Big Boots for Big Feet
The average shoe size for a man is 10 to 12. This explains why many military boot manufacturers only make boots up to size 14.
And you know what big feet mean? Even bigger problems while boot shopping.
Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal wears a size 23. And if he's shopping for combat boots, unfortunately he'll have to go the custom route. But if you wear a size 17, you're in luck.
Magnum makes a military boot that goes up to a size 17 regular. The Magnum Stealth Force ($99.95) is a black soft-toe boot. With full-grain leather and a ballistic nylon upper, the side-zipper boot is large and in charge. Along with a Cambrelle moisture-wicking lining and Agion antibacterial treatment, the compression-molded EVA midsole creates a comfortable wear for men and women.
Still curious about the Stealth Force? Watch a full review on the boot.
If you're a size smaller, look no further than the Men's Belleville 300 DES ($111.99).
The tan steel-toe boot has Vangaurd running sole construction. The upper material is a full-grain tan cowhide; the outsole is Vibram. Don't forget the Polyurethane removable inserts—a very nice touch indeed. This boot is available in a size 16 regular and wide.
And then there's the world's largest boot...
Even Shaq himself would look puny next to this gargantuan tower of boot. Erected by Red Wing Shoes, the work boot is a size 638 and a half. It weighs in at an astounding 2,300 pounds. To fit into this boot, you'd need to be 12 stories tall. Ready to test it out?
Weekly Drill Down: Glow Sticks, ‘Restrepo’ and More
- Scope the complexities of glow stick creation in the video above. (Soldier Systems)
- Bouhammer sneaks a peek at new war documentary Restrepo and shares his thoughts in a series of posts. (Bouhammer)
- The Army is closer to era of lightweight ammo. (Kit Up!)
- A fake motivational poster of Afghanistan soldier and the story behind it. (At War via Kit Up!)
- Olive-Drab.com recognized as a top military resource. (Juggle.com)
- Ten books everyone should read. (OPFOR)
- What happens when a Twitter user dies? (Milblogging)
- Navy denies report that up to 25,000 sailors could lose their jobs. (Stars And Stripes)
- PHOTO: Did a tacti-cool catalogue throw up on you? (Strike-Hold!)
- Happy first birthday to Daly History Blog! (Daly History Blog)
- A simple way to retain your weapon. (ITS Tactical)
- How to get "guns," and kindly point us to the beach. (The Daily PT)
10 Military iPad Apps
Last March leaders from the U.S. Army met with folks over at Apple to investigate ways our military can make use of iPhone and iPad technology during combat.
Maj. Gen. Nick Justice of the Research, Development and Engineering Command said the Army is moving away from big-green-box solutions and toward more adaptable commercial gadgets.
Because of its larger size, the iPad might not be the most easy-to-carry tool when entering a warzone. It also has substantially less available apps ready for download. But we were curious: What iPad applications are out there for the military?
U.S. Army Survival Guide - $1.99
Keeping a 1,400-page manual in your back pocket isn't really an option. What this app does is create that document into easy-to-read digital pages from the U.S. Army Survival field manual. With a manual that large, it's only natural to expect extensive coverage on topics such as field weapons, weather prediction, water procurement, poisonous plants and loads more.
Sun Compass - $.99
You need some direction. Doesn't everybody? Using this app, point the iPad either north or to the sun, press the corresponding button and shazam! You now have direction.
Find My Phone - Free
Losing your iPhone is easy, but your iPad? Not so much. If you misplace either, log on to this app on any iPhone or iPad using a MobileMe subscription (60-day free trial available). It will then quickly pinpoint the missing gadget on a map. Even program your lost device to make sounds, to lock up data or even permanently erase all top-secret information.
U.S. Army Ranks HD - $.99
Navigating uniform insignia has never been easier. High resolution images display the differences between enlisted ranks such as private and sergeant as well as officer ranks and general ranks. Aye aye, sir!
Army Ranger Handbook - $2.99
Enter the mind of an Army Ranger. This is your guidebook to those warriors of the sky. Thirteen chapters on leadership to demolitions give an in-depth view on the rigors of warfare. Already familiar with the Army Ranger's world? This app is still a nifty reference guide.
Army First Aid - $1.99
Emergencies happen when you least expect it. Often you won't have time to flip through a 600-page manual to learn how to help. When you do, employ the U.S. Army's official First Aid handbook. From the basics to specifics, it will give you the know-how to save a life or two—and potentially your own.
Army OneSource Services - Free
Discover neighboring Army programs, services and resources by searching your zip code on this app. It might just help you uncover a support network you never knew existed. Kinda like finding a $20 bill in your pocket, right?
Survival Pocket Ref - $.99
Five hundred pages of information-packed survival tips include techniques on first aid, fire building and navigation. If you're more of an outdoors type and not looking for a strictly-military survival guide, Survival Pocket Ref is the perfect choice.
U.S. Armed Forces - $1.99
An amalgamation of documents, manuals, lists and codes, U.S. Armed Forces is the ultimate reference application for the military. Keep Franklin Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor speech or George W. Bush's Sept. 11 address in your back pocket; read up on Army combat training on the go.
Marine Martial Arts - $1.99
While close range combat doesn't happen too often, when it does, there's no time to hesitate. From timing to distance to balance, the fundamentals of martial arts can certainly come in handy during the preparation period—probably not so much once you're already entangled in a physical struggle.
Have you used any of these apps? Or is there a military-related iPad app we forgot? Let us know.
Weekly Drill Down: New Camo, Combat Hikers and More
- Had enough of the iPhone 4? Watch above as a retired Navy Seabee takes it out with a sniper. (Under the Radar)
- Find out why soldiers are trading in traditional combat boots for technical hiking boots. (Gear Scout)
- The Army is on the lookout for three different types of camo. (Kit Up!)
