Boots

In Accordance With (IAW) CAPR 39-1 CIVIL AIR PATROL UNIFORM REGULATION, "5.1.2.7. Footwear. Black socks and black combat boots are mandatory with this uniform [ABUs]." That's of course, not a lot to go on. If you go to Vanguard, our official supplier, you will see a side-zipped "tactical" boot from Bates as the only offering. Not exactly what I would call a "combat" boot but it's fine. 

So what exactly are we looking for?

Here at Squadron 153 cadets are highly encouraged to wear full-leather boots, so as to provide the best possible ankle support in the field. That being said, it is understood that kids' feet grow and as such constantly buying an expensive full leather boot like the Corcoran jump boot can be financially straining. So unless your cadet is constantly performing a high visibility mission necessitating such thing, skip it.

• Look for "combat", "tactical", or law enforcement "patrol" type boots

  • Boots should be eight inches or higher -- no "construction" or "hiking" boots 

• Boots may have side zippers, but these don't offer as much support and let's face it -- zippers can fail

  • Avoid front zipping, firefighter "station" boots

• If the boot is combination of leather and material sides, then material needs to be black as well

  • Example, traditional jungle boots with black leather and OD green sides are a No Go, however jungle boots with black leather and black sides are permissible

• Likewise, souls should also be black -- no Doc Martins

Examples of some more tried and true good ol' boots:

  Corcoran jump boots                 Altama speed lace, combat boots                      Belleville 700 Waterproof Duty Boot

Always have your boots shined!

The only time where we relax on this is when we are in the field and away from the public eye. If you don't know how to shine leather then ask a fellow cadet whose boots look good or look it up online -- in fact here's three quick videos to get you started.

How to: Shine Shoes (the Old Guard way, taking it to a whole other level)

How to spit shine shoes (using a heat gun)

How to shine military boots! 2019 (cotton balls, water, and a little lighter action)

Blouse them boots airman!

For ABUs you're going to need blousing bands for the pant legs of your trousers. Blousing bands come in various forms: all metal, elastic bands with metal hooks, or various widths of elastic bands with Velcro closures, but they all accomplish the same thing -- pant leg which is tucked in at or just below the top of the boot.

Blousing bands are one of those items available for you to purchase at the JFTB Los Alamitos Exchange. Depicted to the right are two different types of blousing bands. A company named Tabs, even produces an elastic band with Velcro fasteners.

Here's a quick video on two ways you can blouse your boots. Honestly, I either do it the first way or I tuck my pant leg Army style. -- SQ/CC

    How to blouse your boots two ways.

Now some people blouse their boots to where the bloused pant leg is just above the boot (just be sure not to allow your socks to be visible) and others bring it down below the top of the boot. If you're one who does the later, just remember that when bloused, the trousers should not extend below the third eyelet from the top of the boot.

Blousing your boots properly gives your uniform this appearance: