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Chris's ROTC Blog

OSU ROTC

First lab or.... adventures in footwear!

Well today was the first day I got to wear my BDUs. Only after putting the uniform do I begin to realize what it feels like to be a soldier. Even if it was only for a few hours, it was still a very interesting and unique feeling. It is interesting the looks you get when wearing the uniform aroung campus, and the way people treat you. Though because of the size and prestige of OSU's ROTC program, most people are used to seeing people walk around in full uniform. Anyway, as I started to say, today was out first Lab, which basically means we get to don the uniforms and act like soldiers, not just students. Today we mainly just did D&C (Drill and Ceremony for the civilians reading this). We started to learn the basic commands, marching, saluting etc. All stuff Steve tried to teach me before I ever joined ROTC. Also, I guess being in band finally paid off, marching like a pro lol. Ok, now its time to start complaining about the boots. Unbroken in combat boots suck! Not only are they uncomfortable as hell to start off with, I had to wear my uniform to two of my other classes because I do not have a long enough break in between to head back to my dorm. So after a few hours of wearing the boots, the back of my ankle is pretty much torn up. Hopefully I will be able to go to PT tomorrow morning, but right now it is pretty hard to walk. Thats all for now. I will update more later after my feet stop bleeding.
Published Tuesday, September 28, 2004 8:35 PM by cmyers

Comments

 

cmyers said:

Recommend that you purchase some Corcoran II boots - put em on, lace em up, feel great from the start.

I never ever wear those basic issue boots...just asking for tore up feet!

September 29, 2004 12:25 AM
 

cmyers said:

Just be glad you're not in basic training - you'd be wearing the boots 24/7 (2 brand new pairs, both in need of breaking in) for the whole 8-10 weeks (not just one morning). You'll get used to them, though. If I were you, I'd wear them around campus for a while, not just on Thursdays, until they're broken in. You want them to be good and broke in before you do your first road march or FTX (especially if it's raining). If they're really bad, buy some moleskin - it's great for blisters.
September 29, 2004 1:24 PM
 

cmyers said:

If you feet were smaller they wouldn't hurt as much
September 29, 2004 5:03 PM
 

cmyers said:

First FTX is in early November. I'm excited, they are choppering us in. More on that later when I know more.
September 29, 2004 5:16 PM
 

cmyers said:

fastest way to break standard issue boots is put them on, dunk you feet in water and totally soak the leather, and wear them around as much as your feet will tolerate them. Then take them off and let dry over night.
September 30, 2004 9:45 AM
 

cmyers said:

if you are smart you will trash the issue boots and get you a pair of jungles. but if the rotc commander is on a power trip and barking all that uniformity crap insisting on wearing issues, there is still hope. take your boots to the nearest military base and find a shoe repair shop. near post they are more abundant than churches in the south. tell them to give you the ranger special. they will gut your boots, soften them and put a softer sole on them. ask for the ripple with extra padding. then you will have a pair of boots more comfortable than new balance tennis shoes. worth every penny.
October 6, 2004 9:24 AM
 

cmyers said:

October 25, 2004 3:47 PM
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