Top 3 Military-Issue Boots That Meet ACU Regulations

If you are a member of the U.S. Army and were the ACU (Army Combat Uniform), then you will most definitely benefit from buying high quality and comfortable military boots for sale. A good name brand that represents top quality is the first aspect to consider for when searching for military-issue boots. Boots are the only item separating your feet from natural elements, and they are on your feet for the greater part of the day.

To help you pinpoint a great pair of military-issue boots that suit ACU regulations, below we highlight three particular products that have earned solid reviews and respect from consumers.

1. Nike SFB Military Boots 

You are a real athlete with special needs which is why the Nike SFB Military Boots for sale offer you the best modern materials and the latest scientific research provides. This lightweight protective military boot is strong enough to handle everything coming their way.

Some of the features that make the Nike SFB Military Boots so outstanding, include:

• Engineered from the ground up to fulfill the needs of first responders
• Quick drying overlay materials
• Lightweight for high mobility performance
• No break-in period needed

As many fellow armed forces individuals can attest, you can't go wrong with these military boots made by Nike. The best deal we found for these military boots for sale was www.RangerJoes.com

2. Altama Tan Desert 8" Hoplite Boot  

As you may have already experience, traditional boots aren't exactly friendly when it comes to handling impact and harsh military conditions. These Altama Tan Desert 8" Hoplite Boots are crafted to make your life inside the military much easier so you can focus on what really matters.

Some of the unique features of the Altama Tan Desert 8" Hoplite Boot include:

• Protective foam impact pods
• Oil, slip and acid resistant
• Nylon coated brass innersole
• Made in the USA.

The impact pods on these Altama military boots allow for a secure and safe feet. Its lightweight design might hide the fact that they protect your feet from everything that can come along from every angle, thanks to their coated brass innersole. For all those who prefer products made in America, these military-issue boots fit the sale.

One of the best online sources to find Altama military boots for sale is MilitaryUniformSupply.com. Here you can find a wide spectrum of military-issue boots from some of the leading brands (including Belleville, shown below.)

3. Belleville Tactical Research TR101 MiniMil Ultra Light Desert Tan Boot

As you might have heard from your fellow companions, not all military-issue boots are good for running. These incredible military boots for sale designed and crafted by Belleville are a high quality solution to that problem, since most of its materials and parts are created to provide a lightweight feel, great comfort, and field tested durability.

The Belleville Tactical Research TR101 MiniMil Ultra Light Desert Tan Boots boast a number of great qualities.

• Insole: Single density molded EVA
• Outsole: Slip resistant rubber
• Midsole: Compression molded EVA
• Upper: Nylon and leather

These military boots from Belleville are an exceptional option for military personnel who where both the ACU and MultiCam uniforms, two of the most common military uniforms today. In addition to Military Uniform Supply, you can find these military-issue boots available at other large online retailers like Amazon and eBay.

As you can see, the particular features these three choices of military-issue boots become assets in the field. When it comes to quality military boots for sale, you might go for a particular brand, feature or benefits. Just be sure to do your research and be selective. Your feet (and maybe even your life) depend on it.

Features & Advancements in Today's Army Combat Shirts

Whether from Propper, Rothco, or 5.11 Tactical, today's army combat shirts are one of the best tops available for various combat situations. Army combat shirts provide a wide range of features and help protect users from a wide range of elements and hazards.

In this article, we share some the advancements and features behind common army combat shirts on the market.

Materials Used in Army Combat Shirts

Modern army combat shirts are typically made of a 60/40 or 50/50 blend of cotton and nylon that helps in insulating the skin when exposed to high temperatures such as is the case with flash fires and blasts. Unlike polyester or “polypro” the resulting blend does not melt onto the skin and thereby reduces burn injuries.

Nearly all army combat shirts feature a No Melt/No Drip Cordura Baselayer fabric to cover the torso. This extremely light weight and extra comfortable torso fabric unlike heavier Nomex apparels is not only durable but it also reduces chafe, increases airflow between the skin and the fabric thus wicking sweat away from the body.

