Posted on Jan 17, 2019
The Military Has Begun Issuing Sneakers to Recruits at Boot Camp
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In 1974 at Basic Training we did PT in boots. Can you say shin splints!
The Military Has Begun Issuing Sneakers to Recruits at Boot Camp
Posted from military.com
Uniforms
Shoes
Physical Training
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 15
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In 1978 in the 82d airborne division, I was an Infantry platoon leader. The standard PT uniform was boots, and we ran up and down Ardennes street. After thinking about the shin splint problems I had, along with many in my platoon, I came to the conclusion that if we were really training for aerobic improvement, it would be better if we ran in running shoes so we could run faster while avoiding the unnecessary pounding of boots on pavement. We did plenty of ruck marches and tactical movements in boots to keep in combat shape.
So on a platoon PT day, where I get to decide what we do, I had my platoon wear running shoes, and off running on Ardennes we went. As we pulled into the platoon area, a runner from battalion was there to tell me the battalion commander wanted to see me ASAP. Turns out he didn't call for me to congratulate me on my insight and initiative. Despite my explanation of the benefits, he said it was a stupid idea and to never do it again, and questioned my paratrooper credentials, so to speak.
Six months later the 18th Airborne Corps at Bragg gets a new 3 star commander. He puts out a memo saying that after great thought he figures that if we run in running shoes instead of boots we can get better aerobic training and cut down on shin splints, and we shouldn't let old thinking hold us back. He is immediately and unanimously hailed by all division, brigade and battalion commanders as being an absolute fucking visionary genius who will rewrite fitness in the Airborne community. And the entire Corps, including every unit in the 82d, is running down Ardennes the next day in running shoes.
Go figure. :)
Editorial note : this picture of an 82d run is not from the 70s.
So on a platoon PT day, where I get to decide what we do, I had my platoon wear running shoes, and off running on Ardennes we went. As we pulled into the platoon area, a runner from battalion was there to tell me the battalion commander wanted to see me ASAP. Turns out he didn't call for me to congratulate me on my insight and initiative. Despite my explanation of the benefits, he said it was a stupid idea and to never do it again, and questioned my paratrooper credentials, so to speak.
Six months later the 18th Airborne Corps at Bragg gets a new 3 star commander. He puts out a memo saying that after great thought he figures that if we run in running shoes instead of boots we can get better aerobic training and cut down on shin splints, and we shouldn't let old thinking hold us back. He is immediately and unanimously hailed by all division, brigade and battalion commanders as being an absolute fucking visionary genius who will rewrite fitness in the Airborne community. And the entire Corps, including every unit in the 82d, is running down Ardennes the next day in running shoes.
Go figure. :)
Editorial note : this picture of an 82d run is not from the 70s.
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SGT Jim Ramge, MBA
Obviously credit where credit is due... Brilliant idea shot down for stupidity, only to be mandated months later - GO PHUKING FIGURE! Well 40 years later Michael, I will provide you with the proper assessment - Great idea Brother!!!
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LTC (Join to see)
SGT Jim Ramge, MBA - thanks, brother. I needed that. Then there was the time I said, "you know, if you dye that Velcro black....". ;)
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MSG Frank Kapaun
In 1980, we still did PT in the SFQC in boots. Running shoes were considered for pussies. We, and everyone had them, wore our shin splints as a badge of honor. That said, once you got to a group, we ran in running shoes.
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CSM Richard StCyr
Sounds like when I recommended using digital photography for reconnaissance reporting when the digital cameras first came out.....
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I was issued running shoes when I was bootcamp for the Navy back in 1988. I did not experience shin splints until nearly 18 years later.
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The title is a little misleading. We've "issued" sneakers since at least 1994 (I was issued a pair when I joined).
The issue is that we have not adhered to requirements that sneakers (a required issue item) be American Made or Domestically sourced (because there were no American Made or Domestically sources options). Check out the Berry Amendment and the Buy American Act.
Keep in mind that for ENLISTED personnel, that if we MANDATE a uniform item (running shoes are a uniform item), then the government must provide it (or reimburse the cost).
I realize that a great many of our members "pre-date" this specific sea-bag item, however, if we are going to place an emphasis on ANY skill, shouldn't we also ensure that our troops have the appropriate tools to master said skill?
COL Mikel J. Burroughs SSG(P) James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" GySgt John Olson
The issue is that we have not adhered to requirements that sneakers (a required issue item) be American Made or Domestically sourced (because there were no American Made or Domestically sources options). Check out the Berry Amendment and the Buy American Act.
Keep in mind that for ENLISTED personnel, that if we MANDATE a uniform item (running shoes are a uniform item), then the government must provide it (or reimburse the cost).
I realize that a great many of our members "pre-date" this specific sea-bag item, however, if we are going to place an emphasis on ANY skill, shouldn't we also ensure that our troops have the appropriate tools to master said skill?
COL Mikel J. Burroughs SSG(P) James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" GySgt John Olson
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