In order for battle footwear to do its job, it’s essential to be equipped with breathable socks that prevent blisters and promote comfort.

Sure, there are somewhat expensive socks on the market that can claim all of the above and more. However, none are as strategically designed as Covert Threads.

Founded by a former U.S. Marine and a sock designer, the business grew from meeting the need for a comfortable hot-weather sock. Since its initial sock—the Sand Military Boot Sock (pictured on the right)—the company has grown to carry more than six kinds of socks as well as various military garments.

The best part about the socks? They’re fairly affordable.

With a price range of $6 to $20, the socks come in a variety of styles based around a certain climate. For example, the Rock Sock was created for those going on long-distance treks or carting around a lot of gear.

Most of the Covert Threads socks contain the following features:

• Achilles heel protection with extra padding or abrasion-resistant nylon.
• Blister prevention with special friction-reducing wool.
• Silver lining wards off infections and foot fungus.
• Built in arch support
• Instep Flexzone keeps socks from bunching.
• Specialty “Y”-shaped heel that fits the foot’s contour.

Meanwhile, the Swiss are hard at work on high-tech “Sweat Management” socks for the military. The prototype wool and synthetic socks, which are said to absorb sweat and prevent blisters, were recently tested on 60 recruits.

Israeli soldiers are also playing guinea pigs for another type of socks—ones that can be worn for two weeks without smelling. Something tells us there’s probably a market for those socks outside of military wear.

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)

Back in January, Bates Footwear launched its C3 boot at the 2010 SHOT Show. C3 stands for Cross Channel Circulation and is supposed to keep feet cooler and more comfortable.

Temperature control and comfort are two qualities often sought in any military or work boot. Bates brings to the table a patented technology that forces air through the boot’s construction as the wearer walks about. The new boot also has cushioned EVA midsoles, moisture-wicking lining and flexible cement construction.

“Comfort and footwear breathability remain high priorities for the law enforcement profession,” said Ron Woznick, vice president and general manager of Bates Footwear, in a prepared statement.

“We are looking forward to seeing this new technology on the streets where it will provide noticeable comfort differences in the everyday lives of men and women in law enforcement,” he added.

Not familiar with Bates? While the company does produce an awful lot of police-geared footwear, the Michigan-headquartered manufacturer also makes military boots and work boots. Another feature in some Bates boots is an Individual Comfort System, which allows you to adjust heel cushioning with a dial system built right into the sole of the boot.

• Guess what the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen does to stay in tune with young soldiers … he tweets! Watch him talk about Twitter in the video above. (Milblogging)
• ITS Tactical holds another reader appreciation contest, and it’s a doozy. Find out how to get your hands on some SHOT Show swag. (ITS Tactical)
• Ever see a $40,000 gun? Now you have. (Gun Values Board)
• There’s a new satellite Internet service for military personnel in Afghanistan. (Bouhammer)
• Heard of milBook? Take a peek at the Facebook for DoD folks. (Not Your Average Brooklynette)
• Top 10 Videos from SHOT Show 2010. (Tactical Pants Blog)
• CJ’s battle with the Huntsville City School’s continues. (A Soldier’s Perspective)
• U.S. Military to remove biblical citations from Trijicon sights. (Defense Tech)
• Here are some man-on-the-street opinions about the Bible scopes — straight from The Onion. (Vet Voice)
• What was the coolest thing at SHOT Show? Find out. (Soldier Systems)
• Pin-up girl raises money for Vets with a 2010 calendar. (OPFOR)
• The time has come … to pay for The Times? (Line of Departure)
• Carry your dog in a canine assault vest? It’s now possible. (Gear Scout)

• “Merry Christmas from Afghanistan” takes original singer/songwriter/warrior to a whole new level. (Bouhammer)
• Discover the top stories in the milblogosphere of 2009. (Milblogging)
• Fight terrorism. Get paid? That’s what the Christmas day plane bomb hero did. (Hearts And Minds)
• Sad, sad news in 2009 is a painful reminder of the realities of war. (Stars and Stripes)
• C.J.’s gives us a rather straight-forward year in review (with an even more straight-forward illustration). (A Soldier’s Perspective)
• Abu Muqawama slips out of daily blogging retirement to share this. (Abu Muqawama)
• Take a real shot to ring in 2010 from the inventor of the AK-47 assault rifle. (Danger Room)
• It’s a bird; it’s a plane. No, it’s Russia to the rescue?! (Defense Tech)
• Boeing expecting $31 billion in defense business from India. (DoD Buzz)
• Can you guess what the top 3 Soldier Systems shockers were for 2009? Didn’t think so. (Soldier Systems)
• Tis the season for … snow camo! (Strike – Hold!)
• Oh, and lots of holiday cheer from ITS Tactical, General Petraeus and OPFOR.

