Marine Corps is Developing a Better Combat Boot Sock

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May 20, 2020 Topic: Technology Region: Americas Blog Brand: The Buzz Tags: U.S. MarinesAmericaCombat Boot StockBoot StockWar

Marine Corps is Developing a Better Combat Boot Sock

Good socks matter. Will the old ones get the boot?

French Emperor Napoleon has been credited with saying that an army marches on its stomach, but the truth is that even in the 21st century warfighters still march on their feet. The United States Marines Corps axiom “Every Marine is a rifleman” is unlikely to change and means pounding the ground—and for those who spend their days on their feet a fresh pair of socks can still prevent or cure many field ailments.

That is why efforts are now under way to develop a better combat boot sock. According to a Request For Information (RFI) the Marine Corps noted, “The current basic (sea bag) issue boot sock was originally fielded in 2002 and is comprised of an 82% cotton, 13% nylon, 3% silver, and 2% spandex blend. Based on technological advancements within the sock industry, the program office requests information on the performance attributes associated to: fiber blend, foot fatigue, blister reduction, durability, moisture wicking capabilities, seamless toe technology, machine washable and dryable in industrial/shipboard laundries, length, compression, and color. The overall goal is to increase durability of the Combat Boot Sock and reduce lower extremity injuries.

While no solicitation for actual socks exists yet, nor is there any government obligation to procure said socks, this is the typical first step in the contractor process. Companies interested in providing the information will need to designate the size of their business and whether it is veteran owned or not. Would-be vendors will also have to provide detailed information on estimated unit price, production lead time schedule and minimum/maximum monthly delivery schedule—while vendors can submit sock samples, at no cost to the government, with their responses. Industry responses for the socks are due by May 22.

This may seem like a lot of effort for socks, but foot conditions remain a major concern for ground-pounders Military.com reported. A Defense Health Agency survey of data between 2000 and 2016 found that there were 193,432 medical encounters for the fungal condition “athlete’s foot” within the military for that time period.

During the First World War “trench foot“ had become a serious problem, yet it was a condition that had been reported during the Napoleonic Wars. Even now, more than 200 years after French and British soldiers marched across Europe, feet pain and hygiene are an issue that is still being addressed.

The new socks are just the latest change that could be coming in Marine garments. Last month it was announced that the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) also published a request for proposal to industry to manufacture for a new tropical uniform for hot and humid climates. The USMC Tropical Combat Uniform is a rapid-dry, breathable uniform that can be worn for prolonged periods in wet, jungle environments as an alternative to the current Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform and the Marine Corps Combat Boot.

“This new tropical uniform allows Marines to be more comfortable and less fatigued while focusing on the mission at hand,” said Lou Curcio, MCSC’s MCTCU project officer. “MCTCU will bring many advantages during training and combat in tropical environments. For all the sacrifices and challenges they endure, Marines deserve a uniform like this one.”

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com.

Image: Reuters