- Southern Living features a military blogger as its Mamma blogger of the Week. (Milblogging)
- Best army training ever – a recap. (Red Bull Rising)
- Spice of your vehicular ambiance with a MOLLE visor panel. (ITS Tactical)
- What's the true meaning of the Fourth of July? (A Soldier's Perspective)
- Quick, get me the bat hook! A new Batman-inspired tool for the Air Force. (Under the Radar)
- Did Marines get into World Cup fever? (Line of Sight)
Moms in Combat Boots [VIDEO]
Thousands of mothers serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Why strap on military boots every day?
The 419th Fighter Wing posted an excellent video this week. They interviewed several enlisted mothers and asked that very question.
"Women have a natural maternal instinct to protect," one woman told the camera. "What does the military do but protect? So, if you really want someone who is dedicated to protecting their family and their homeland, you get a woman in there. "
Another mom shared her experience of tradition, explaining how her mother and father both served in the military. "I was proud of them, and I wanted to do the same thing."
Do you know many mothers in the military? What's the most challenging part about serving your country and being a parent at the same time?
Weekly Drill Down: Fifth Annual Milblog Conference, WikiLeaks and More
- Anybody else attend the Fifth Annual Milblog Conference in D.C.? Because Saving Abel did. (Not Your Average Brooklynette)
- Yet another breathtaking photo essay from Afghanistan. (Michael Yon)
- Here's the WikiLeaks video that has the mil-blogosphere (and just about everyone else) in an uproar. (Danger Room)
- An exhaustively thorough and completely excellent guide to digital camouflage. (Strike-Hold!)
- Everyone will want a bullet-proof T-shirt if it really does work. (Kit Up!)
- iPhone photos of war: It's amazing what a low-grade digital camera can capture. (Denver Post)
10 Must-Listen Military Podcasts
The term "podcasting" was first used in 2004, and soon every Tom, Dick and Harry with an MP3 player began to record and listen to audio and video snippets across the Internets. Six years later, podcasters are still doing their thing, and us, the listeners, are still enjoying the end product.
Unfortunately during that time many podcasts ceased to exist and therefore won't be bringing you something new to listen to daily, weekly or even monthly. We weeded those ones out, and present to you the best military podcasts still in existence.
Military Channel Video Podcast – While there hasn't been an update in 2010, this behind-the-lines view of war stories throughout time is an excellent video podcast.
Military History Podcast – As history repeats itself, war is often a common theme. This podcast explores those wars from the beginning of time through our current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Military Spouse Talk Radio – If you're a mil-spouse and feeling all alone, this radio show podcast is here to help. They cover everything from how to make supportive spouse friends to the latest military news.
Military Times – A weekly rundown of the top Military Times stories will help you stay on top of breaking news and current events.
The History Network – This bi-weekly show also covers military history. Its last episode recounted The Battle of Actium in ancient Rome.
Pritzker Military Library Podcast – From a library in Chicago that hosts an extensive collection of military history and fiction, this podcast is meant to build awareness of the importance of military in society.
Secrets and Military Programs – Time to break out those tin foil hats! This podcast might not be essential but it might be entertaining since it speculates on secret projects and policies that may or may not be taking place in our government.
War News Radio – If you're tired of the current news coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, War News Radio offers an alternative with in-depth reporting, historical perspective and personal war accounts.
You Served - A weekly fill of military news and views from host CJ Grisham, founder of A Soldier's Perspective. Politics, history and current events are all game for discussion.
Veterans Chronicles – An hour-long podcast that recounts the lives of great American heroes in their own words, including eyewitness accounts from D-Day, Iwo Jima, Bagdad and more.
(Image via Flickr)
Bronzing Your Military Boots
Whether you've scaled the mountains of Afghanistan or weaved your way through the chaotic streets of Iraq, chances are the boots you wore during those times hold some sentimental value. And if they do, you might want to preserve and maybe even display them.
By bronzing combat boots, your former footwear transforms into a keepsake that can be passed down for generations. The process keeps the boot from disintegrating and gives it a polished antique look. It also creates something that can be put on display for many years to come.
So, where does one go to get boots bronzed? There might be some local shops that specialize in creating these items.
The ABC Bronzing Co. makes it easy to get boots bronzed online. You just mail your boots to the company, and six to eight weeks later you will receive a perfectly bronzed pair. For adult boots, it costs $199.95 per pair (or $102.95 unmounted) and a little extra if the boot needs shoe laces.
And for those DIY-ers out there, you can also try to bronze the boots yourself, though it might be a little on the messy side.
You can care for your bronzed boots by wiping them with a soft, dry cloth. ABC Bronzing Co. recommends not using polish on cleaners as they will destroy the layer that preserves the finish. Although this video (below) isn't about bronzing combat boots, it takes you through the same step-by-step the boots undergo. And it also has marvelous background music.
(Image via Flickr)
Boots to Suits
Last year Drew Peneton launched a blog that focuses on giving tips to military veterans interested in returning to civilian work.
Peneton is an Army National Guard veteran who now works at a Fortune 50 corporation. After witnessing the difficulty others have had entering the job market, he wanted to give back what he learned from his own transition. That's why he dispenses his free advice through a blog and also offers guidance via email.
Updated about once every two months, Boots to Suits offers tips for those looking to either go back to school or jump right into the job market. Peneton is a big social media enthusiast, and he pushes visitors to get their resume out on Linkedin, Facebook and even Twitter.
Some of Peneton's most popular posts include a job search action plan, social networking for veterans and five things every veteran should know for success. Through the posts he explains how to network online, how to target opportunities, how to maximize opportunities, how to continue your education and more.