Features Behind Army Combat Shirts

For the ultimate apparel best suited to the most hostile environments, manufacturers have come up with army combat shirts featuring padded elbows. Commonly called “the SuperFabric abrasion dots”, such elbow pads are designed to provide a good level of durability and protection when a soldier is in crawling position. The rest of the sleeve fabric, just like the Cordura Baselayer fabric making up the torso, is designed to be flame resistant.

Following the discovery that uniform chest and lower pockets can’t be reached especially when a soldier is wearing body armor and thus practically useless, manufacturers have done away with the weight of the pockets on a standard army combat shirt. Instead, the pockets are located on the sleeves where they can be easily accessed.

After phasing out breast pockets, shoulder pockets have become rampant in nearly all army combat shirts being produced today. This adequately addresses known problems when wearing body armor and in addition, the shoulder pockets feature light weight FR zippers that help keep military gear within reach.

Another peculiar feature of nearly all modern army combat shirts is the presence of wrist cuffs. Such hook and loop cuff closures can be easily adjusted to fit a variety of wrist sizes in a way that the shirt assumes a snug fit.

To help in identification, army combat shirts designs have incorporated Velcro loops on the sleeve pockets to help attach a soldier’s name, rank, unit and their flag patches. This feature has done away with the Army Logo that featured in army combat shirt and appeared at the front of the shirt.

Colors of Army Combat Shirts

Most army combat shirts come in camo patterns, such as ACU digital, MutliCam, Woodland, and desert camo. Other designs feature heavily foliage green color, though other options such as sand color body, black, olive drab and khaki color options are also available. Most of the army combat uniform designs can be found at military-issue stores like Military Uniform Supply.

Other features to be found in army combat shirts include: the presence of glint tape holder for IR military operations tape that helps identify friend from foe, sleeves which are gusseted, a mock turtle neck, flat seams to minimize chafing under body armor and pen pocket on forearm for easy access.

3 Exceptional Backpacks for Military & Civilian Use

Choosing the most appropriate backpack might represent a challenging task in some cases, as there are numerous aspects you have to consider if you want to obtain a high quality and very resistant pack that can also offer you numerous other functions.

Considering the elementary details of every military backpack available is essential in this situation. If you are not completely sure regarding the most fitted choice you should make, these three  military backpacks are very suitable for both civilians and military personnel.

The Bugout Bag is the first most appropriate option you have when choosing military backpacks, as it can provide you an impressive number of features and benefits. There are three patterns this backpack provides, including ABU, ACU and Multicam, which present different colors and models, keeping, though, the original design. However, this backpack is not only very suited for soldiers, but it can constitute an adequate choice for all traditional travelers.

The main features of the Bugout Bag are an internal frame, expandable main compartment, rugged and abrasion-resistant exterior, hydration compatibility, panel organization, Molle and Pals panels, tuck away shoulder harness, padded waist belt and a material that is 1000-D Cordura. Choosing this backpack will offer you the possibility to store numerous objects and items, as it has many zippered pockets and open slots available. With a very affordable price for everyone's pocket, this backpack constitutes a very valuable acquisition mostly for military personnel, especially if they need to prepare for war or other military duties.


The 3 Day Pack military backpack is an ideal option for soldiers who prefer effectiveness and functionality instead of style, as it has a very attractive Multicam pattern. This backpack can provide people complete comfort while carrying it, as it includes many remarkable features, like comfort, removable waist strap, heavy duty carry handle, adjustable padded shoulder straps, adjustable sternum strap, an 1000-D Cordura material and many others.

 If you appreciate functionality and comfort and you want to store all the items you need for your trip, the 3 Day Pack backpack represents an excellent choice for all your needs and expectations, as you can carry it easily, without feeling the unpleasant sensation most backpack involve. Its reasonable price makes this military backpack the most suitable option for you, as it can be successfully used any time you need because of its very durable material and complete load stability.

If you have to accomplish a military duty, but you are not extremely sure about the backpack you should use, the Sling backpack is more than adequate for all your needs. Given that it has a very functional and attractive design as well, this military item is right for every soldier and other military personnel who need a backpack with a large storage space and other features included.

There are numerous benefits associated with this backpack and the most remarkable ones are external pockets, padded back, mobile phone case, compression straps, quick-release single strap and carry handle. This backpack can be easily used and it provides complete access to all its pockets, so it is more than right if you need it for military purposes. The Sling backpack has a attractive ACU pattern, which makes it perfect for military duties that require camouflage.

