The U.S. military uniform includes multiple pieces of standardized clothing and equipment, including a set of brown leather boots. This footwear will always be worn while soldiers are in their full combat uniform, but what are the rules when they’re off-duty?
Military boots can be worn by both soldiers and civilians. They can be worn both with a military uniform or with civilian clothes. Because they are not “distinctive” pieces of the military uniform, these boots can be bought, sold, and worn without repercussions by anyone.
Because of the high quality and great durability of military boots, they are appealing to both soldiers and civilians. For more information about uniform regulations as well as resources to help you find military boots for sale, read below.
Military Uniform Rules For Soldiers
Generally speaking, most branches of the military have between 2-3 different types of uniforms they will wear on a day-to-day basis. These include combat uniforms, service uniforms, and dress uniforms. These each have separate guidelines and rules, although some regulations are standard between all of them.
Soldiers are issued military clothing and equipment when they enlist and begin to advance through their training. At the beginning of their training, every soldier is given a free set of uniforms and other necessary gear. Afterward, they are given an annual allowance that helps pay for replacements, maintenance, or other equipment-related costs.
Once they have the uniforms, it is a soldier’s duty to make sure every piece of it is clean, neat, and well-cared for. Sloppy uniforms are not allowed in the U.S. military and every recruit needs to learn how to care for their clothing.
Combat uniforms are the most common “military uniform” that comes to most people’s minds when they picture it. This includes the camouflage-patterned jacket and pants, along with a belt, cap, and gloves.
This uniform should always be complemented with a pair of tall, sturdy, brown leather boots. Many different brands manufacture military-grade combat boots, but they all look fairly similar in the end. They should be a light tan/brown, with a lace-up design and sturdy tread along the bottom.
These boots should always be worn with the full combat uniform, but they can also be worn when the soldier is in civilian clothes. There is an army code that states that “distinctive pieces” of the US military uniform should not be worn in combination with civilian clothes. This would include items such as the camouflage jacket or cap.
However, many smaller items don’t fall under this category. Standard-issue undershirts, belts, gloves, and boots can be worn by soldiers when they are off-duty and out of uniform. Because they are not immediately distinctive as pieces of a military uniform, it’s fine to wear them anytime.
Military Uniform Rules For Civilians
When it comes to military uniforms, there are a few important rules that civilians need to keep in mind.
First of all, it is illegal for any civilian to wear a full military uniform, including any “distinctive” parts of one (as mentioned above). Because they have not served in the military and have not been issued these special clothes, civilians cannot wear them.
The only exception to this rule is when civilians are taking part in a theatrical production that requires the uniform as a costume. The uniform should not be worn outside of that limited context.
This rule (often referred to as the Stolen Valor Act) serves to separate the military from civilians and prevent people from claiming ranks and honors that they did not earn. It also helps everyone recognize real soldiers when they see them without confusion or uncertainty.
On the other hand, civilians are allowed to buy and wear pieces of the U.S. military uniform, as long as they are not distinctive. This includes undershirts, backpacks, belts, socks, gloves, and boots.
Military boots are popular among many civilians because of their durability, comfort level, and high-quality design. These boots are also frequently used by the personnel in fire departments and police offices. Many military surplus stores offer boots in their catalog, and there is nothing wrong with a civilian purchasing and wearing these boots regularly.
Where To Find Military Boots
Military boots are available in many different places. Obviously, they can be bought through the approved channels of the U.S. military if you are currently a soldier who is trying to purchase a set. But they are also widely available to civilians through a variety of stores and retailers.
Military Surplus Stores
Military surplus stores are great places to buy military-grade equipment, clothing, and gear. When local outposts order too much or overstock, military surplus stores are there to pick up the extra. They will keep a rotating stock of items on hand, which will usually include several pairs of military boots.
The offerings of military surplus stores will vary depending on the time of year, supply and demand, and the rarity of the items. It will generally be pretty easy to find a pair of good boots, but if you’re looking for a specific brand or a specialty item, it’s pretty hit or miss.
There are many online portals for military surplus stores that you can visit, or you can visit Yelp.com and look for stores in your area. Visit this link and input your location to look for a nearby military surplus store.
Online Retailers
Another option you might want to look into is online retailers. Many different companies offer military-style boots. These might not be officially recognized by the U.S. government, but they can still be great quality shoes.
It’s also easy to find specific items and brands when you visit online retailers. Some companies that manufacture military boots for soldiers will make the same models available on their websites.
If it’s the design of combat boots that are appealing to you, online retailers will also offer a wider selection of colors, sizes, and styles. Again, these will vary in quality, price, and durability, but there are still a lot of good options on the market if you’re interested.