Personal Gear...

[Kevin. B]

Edited

[Docman]

I just joined 4AD in the RDF, and after a few training nights and field days, I've noticed that my Corporal's boots are of a far better quality than the ones the 2 and three stars seem to be sporting. I haven't been issued with my uniform yet, and although I've no doubt that he bought those boots himself, I was wondering where I could obtain a pair...

Also, would I be allowed wear anything but issued boots? I mean, what's the policy on personal gear? And then, where would I get them? I know there's an Army Surplus shop in Cork city(4AD is based in Haulbowline Naval base, I live in Cobh), but I presume that they sell more general stuff like socks, webbing, coats, t-shirts etc...
And how much would I be looking at roughly? At least 150 euro I presume...

Any help appreciated guys, thanks...

The Cpl could be wearing Issue Boots. Operational boots are issued in certain circumstances. Your boots will likely be better than those of the 3*s. You are coming in at the right time. All new recruits should get Light Operational Boots.

You should not be allowed to wear personal; purchase boots in barracks. Issue boots only. Outside of barracks (Range, Tactics) there tend to be much more leeway.

As a recruit, DO NOT go buying lots of stuff. You will not get to use 99% of it. Once you are in a while, you will have a much better idea of what you need.

Guaranteed, if you buy stuff now (Other than pens & pencils), it will be the wrong type. You will be talked into buying some nifty camouflage webbing that will get you into a lot of trouble the first time you wear it. In time you will learn what you need. Wait.

As a recruit, you won't need much anyway other than boot polish and pens.

[Goldie fish]

Or he could be wearing Navy Parade boots....considering the location...

[Archimedes]

As 4AD is an artillery unit, my guess would be that they were Haix safety boots,
kevlar reinforced toes, goretex and very comfy.

[IHatePukes]

haix protector pro to be exact..

[Bosco]

The Cpl could be wearing Issue Boots. Operational boots are issued in certain circumstances. Your boots will likely be better than those of the 3*s. You are coming in at the right time. All new recruits should get Light Operational Boots.

You should not be allowed to wear personal; purchase boots in barracks. Issue boots only. Outside of barracks (Range, Tactics) there tend to be much more leeway.

As a recruit, DO NOT go buying lots of stuff. You will not get to use 99% of it. Once you are in a while, you will have a much better idea of what you need.

Guaranteed, if you buy stuff now (Other than pens & pencils), it will be the wrong type. You will be talked into buying some nifty camouflage webbing that will get you into a lot of trouble the first time you wear it. In time you will learn what you need. Wait.

As a recruit, you won't need much anyway other than boot polish and pens.

Listen to the man lad. He is speaking sense expecially on the boots side of things

[Truck Driver]

I'm fortunate enough to live near a beach and woods and I used to go jogging along them two or three times a week, but as a result I was ruining my runners. I simply can't afford to keep buying new runners and ruining them within a week(very rocky beach and difficult terrain in the woods, steep banks etc...).
So I said that when I get my uniform, I'd go in some DPM and boots and get used to running in them for camps and manuevers etc. Will the issued ones be appropiate?

If it's the leather 24B boots - not a chance, they'll destroy your feet if running
in this manner in them.

If it's the Magnum Amazon boots (being referred to as Lightweight Op Boots), well
these are soft enough for running in, but the ankle support may be another issue
in this case, due to the canvas sides on the boots (as below)



Those who may have better experience than me in this matter will probably be
able to offer further suggestions

[ackack]

Welcome to the ADR my friend I'm up with the third in limerick, the boots the NCO is wearing are definately the Haix protective, which are on issue to the ad units, as a 2* you tend to be looking more at basic soldiering than gunnery so you won't be getting these for a while, once you get to 3* you start to learn about the Bofor and you will need these boots then, but it can take some time for these to get to you.

[mortar_man]

I'm fortunate enough to live near a beach and woods and I used to go jogging along them two or three times a week, but as a result I was ruining my runners. I simply can't afford to keep buying new runners and ruining them within a week(very rocky beach and difficult terrain in the woods, steep banks etc...).
So I said that when I get my uniform, I'd go in some DPM and boots and get used to running in them for camps and manuevers etc. Will the issued ones be appropiate?

Boots 24b are the best for the job, believe me. Out of Haix, Matterhorn, Magnum, Meindl etc id much rather them. Lightweight, Soft, will dry out quickly, reasonable ankle support. Every battle PT session i have ever done i wore them. I wore them on a Recce Cmd cse, Selection and PSBC. They are simply the best. oh just dont forget to throw a pair of insoles in them and make sure you break them in first!!!

[O'Duffy]

Kevin.B I was just like you when I joined five years ago. I wanted to buy everything I could get my hands on in Cork and even further afield. Unfortunately, after heading to uni and getting involved in other extra-curriculur activities I found myself spending less and less time in the RDF and at this stage i'm on permanent sabbatical! Needless to say, I'm happy I didn't spend too much dosh on personal gear because I would now find myself with a lot of useless army gear and no time to use it:wink: Bide your time and get more experience and buy personal gear only when the need arises. To be honest, any exercises I went on I was happier to have bought insect repellant and spare OD t-shirts rather than a pair of expensive boots

Best of luck to you in the AD! If you ever get bored check out the 34th INF:wink:

[hptmurphy]

Did My recruit training and all associated runningin 24bs..never a problem..people like to citicize these as they are not gucci enough..looked after and worn with proper socks..they are fine.

[ZULU]

7 years and still going strong! Those 24bs

[Goldie fish]

Quality of 24B has diminished over the years, the last few batches were awful. I was issued a pair in 2001 that I have still had no success breaking in. At this stage I don't think i'll bother trying any more.

[DeV]

I'm fortunate enough to live near a beach and woods and I used to go jogging along them two or three times a week, but as a result I was ruining my runners. I simply can't afford to keep buying new runners and ruining them within a week(very rocky beach and difficult terrain in the woods, steep banks etc...).
So I said that when I get my uniform, I'd go in some DPM and boots and get used to running in them for camps and manuevers etc. Will the issued ones be appropiate?

There are a number of occasions when wearing of issued kit is allowed and going running (apart from on RDF time) is not one of them.

[Big Al]

while dev is right there is a good sentiment behind your thinking, it is a lot worse to see dpms being worn on building sites or used as fashion accessories by students, I wouldnt go running in dpms either mind you, when you join up you'll only get a limited amount of uniform you dont want to be damaging it on your own time, your Q might take his sweet time in replacing it