Whether you opt for the Bugout Bag, 3 Day Pack or Sling backpack, all these military-grade backpacks for sale can simplify your military duty and allow you to obtain a large storage space, where you can keep all the items you need in order to succeed.

This post was contributed by Tyler Tafelsky.

The Rise of MultiCam in Today's Military Uniforms & Combat Gear

MultiCam® is a advanced camouflage pattern that's becoming quite popular due to its incredible effectiveness in the field, as well as its unique and innovative design.

MultiCam was designed to disguise users amidst a wide range of environments, seasons, and conditions. The objective behind its creators was to develop a new camouflage that centers on the need for optimal concealment in a wide spectrum of terrain and changing conditions.

While there are a wide range of camouflage options that suit the demands for concealment in specific environments (such as that of today's desert and woodland BDU's), MultiCam is known to be effective in a wide array of landscapes and conditions, making it one of the most revolutionary developments to support the United States Armed Forces.

The Design Behind MultiCam Camouflage

MultiCam camouflage is a complex pattern composed of many different layers and colors. The background color scheme consists of a tan/brown gradient with light shades of green in between. The frontal layers of MultiCam include a green/yellow color gradient with blotches of brown and a slight pink scattered throughout the camouflage's pattern.

The desirable feature behind MultiCam is its ability to conceal a user by deceiving the eye's perception of color. In essence, the visible appearance of MultiCam seems to change from slight green to brown, depending on the brightness and backdrop of the environment. This makes MultiCam uniforms and combat gear ingenious applications for a wide range of situations, particularly for use in the Middle East.

The Emergence of MultiCam in Today's Military Uniforms & Gear

MultiCam uniform attire and gear has exploded over the last few years. For military issue applications, MultiCam uniforms have become increasingly demanding as more combat situations are present in Middle Eastern environments. Retailers like Military Uniform Supply have realized this rise in demand MultiCam uniforms and combat gear.

Beyond military use, hunters and outdoors men are also finding MultiCam to be a unique choice for their attire. The uniqueness of this camouflage pattern has earned recognition amongst many different markets.

Optimal Utility, Comfort, and Style in 5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro Pants

5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro pants have many features that are useful for police forces, tactical teams, military personnel, and casual civilians. The 5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro pants are made of polyester and poly cotton ripstop. This makes them comfortable in hot weather as they are light weight and the material breathes. They are also formal looking which makes you look professional in a work setting.

You can also dress the 5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro pants down when need be and you will be able to create a smart casual look. The fabric of these 5.11 Tactical pants has been treated with HT Teflon wear resistant finish which prevents easy and fast soiling and staining. This enables the wearer to remain clean and neat even when engaged in outdoor activities where you may come into contact with dirt.

5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro pants have also been treated so that they are wrinkle free so hat after you launder them, you do not have to iron which makes their maintenance really easy. These awesome pants from 5.11 Tactical come in a range of colors which include Black, Coyote, TDU Green, Tundra, TDU Khaki and Dark Navy so that you have a wide variety to choose from. You may also opt to get them in different colors if you prefer. The pants are also fade resistant so that they will look good even after constant wearing.

5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro pants have a gusseted crotch which means that there is more space which makes them very comfortable as you have a wide range of movement. This is especially beneficial for people who are tall. The 5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro Pants have enough pocket space to enable you to carry a number of items. The right front part of the pants has an external knife pocket which makes it easily accessible should you need to access a knife.

These pants lsoo have cargo pockets on either side which are also easy to access and are sizeable enough without being cumbersome. In addition, the left cargo pocket has a magazine pocket which can also be used as a cell phone pocket. The front right pocket and the left cargo pocket have been reinforced with Cordura nylon which ensures that when you store your knife and magazine, that they remain safe and are not in danger of falling through as a result of tears and holes in the pants.

In addition YKK zippers, Prym snaps and Horn buttons which are tough and durable have been used so that the 5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro pants will last for a long time. The seat and the knees of the pants have been reinforced with double fabric so that they last long.

