I am a mom of an AFA appointee for class of 2014 and I called Mr. Richardson about boot information since my son can't make it to orientation. He was really helpful and emailed me the following letter. He also said I was welcome to post the information to the forum for other parent's to use.
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Letter from Mr. Richardson follows:
Good day and congratulations on your acceptance to attend the United States Air Force Academy. Below is all the info you need to ensure you obtain the correct boots for basic training.
Please note: Class Year 2014 cadets are required to have 2 pair of boots.
First off, your best source for finding the boots will be a Military Clothing Sales Store at a local military installation. They will be the most likely to have acceptable boots (see below for guidelines) and they’ll be able to ensure you get a correct fit. You will need to have somebody escort you on base (some one with a military ID) and make sure to take the Letter of Acceptance with you, as this should authorize the purchase (you can verify this by contacting the Clothing Sales Store directly).
If that is not a viable option, the second best place to purchase would be a military surplus store. They will more than likely have acceptable boots (see below for guidelines), and you will be able to try them on here and ensure a correct fit as well.
A third option is to wait for in processing (or appointee orientation if attending) here at the Academy. We will assist in sizing and you are guaranteed to have the correct boots. We will have about 500-700 recruits show up needing boots on in processing day, so you will definitely not be alone if you decide to wait. These boots are much more comfortable and much easier to break in than the boots referenced in the orientation package you received (20 hours a week break in time is extreme for these boots). Bottom line is waiting until in-processing to get the boots will not put you at a disadvantage.
Now, on to what type of boots you need to purchase. While we have certain manufacturers and models we issue – Belleville #650 (www.bellevilleshoe.com), Altama, and Wellco. Remember, you are not restricted to these specific brands. Your best bet would be to look for boots that fit the following guidelines and NOT a specific model or manufacturer.
Boots must:
1. be sage green in color
2. have Gore-Tex (soft waterproof nylon type material) in soles
3. have rubber sole (sometimes referred to as Vibram ® outsole)
4. not have steel/safety toes
5. not have zippers of any kind
6. be 8”-10” high
I also recommend buying/borrowing a pair of boot socks while sizing boots (also available at Military Clothing Sales and most surplus stores); these socks are a bit longer and thicker than ordinary athletic socks and you will be wearing these exclusively with the boots upon entrance to the Academy.
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact me at eddie.richardson@usafa.edu or at (719) 333-3017. Good luck and congratulations again on your appointment!
********************************
Letter from Mr. Richardson follows:
Good day and congratulations on your acceptance to attend the United States Air Force Academy. Below is all the info you need to ensure you obtain the correct boots for basic training.
Please note: Class Year 2014 cadets are required to have 2 pair of boots.
First off, your best source for finding the boots will be a Military Clothing Sales Store at a local military installation. They will be the most likely to have acceptable boots (see below for guidelines) and they’ll be able to ensure you get a correct fit. You will need to have somebody escort you on base (some one with a military ID) and make sure to take the Letter of Acceptance with you, as this should authorize the purchase (you can verify this by contacting the Clothing Sales Store directly).
If that is not a viable option, the second best place to purchase would be a military surplus store. They will more than likely have acceptable boots (see below for guidelines), and you will be able to try them on here and ensure a correct fit as well.
A third option is to wait for in processing (or appointee orientation if attending) here at the Academy. We will assist in sizing and you are guaranteed to have the correct boots. We will have about 500-700 recruits show up needing boots on in processing day, so you will definitely not be alone if you decide to wait. These boots are much more comfortable and much easier to break in than the boots referenced in the orientation package you received (20 hours a week break in time is extreme for these boots). Bottom line is waiting until in-processing to get the boots will not put you at a disadvantage.
Now, on to what type of boots you need to purchase. While we have certain manufacturers and models we issue – Belleville #650 (www.bellevilleshoe.com), Altama, and Wellco. Remember, you are not restricted to these specific brands. Your best bet would be to look for boots that fit the following guidelines and NOT a specific model or manufacturer.
Boots must:
1. be sage green in color
2. have Gore-Tex (soft waterproof nylon type material) in soles
3. have rubber sole (sometimes referred to as Vibram ® outsole)
4. not have steel/safety toes
5. not have zippers of any kind
6. be 8”-10” high
I also recommend buying/borrowing a pair of boot socks while sizing boots (also available at Military Clothing Sales and most surplus stores); these socks are a bit longer and thicker than ordinary athletic socks and you will be wearing these exclusively with the boots upon entrance to the Academy.
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact me at eddie.richardson@usafa.edu or at (719) 333-3017. Good luck and congratulations again on your appointment!