, that might work if your in a support unit, some Infantry units are going to try and roll they ole pencil under the rear heal looking for signs of wear and if the boots are "serviceable".

Also, it probably can be argued the Clothing allowance covers the purchase of boots or low quarters for dress uniforms so I am not sure that argument is going to work. Otherwise the entire 82nd would be running around in low quarters in their dress uniform (gasp!)

Last but not least, I would not want to attend a Funeral for a 101st Airborne Soldier in anything less than Jump Boots. You might as well urinate on the grave, IMO. Other former Soldiers are watching and can tell what your wearing........be mindful of that as well.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2017 8:04 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 08:04:35 -0500

I've heard similar things in some of the units I have been in. You don't have to buy it, but not having it makes a difference. It's a measure of something. It's not mandatory, but it is unit tradition. If you can't save money for this one thing, maybe you aren't as responsible as everyone else. Perhaps you aren't as motivated as everyone else. Perhaps you lack that certain intangible thing that you can never quite put your finger on. Now, if you are a tactical genius, that will mitigate some of it...but it will never mitigate all of it. There are a lot of these things in the military...and this isn't a representative form of government. What your superiors look for in a Soldier may not be "by the book," and can include intangibles that are measured through different methods.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2017 6:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 18:08:17 -0500

Jump boots? Nope, you can't make a soldier purchase them as they are issued black all-leather combat boots...at least that is what you could have said a decade ago. Now the standard issue boot is coyote brown swede leather making the purchase of black, all leather boots a mandatory optional item that the Army no longer issues. They also will most likely have to purchase an actual set of jump boots as it is getting harder and harder to find the old black leather combat boot in a serviceable condition since the Army switched footgear. The real answer is if your soldier cannot afford to buy jumpboots (they are a bit pricey) then it is your duty to make sure your soldier's finances are in order and get them whatever assistance they need through a wide range of Army programs so that young soldier can afford those boots because no matter how you try to avoid it, the responsibility will fall on you when that soldier fails to show up at a formation in the proper traditional uniform.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Dec 18 at 2017 7:27 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 19:27:11 -0500

My self personally, I think the idea of jump boots that offer nothing for improved wear, and are nothing more for appearance is fracking dumb. I mean for traditions sake why don't we all do the manual of arms for the Kentucky rifle? I mean that is tradition, how about we let the iron brigade wear their Civil War Hats, or let the Irish Brigade wear something the flower they wore at Antietam. For that matter lets bring red stripes on Artillery uniforms. Traditions are meant to fall by the wayside. I mean when was the last time you saw the US Army do a march side by side into the face of another unit? Some people need to learn to let go.

Response by Capt Hansel Bumgarner made Dec 24 at 2017 2:08 PM

Capt Hansel Bumgarner — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 14:08:10 -0500

Have NEVER supported such views. If a unit wants every member to have such “optional” gear, then the unit should buy it. You may not realize the individual may be sending every penny home to his parents. Why not have a fund, filled with voluntary donations from unit members, to purchase jump boots for new members? It could be part of their “Welcome Aboard”. I have no doubt it would help build unit loyalty and cohesion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2018 3:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 15:27:43 -0500

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member is it part of the uniform? At Bragg if you are in an airborne unit you have jump boots to wear in ASUs with the maroon beret with unit flash and if you are airborne qualified you wear the oval behind your jump wings. It is part of the uniform so you will have it for inspection and functions requiring you to wear the uniform (for DA photo you take off the oval).

Response by SSG John Jennett made Jan 24 at 2018 3:54 PM

SSG John Jennett — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 15:54:32 -0500

Every Soldier is given a clothing allowance every year. In the 101st Jump Boots are required for the dress uniform. Instead of low quarters they can. It the boots. Not unreasonable.

Response by SSG Dale London made Jan 25 at 2018 6:42 AM

SSG Dale London — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 06:42:29 -0500

That is correct. You do not have the authority -- even if given a direct order by your CO, to order a soldier to buy extra gear. If it is required for service, it should be issued.
That being said -- let's be real here -- if the CO wants everybody in jump boots it is a really good idea for your soldier to comply. People are people and non-conformists are not welcome in the army. If your soldier doesn't want to buy into the group think them he's setting himself up as a non-team player.
Okay - If it's a money issue (and it nearly always is) talk it over with him and see what can be done.
But if it's a matter of principle then you need to ask why he does not want to conform to the unit ethos. Is he a discipline problem? Is he likely to be a disruptive element in the unit?
I can guarantee that ALL your senior NCO's and officers will be thinking along these lines. Yeah - you cannot order him to buy jump boots. He's perfectly within his rights to refuse.
But there's a huge world of difference between being "right" and being welcome. Your boy will be shunted to the side. And if your chain of command is at least half as savvy as most senior soldiers are, they will dress it up in ways that cannot be fought.
Tell him to suck it up and buy the boots already.