Other pockets available are the slash pockets at the back of the pants which are unique to the 5.11 Tactical pants. The belt loops have been reinforced and are thick enough so that you can carry other equipment such as cuffs which make them convenient. There is a brass clip D-loop which is on the belt loop at the front, on the right side which can be used to hook keys, a phone or others.

This post was contributed by Tyler Tafelsky.

2013 Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids: Army & Military Uniforms!

Military Halloween costumes are without a doubt some of the most awesome, especially if you're in Military family. Unlike other Halloween costumes, Military Halloween costumes give your kids a sense of action and excitement while enjoying Halloween night.

It's not easy to find good quality Military costumes for kids. Many Military Halloween costumes are on the cheap side and have basic camo clothing and maybe some face paint. Well if you're looking for Military Halloween costumes for your kids, look no further. We found the solution to find top-quality and authentic Military Halloween costumes. The place is Military Uniform Supply, and they offer an abundance of options.

Authentic Military Costumes for Kids

Unlike other sources that offer only basic army clothing and camouflage for kids, Military Uniform Supply is offers a full line-up of authentic kid's military clothing and uniforms. These kids military uniform packages come complete with everything a kid needs to suit up like a real soldier for Halloween. From the fatigue cap to the uniform accessories, each kid's military uniform includes many different components and authentic camouflage.

At Military Uniform Supply, you can select from various kid's military uniforms. Each package is a miniature replica of an actual uniform of the US Military. From the ACU (Army Combat Uniform) to the DCU (Desert Combat Uniform), all of these army uniforms are truly authentic.

In each 2013 Halloween military costume set, you can find the follow clothing components and accessories:

• Kid's Uniform Jacket
• Kid's Uniform Pants
• Kid's Under T-Shirt
• Kid's Ball Cap (one size fits all)
• Uniform Name Tape (customized to your name)
• Uniform Branch Tape (Select from: U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard)
• U.S. Flag Patch
• 2 Rank Insignias
• 2 Authentic Army Unit Patches

In addition to finding complete military uniform packages, you can also buy single articles of military clothing, such as camo pants, jackets, accessories and more. Beyond making your 2013 Halloween awesome, these military uniforms are also ideal for many types of outdoor activities, including hunting, boy scouts, and paintball or airsoft.

To start searching for Military costumes to gear-up for your 2013 Halloween, visit MilitaryUniformSupply.com for all types of Army and Military costumes fo kids.

Philippines to Receive Increased Military Assistance from U.S.

On Thursday, the Philippines foreign ministry issued a statement in which it said that in 2012, the US military funding to Philippines is going to triple. The statement expressed unhappiness over Philippines' declining share in the Foreign Military Financing provided by the US. Manila wants the US to recognize Philippines' strategic military importance in Asia. Philippine government is increasingly feeling the heat from China which claims most parts of South China Sea.

In recent times, Philippines and China have been involved in territorial disputes around the Penatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the South China Sea. The area is at a distance of 124 nautical miles from the Zambales province in Philippines. From the main island of Luzon in Philippines, the Shoal is just 124 nautical miles away. However, it is 648 nautical miles away from the nearest Hainan province of China. Still, China claims all of South China Sea territory, even areas that are closer to the Philippines coasts and other nearby countries.

Philippine government maintains that the area is within its Exclusive Economic Zone which is considered within 200 nautical miles of a country. However, China claims sovereign rights over all the territories lying within South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal as well as Paracel and Spratly Islands. The maritime dispute with China has been going on for many years but in the last two weeks the intensity of this dispute has increased. The Philippines government wants to solve the dispute using international mediation but this is not acceptable to China which vehemently opposes this idea.

The increasing tension with China has forced Philippines to boost its military capabilities. At present, the country is no match for China and so it has been forced to seek increased military assistance from the US. Manila is trying to build a minimum credible defense to protect its territory. It is seeking different types of military hardware like coast watch stations, radar systems, military uniforms, combat gear, and patrol aircrafts and vessels. To discuss these requirements, Albert del Rosario, the Philippines Foreign Secretary was recently in Washington. This week he held high-level talks there and asked for increased military assistance.

