The Multi-Component Boot System | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Yesterday, I was way down the rabbit hole of reviewing the library of photographs taken by Natick Soldier Systems Center over the years when I ran across this photo. I knew immediately what it was and it got my mind to racing.

I had read an article on a boot system used by the Rangers over 30 years ago in Infantry magazine. In fact, I adopted some of the concept as my own during my time at Bragg.

I did a little online research and found the article in the online Infantry magazine archive at Fort Moore’s website. It was in the March-April issue of 1989 but I know I didn’t read it until at least Fall of 90.

Unfortunately, the older issues are all PDF scans and whoever did it didn’t do a very good job. Consequently, the pages I’m going to share aren’t the best. For instance, one of the pages was scanned upside down. I have tried to rectify them as best as possible, and hopefully you can read the article.

I had recalled that one of the authors was a physicians assistant with 2/75, and at the time they were Warrant Officers, and not commissioned officers like today. When I went back and reread the article, the co-author really stood out: CPT Peter E Blaber who at the time the article was written was the XO of A Co, 2nd Bn, 75th Ranger Regt. Yeah, that Pete Blaber. Obviously, the name would not have resonated with me in 1990, but COL Blaber definitely made his mark on the Army during the ensuing years.

But I find even more remarkable is that he took the time to write an article about footwear and foot care for Infantrymen.

Now, on to the meat of this trip down memory lane: the Multi-Component Boot System. The article lays out a project undertaken by Natick and 2/75 for a boot system based around the popular OD Green Jungle Boot which could be accessorized with various socks and a GORE-TEX gaiter to increase the temperature and climatic range of the boot so that the Soldier could rely upon a single pair for a mission which takes place during varied environmental conditions. There article also offers some great advice discussing foot care and boot sizing. As far as I know, no other units ever adopted the system.

I won’t steal anymore of the authors’ thunder except to say that it made a significant impression my me as young Sergeant, influencing my equipment choices, and it educated me that that metal foot size gizmo is called a Branock Device.

Enjoy!