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)
Military Boots in the Shower?
No, this isn't the best way to wash your boots. However, @lamontcaldwell says it's the first step to break in military boots. He tweeted to "jump in the shower in 'em" yesterday evening along with the picture above.
But before you blindly follow his advice, do check out some additional resources. According to eHow, the first step to breaking in boots is to wear them around the house. Essortment agrees with eHow's advice because testing the boots at home will prevent typical wear and tear.
For those who have gone far beyond breaking in their boots, why not enter to win free military boots for life? MilitaryBoots.com is searching for the most busted pair of boots out there. All you have to do is send a picture of your boots to us by March 31, 2010. For more details, check out the official Converse Military Boots for Life page.
Blousing Military Boots
When someone asked "Why does the military tuck their pants into their boots?" on Yahoo! Answers last month, it wasn't the first or the last time that this question has come up.
Other than to look cool, one obvious reason for tucking BDUs into your boots is too keep out any unwanted creepy crawlies and any other sort of debris that can be flying around. Can you imagine how uncomfortable that would be?!
Moreover, soldiers are constantly on the move, and they don't want to get pants caught on anything that might slow them down. And it sure keeps in the heat during cold weather missions.
There's also another big reason why soldiers stuff their pants in their boots: It's a requirement.
According to Army Regulations 670-1: "Soldiers will wear the trousers bloused, using the draw cords or blousing rubbers, if the trousers are not tucked into the boots. Personnel will not wrap the trouser leg around the leg tightly enough to present a pegged appearance. Soldiers will not blouse the boots so that the trouser leg extends down to the ankle area. When bloused, the trousers should not extend below the third eyelet from the top of the boot. When soldiers wear the sleeves of the coat rolled up, the camouflage pattern will remain exposed. Personnel will roll the sleeves neatly above the elbow, no more than 3 inches above the elbow."
Now that you have to do it, here's how: First put on socks, pants and boots. Tie your boots and bring your pant leg to just above the combat boot. Pull the blousing string tight around your leg so it's sitting right above the top of your boots. Tie the string in a knot, and tuck it underneath the pant cuff. Pull down the rest over the boot.
And then there are trouser blousers. You can use those, too. Or if you plan on wearing leather with your boots, check out the how-to demonstration below.
(Image via D Sharon Pruitt)
Toddler Combat Boots
More Boots, Less Booties!
Have your heart set on outfitting your baby in military boots? Sorry to break the news, but you might have to wait a few years.
After an exhaustive online search for infant and toddler military boots, we've found that most manufacturers do offer smaller sizes that can be worn by children. However, those teensy, awwww-inspiring boots that you have envisioned don't exist. Sure, there are not-so-similar infant versions. But if you're looking for the real deal, you'll have to go with the smallest men's sizes.
A few brands make certain styles in smaller sizes, typically starting with a men's size 3 -- equivalent to kid's sizes after 13 (so, it will fit the average 7-year-old and up). Wellco's Hot-Weather Jungle Combat Boots start in a size 3 as does the Belleville's jungle boots line. Your best bet is to just shop around and see if any dealers offer special prices on kid boots (which, again, are just really small men's boots).
Or are you the one wearing combat boots with a baby? Then this blog is probably for you.
- A baby's foot perspires two times more than adults. Yuck.
- Baby feet will develop more rapidly in its first three years than at any other time. So, think before you pay the big bucks for baby Uggs or Burberry boots.
- Baby's feet have more cartilage than bone. Take that, ear!
- During the first 10 years, a foot grows 6 inches or 1.5 times the size at birth. Again, best not to invest too much in gazillions of shoes during that time.
- A child's foot will be fully mature at 18. (But their mind probably won't be … just sayin'!)
And now for a toddler who desperately needs some combat boots that fit...
10 Holiday Gifts to Send Our Troops
Everybody loves getting gifts, but there's nothing quite like ripping open a package sent by someone you love from the place you miss the most. Especially if it's something that you really need and something that is nowhere to be found in Afghanistan, Iraq or wherever you may be stationed.
Looking to send a care package to a deployed service member without a specific troop in mind? The DoD advises identifying someone through family and friends since you can no longer send packages addressed to "Any Soldier." You can also partner with an America Supports You homefront group found here, which can connect you with a unit and provide a list of desired items.
Meanwhile, we received top intel from a former marine who spent his fair share of holidays overseas. He gave us the 411 on some of the most-requested items that would make for perfect gifts this holiday season.
1. Books/Magazines
Paperback books and magazines are excellent, no-batteries-required ways to stay in-the-know and give a quick, much-needed escape from reality. Just don't send books from the Twilight series, since those on the receiving end will likely be publicly ridiculed.
2. Toilet paper
This might seem like some strange gag gift. It's not. Think of how you feel when you go to grab a wad of Charmin and find an empty roll. Not such a good feeling, right?
Continue reading "10 Holiday Gifts to Send Your Troops"
How Long Do Military Boots Last?
When you’re throwing down some major dough on a sturdy pair of combat boots, what’s going to be the ROI on those suckers? The major consensus online is that it comes down three things: quality, maintenance and what you put them through.
Obviously, like anything else, if you buy a military boot constructed with quality materials like full-grain leathers, 3M Thinsulate, Gore-Tex and Cambrelle nylon, it will last. Some lower-grade boots might appear to be a better deal in the short-term (like the ones at Army-Navy surplus stores), but they are typically slapdash.
Looking at buying a less expensive pair is like selling your “sole.” When you do the deal, you're trading in quality, comfort and reliability for something that will not only fail you when you need it the most, but you’ll end up wasting money in the long run when you have to buy a new pair in a year.
A good, high-quality pair of boots is smart investment indeed. Would you go to Payless to buy your boots? We think not.
Most people who take good care of high-quality boots could, in theory, make them last a lifetime. How can you make your pair last longer? Tend to your boots’ needs. Keep them clean, dry and polished or brushed. If you're not sure how to exactly do that, consult the brand's website such as Danner, which has an excellent boot care guide.