He was of the view that supporting Philippines is necessary to ensure peaceful maritime territorial dispute settlements, uninterrupted commercial activities and freedom of navigation. He urged other countries to support Philippines and not leave it alone to fight such disputes on its own. He informed that his country is open to international arbitration which has been rejected by China.

On Tuesday, Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State made it clear that the US is not going to take side in any such territorial dispute. At the same time, she made it clear that no country should use force to settle such claims. She also reaffirmed her country's obligation and commitments towards the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1952. The Treaty forms the basis of strong military ties between the Philippines and the United States.

Philippine government is looking for closer military cooperation with the US. Recently, military units from both countries concluded Balikatan 2012 war exercise. Philippines Navy is going to receive Hamilton-class cutter from the US. This will be used to augment its Navy strength which already has another high-endurance cutter – the BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

Technology Infiltrates The Army

With smartphones becoming the preferred mode of communication, it was only a matter of time before the Military can find an excellent use for such technology. That time has arrived with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office announcing the opening of their mobile-friendly website.

Jason Kelly, PAO emerging media manager agree that "our society is very mobile". Further, he believes that the Fort Meade mobile website makes it easier to get information using smartphones while away from desktop computers. 

The idea just came up two weeks ago but Kelly immediately began designing and testing the application. The result reveals two noteworthy attributes.

·         Designed with the general audience in mind, the application works on any smartphone equipped with an Internet browser.

·         Users can choose to get information like schedule changes via the website or through a text message.

Users can access the mobile version of Fort Meade's website at www.ftmeade.army.mil using any smartphone. The website includes a telephone directory, calendar of upcoming events, directions to post from the surrounding area, the menu for the Freedom Inn Dining Facility, content for the weekly Soundoff! Newspaper and access to social media sites. Kelly reveals they are looking at ways to customize information for internal and external communities. 

To get text messages, users need to register to the service by typing, follow ftmeadealert, and sending the message to 40404.  Text messages for changes in operating schedules will be automatically sent to registered users. Texts are sent via Twitter but don’t require registration in the social media site. Standard SMS rates apply but the service itself is offered free by Fort Meade.

Director of Public Affairs Office, Chad Jones, is pleased with the application's launch. He says, "Our goal at PAO is to make information as accessible and useful as possible". The new mobile friendly website helps the Army do that. Jones adds that he "wants to encourage feedback from the community to make this as effective as possible".

According to Kelly, Fort Meade is the first military community to launch a mobile friendly website that doesn't need additional apps to access. He said, "We’re offering a new example of how to embrace emerging media to better communicate with our community" through the enhanced version of the website. 

The Intelligence Behind The American Soldier’s Clothing And Gear

Gearing up the American soldier for the challenges he encounters in the field of combat is no simple feat. So much thought is put into each item, ensuring that the soldier's concentration is solely focused on the task at hand and not on worrying over his gear.

At Natick, improving what the American soldier wears is a constant challenge. A team of experts that includes scientists, engineers, textile technologists, clothing designers, retired military equipment specialists and experts in other fields, work towards three common goals; and that is to improve functionality, durability and comfort.

The dedication and passion that each expert in the team has is as awesome as their expertise. Assisting in the design of helmets, body armor, boots, gloves, uniforms and flame resistant gear, they never stop improving on these items to ensure that the American soldier has the equipment to survive and at the same time, be comfortable while wearing it. This incessant pursuit of excellence stems from the fact that the experts at Natick want these soldiers to have the best equipment and gear they could possibly provide. Jay Connors, division leader, Warrior Equipment and Systems Division at Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC said, "They are dedicated in this vein because they want to do the right thing by our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines”.

A former Marine Reservist, Connors has travelled to Afghanistan thrice and has been outfitted in the same uniform and gear that the soldiers use. He said he was completely confident because the gear was the best stuff out there and he knows it. The NSRDEC supports the Program Executive Office Soldier by providing them with engineers, clothing designers, textile technologists and chemists for developing soldier gear and clothing. Ben Cooper, a colleague of Connors, is the footwear project engineer in the Footwear Performance Laboratory or FPL. The scientific analyses, which his department does, have a direct influence in the development of the footwear that will eventually be used by soldiers, special operators, Marines and sailors.