Response by TSgt James Potter made Jan 25 at 2018 6:36 PM

TSgt James Potter — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 18:36:07 -0500

What the heck, what do you use your jump pay for? Challenge coins, squadron t-shirts its all good. Show a little pride in your unit. You probably piss that much away every month at the bar.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Jan 26 at 2018 2:58 PM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 14:58:45 -0500

Units like the 101st have earned a legacy from those who went before.
That legacy is carried forward in different ways, including jump boots.
It is out of respect for those who went before, who established the very status you now enjoy wearing the unit patch, that you buy the boots.
If someone does not understand that, they do not belong in the unit and do not deserve the benefits of belonging to a storied unit.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jan 26 at 2018 4:55 PM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 16:55:11 -0500

Blackmail in the military comes in many forms and always will. Doesn't matter if is buying special clothing not part of your initial issue or once an NCO not belonging to the base NCO club.

Response by SGT Kenneth Stelly made Feb 6 at 2018 10:24 AM

SGT Kenneth Stelly — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 10:24:29 -0500

I didn't think the military still wore jump boots... Am I right? If so, this question is mute.

Response by SGT Kenneth Stelly made Feb 6 at 2018 10:27 AM

SGT Kenneth Stelly — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 10:27:37 -0500

I didn't think the military still wore jump boots, if this is so, the question is mute..

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Feb 9 at 2018 2:46 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:46:10 -0500

As a missileman in a nuclear weapons unit, I never understood why anybody wore jump boots at all in Germany. We were not Airborne, but Field Artillery, but so many people wore jump boots just the same. They weren't really better looking than the Basic Issue, and I thought Basic Issue was probably a tougher boot. Personally, I liked Jungle Boots and laced up in those every day in garrison and wore my Basic Issue boots in the field until I invested in GoreTex Matterhorns.

We were not Airborne, but we were airmobile. I practiced several fire missions where the choppers picked up my launcher and crew and dropped us in remote places to do a fire mission.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 10:46 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 10:46:14 -0500

SSG Lauren Manuel. I agree that no one was threatening the soldier with any negative action, and only included that as a personal anecdote to the discussion.

You are correct that "I can't do that" is not in the vocabulary of a person in a leadership position, as well. Traditional footwear or not, however, does not make it a requirement to buy the boots out of pocket or using the clothing allowance to do so. If the unit is going to threaten negative attention, and passing for a waiver, regardless of the performance of the soldier for not having them, they should provide the boots. That's all it boils down to.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 10:48 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 10:48:58 -0500

as long they are in the correct uniform.. if your unit wants them to buy jump boot ask them if they are going to pay for them.

Response by CMSgt Robert (Bob) Kelchner made Feb 19 at 2018 11:14 AM

CMSgt Robert (Bob) Kelchner — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 11:14:47 -0500

Inspire and motivate. Educate the toops about tradition and history of the unit. Be part of it.

Response by MSG William Hesser made Mar 8 at 2018 10:06 PM

MSG William Hesser — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:06:29 -0500

Bottom line. The 101st is no longer a 100% Airborne Div. I am still disgusted about that, it is 'Airmobile/Air Assault with only the Recondo and Rangers that are Airborne.
The jump boots fit and wear better than issue boots. Using good Lincoln polish, which has lanolin in it and treats the leather better than Kiwi polish which has paraffin in, gives a fantastic spit shine. That spit shine on the toe in which you can watch your chute open up in the reflection. The Arimobile don't get that luxury.
So bottom line, until the 101st becomes 100% Airborne again, other than looking good in garrison, is a mute point. Airmobile can't blouse their class A's, which I don't know if you still can with the new dress uniforms, which came out after I retired.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 6:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 18:43:46 -0400

No, issue is fine.

Response by CW4 Bernie Busby made Mar 12 at 2018 1:44 PM

CW4 Bernie Busby — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 13:44:54 -0400

Had 2 pair of Corcorans, ruined my first pair of in a rice paddie in RVN investigating a helicopter accident. Never could get the slime out of them. Never wore the other pair outside of CONUS.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 13 at 2018 3:04 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 03:04:12 -0400

No - you can't make him buy jump boots. But you can make him wish he did.....