Counterculture groups like punks and goths have always embraced combat-style boots and dress. The look possesses that very extreme, fight-the-man edge, which typically scares the bejesus out of any little old lady crossing the street.

And then every so often the traditional soldier appearance mixes in with these extreme fashion statements, and it injects its sexed-up self into the mainstream. Such is the case in R&B star Rihanna’s new music video for “Hard.” She explained the music video’s concept to MTV as “couture military. … We have tanks, we have troops, we’ve got helicopters, we’ve got explosions.”

In the video, the controversial singer sports an army-green mesh helmet and fatigues, aviator sunglasses, high-waist hot pants, military boots and what appears to be black Sonic the Hedgehog shoulder pads. While some of her outfits are very loosely based on modern soldier uniforms, the gold bikini, which appears later in the video, seems more likely inspired by Xena Warrior Princess or Princess Leia’s infamous metal bikini.

What do you think of her Lady Gaga-esque military look? Would anyone serving our country actually wear any of these styles? We’re gonna have to doubt it.

• “Empty Boots” provides powerful imagery to remind us of those who won’t be spending the holidays with their families. (A Soldier’s Perspective)
• Protect the troops from cancer-causing gun lubricants. (Army Technology)
• So sad, but so true: Women veterans struggling for acceptance. (Associated Press)
• An Australian Navy shipbuilder spices things up for its 2010 calendar. (Danger Room)
• First there was tactical teddy bears and tactical Snuggies … and now tactical coffee!? When will the madness end! (Tactical Gearhead)
• U.S. Army makes the list of 10 Biggest Social Media Stories of 2009. (Milblogging)
• Don’t miss Heroes Week on Wheel of Fortune! Episodes featuring military personnel will run through Dec. 18. (Scoop Deck)
• Ever seen a split barrel before? Now you have. (Line of Sight)

With the technology revolution in full swing, companies are constantly patenting and updating ways to make things work better and more efficiently, especially when it comes to footwear. Check the glossary of boot technology terms below to see how your boots measure up.

Aegis – This environmentally friendly microbe shield prevents odor by controlling bacteria and fungus growth. It bonds to the surface and stops unsightly stains and product deterioration.

Gore-Tex - Perhaps one of the most talked-about breathable waterproofing materials, it’s seen on many boots (combat, hiking, etc.) as well as outerwear and gloves. Most all the major boot brands use Gore-Tex.

YKK® Zipper - Considered the gold standard for zippers, YKK is featured on some boots like Belleville’s Men’s Hot Weather Tactical Side Zip Boots and Wellco’s Tactical Side Zip Safety Boot.

True-Flex Technology - Gives optimal flex where you want it by providing dual anatomical formed PE and PPE lasting board with an integrated composite shank as seen on some Smith and Wesson boots.

SBR Bioform Tongue - Another technology used on many Smith and Wesson boots, this material made out of rubber controls how the tongue sits on your foot, allowing for absolute comfort.

Vibram - A material often seen on hiking boots, Vibram has spent seven decades perfecting its rubber soles . Its patented FiveFinger system builds strength, range of motion and enhances proprioception.

SympaTex - Another type of waterproof fabric that is deemed breathable. SymapaTex is a membrane that is laminated to the inner surface of fabric or placed in between two fabric layers.

Dri-Lex - A climate-control fabric that is extremely quick drying, breathable and, like Aegis, resists odor and mildew.

Cordura - Mostly seen on luggage, backpacks and boots, this ultra light-weight fabric is three times more durable than standard polyester.

(Images via Wikimedia Commons)

• Missiles with spy drones inside? Possibly maybe. (Danger Room)
• TAD Gear gets hacked. Double yikes!! (ITS Tactical)
• Ever wonder how the media embed process worked? Now you know. (Michael Yon)
• Watch out social media: Here comes the Department of Defense! (Milblogging)
• Defense Commissary Agency’s scholarship program is now accepting applications. (The Paycheck Chronicles)
• Army suicides hit a new and unfortunate high in 2009. (Vet Voice)

(Image via FreeMilitaryPhotos.com)

On Sunday, 60 Minutes provided an extensive report uncovering just how unprepared America is when it comes to cyber attacks. Moreover, the report discussed an “electronic Pearl Harbor” that took place in 2007.

“It was an espionage Pearl Harbor,” Jim Lewis, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft.

“They broke into all of the high tech agencies, all of the military agencies, and downloaded terabytes of information,” Lewis said. “Every day a little bit more of our intellectual property, our innovative skills, our military technology is stolen by somebody. And it’s like little drops. Eventually we’ll drown.”

Watch the entire news segment “Sabotaging the System” below to find out how the cyber criminals can and do attack.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

After the segment aired, DefenseTech gave themselves a (much deserved) pat on the back for previous coverage on cyber warfare. Want to read more about the previous attacks? DefenseTech’s post on the segment listed some excellent resources.