The FPL ensures performance by testing stiffness, heat insulation, impact pressure, flexibility and slip resistance until they are fully satisfied with it. Cooper compares the American soldier to a high-performance athlete and that’s what they keep in mind when working on the soldier’s footgear. The FPL has developed waterproof boots, hot weather boots, cold weather boots and blast protective boots. Soldiers in Afghanistan have been equipped with combat boots that provide better ankle stability and more secure lacing systems. These improvements were realized because of the feedback they get from the field. They can only develop the most ideal footgear for soldiers when they have a complete idea of what they want and what they need. Recent data has shown that the improvements made significantly decreased the number of soldiers’ lower leg injuries.

Next up for the FPL is the Modular Boot System which is expected to maximize efficiency without sacrificing comfort or safety.  This footgear will come with three components consisting of two removable liners, an insulated garter and base boot which will be a hot weather, flame resistant boot. The people at FPL are currently working hard to get this boot into circulation as this will considerably cut down the number of boots that have to be lugged around by the soldier. Suitable for dry, wet, extremely hot and cold temperatures, field tests are expected to commence by fiscal year 2013.

Team leader for the Design, Pattern and Prototype Team; Annette LaFleur and her tailors work just as hard as the FPL. The physical environment of Iraq and Afghanistan provides challenges that are more than what the average person would expect in a dry climate. Extreme cold, heat, sand and wind should be considered and according to Lafleur, “to design with the focus on durability and repair-ability is key”. She adds that the soldier’s clothing must work as a system and that means integration is a crucial part of the design. Focusing on designing soldier’s clothing that maximizes ability to accomplish their mission, enhances quality of life, protection and survival ability, Lafleur states that the place and the mission make the clothes. Currently, the focus is on more protective fire-resistant fabrics, the use of breathable fabrics, blast and ballistic protection and always using light fabrics to ensure comfort.

Connors says that the NSRDEC is all about collaboration, resulting to better knowledge, better data collection and the ability to make better decisions. He wants soldiers to know that the division will keep on working to make sure that those in the field have the right stuff to meet their mission requirements.

Army Combat Gear & Uniform Changes Set for 2012

Though the official announcement has yet to be made, Colonel William Cole, program manager of Soldier Protection and Individual Protection said that new hot weather combat boots and stronger ACU pants will be released in 2012. Along with the new boots and pants, a new and better combat glove will also be released.Specific information about these changes are limited, however, it is known that the Twill combat pants will be made of "significantly" stronger fabrics and will come with knee pads. These pants will be using the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern, better known as the OCP. It is noted that the OCP ACUs will likewise have stronger fabrics that offer about a 50% improvement.

The ACU digital uniform will be
made with a stronger material next year.

This improved fabric will most likely necessitate importation of materials and as required by the Berry Amendment, the U.S. Armed Forces should use American made textile. Using foreign made materials for this purpose would have to pass through Congress and necessitates a congressional waiver to be pushed through. The Defender M material consists of 65% flame-resistant rayon and the fibers used in them are from the Austrian based company, Lenzing. Only the fibers are bought from Lenzing, the weaving and all other processing it undergoes thereafter are done in the U.S.

U.S. based manufacturers argue that viable domestic alternatives to rayon are available. Because of this, there are rumors that these manufacturers are seeking to get the congressional waiver cancelled. Alternatives do exist and the Armed Forces are well aware of this fact. In 2008, the Air Force chose the Abrams V fabric for use in flame resistant ground combat equipment, a blend of nylon, cotton and Nomex and 100% U.S. produced. Nomex, however, is more expensive and needs a longer time to produce. Furthermore, rayon is more comfortable, moisture absorbent and can be easily dyed.

The new hot weather boots is expected to provide better ankle and foot support but will most likely be stiffer when worn. In February 2011, the U.S. chose the Belleville 950 Combat Mountain Hiker, which will be issued in addition to the current combat boots. Featuring a Vibram Bifida outsole, it boasts of better support, grip, fit and durability as ut is 20% thicker than what most combat boots have.

Col. Cole's office also revealed that selection is ongoing for the new ACU camouflage pattern, in which 20 submissions are being reviewed. It will be followed by wear and field tests and if all goes according to schedule, production of the new ACUs will commence in October of 2012.