Why is it that Soldiers do not apply edge dressing to their low quarters anymore?

2015-02-21T22:30:03-05:00

I have noticed that soldiers wearing their ASU low quarters look like dust and grayish on the soles. I don't understand that. How can your uniform be complete and looking good? Please explain.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-02-21T22:31:06-05:00

It's a lost art....same as the emnew on their pin on rank on their covers!

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Feb 21 at 2015 10:36 PM

2015-02-21T22:36:20-05:00

Because they aren't getting held to task, take them to the wood shed, make the dang on-the spot correction!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 21 at 2015 10:40 PM

2015-02-21T22:40:14-05:00

I suspect you'd be hard pressed to find anyone under the age of 30 whose even heard of it...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 11:02 PM

2015-02-21T23:02:27-05:00

I do, and I make damn sure my guys do too. Even if I have to throw the bottle at them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 11:03 PM

2015-02-21T23:03:19-05:00

My answer is to ask, "Have you properly trained them?"

What I have noticed is that today's Soldier's are not properly informed or trained through TRADOC. It is all about numbers and getting them through. Trainees can do no wrong and negativity is directed towards the NCO at all times.

Therefore it is the NCO's job to train them.

Another factor is that we have been a country at War for over 13 Years. It is going to be the responsibility of Seniors to train these young Leaders on how the Garrison ARMY functions.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 21 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-02-21T23:04:31-05:00

Does AR670-1 actually require it?

AFI 36-2903 doesn't require it, but I still do it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-02-21T23:05:27-05:00

My first cycle on the trail I had the soldiers in my PLT buy Edge Dressing. My 1SG said during his 12mths with the unit, it was the 1st time soldiers bought the item n was given a class. It became a tradition after that! IMO It's knowledge that needs to be shared, a skill that's is easily diminishing.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 11:10 PM

2015-02-21T23:10:05-05:00

I still do, but my first 6 years (95-2001) I was enlisted as an MP so I am a creature of habit at this point. A lot of habits established from the results of having a guard mount prior to each shift still exist for me

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 21 at 2015 11:14 PM

2015-02-21T23:14:03-05:00

One phrase lack of attention to detail.

Response by SGM Eric Lobsinger made Feb 21 at 2015 11:27 PM

2015-02-21T23:27:44-05:00

SFC Smith, I hate to say it but the answer is quite simple, it is because their senior NCOs have not taught them what is "right" nor have failed to enforce the standards. Prior to 9/11, and some would argue back to prior to Desert Storm/Desert Shield, standards and discipline perhaps had a different emphasis than today's Army, in part due to the endless deployment cycles of the previous decade. I would recommend that any senior NCO share his/her knowledge, training, and discipline with their fellow soldiers and uphold the standards. Great observation.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Feb 21 at 2015 11:34 PM

2015-02-21T23:34:08-05:00

You know....that is a very good question. My gosh....we look like Air Force cadets walking around Colorado Springs.
I also think we need to go back to the Jumps

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 12:15 AM

2015-02-22T00:15:49-05:00

I used it on my low quarters up to the day I stopped wearing my "blues". That was mid-2009.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Feb 22 at 2015 1:20 AM

2015-02-22T01:20:25-05:00

Soldiers don't put edge dressing on because the Army doesn't demand it anymore. The focus was taken off properly preparing the uniform.
Evident by uniforms you don't iron or starch, boots you don't have to shine, already shined low quarters, Velcro patches ( no more sew-on)
Soldiers got it easy these days when it comes to uniforms. In ranks inspections used to be part everyday life in the military

Response by SFC William Manchester made Feb 22 at 2015 1:33 AM

2015-02-22T01:33:12-05:00

I’ll be the first to admit that I like the look of edge dressing on our dress shoes. However, please identify where in DA PAM 670-1 it is required. As a fellow NCO, you understand that our job is to enforce regulations, not create them. If I’ve missed something, please let me know. I feel I am humble enough to continue learning as our Army develops.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Feb 22 at 2015 7:40 PM

2015-02-22T19:40:53-05:00

Thank you for posting a truly military question!
In response, I think this may have to do with moving to tan boots. Nobody put an emphasis on footwear maintenance in my last few years in the Army and only wore low quarters / jump boots during inspections or at formals. Some junior NCO's never wore a pair of shined combat boots and did not naturally think to pay attention to foot gear. Top this with buying chlorofram type "no shine" low quarters and it is a recipe for neglect. Is it an excuse? Kinda. It is more of an observation that could use some fixing.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 23 at 2015 8:47 AM

2015-02-23T08:47:49-05:00

How many reasons, or excuses, do you want. Lazy, lack of pride, poor supervision, and the list goes on. This isn't the Army I was in for sure.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 3:09 PM

2017-02-14T15:09:12-05:00

Old post I know. I have no problem edge dressing my shoes but was told last week that everyone is supposed to edge dress their shoes because the regulation says to. Am I supposed to read into the regulation when it says the shoes should be cleaned and/or shined to mean polished and edge dressed?

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Apr 28 at 2021 1:17 PM

2021-04-28T13:17:40-04:00

Who remembers using a section of tent pole, a loop of masking tape and a spot of Brasso on an old t-shirt to spin shine your enlisted branch and U.S. device brass discs? How about using Q-Tips and Brasso to shine the inside of your brass belt buckle? Applying edge dressing to boots and low quarters went right along with putting in the extra effort to look strac and demonstrate excellence. If that's not the culture these days I wouldn't know. Expecting a soldier to take pride in his appearance should just go with the territory.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Apr 28 at 2021 2:40 PM

2021-04-28T14:40:52-04:00

Its was pretty easy keeping a spit shine and using edge dressing on the heels and soles of both low Quarter and boots and keeping Your uniforms all fresh and pressed. Working within the Air/Security Police in the USAF We took real pride in our appearance and did stand open ranks inspections at Guard Mount prior to going on post or patrol. We were very visible and set the example and took pride in that appearance and Military bearing, sharp salutes, hand signals, everything.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Apr 28 at 2021 3:06 PM

2021-04-28T15:06:01-04:00

Within this formation, Company C at Bordentown Military Institute, Bordentown ,NJ every set of low quarter shoes worn here is spit shined and edge dressing used on the heels and soles. In racks inspections were constant and even the low quarter shoes under Your bunk better be the same and room inspections would sure note if they weren't. That and other minor infractions like that got You one hour of penalty tours on Your free times. The list was posted daily by the office of the Commandant of Cadets, a West Point graduate after inspections His office or by Members of the Army ROTC Instruction group who were all active duty Officers and NCOs. The habits formed here lasted a lifetime.

Note: I'm the fifth Cadet in on the 1st Platoon, 2nd Squad and never had to be told to shine My shoes. Despite this Army training though i entered the Air Force when I went ton active duty but continued to keep the uniform and shoes sharp.