Over the next two years all Dutch Soldiers will receive new combat boots.
Photo: Ministry of Defense
“With this new footwear we put another important step forward in the in order of the armed forces.” With these words, armed forces Commanding General Tom Middendorp handed the first pair to Sergeant 1st Class Johan de Jong at the der clothing company of Defence in Soesterberg.
Photo: Ministry of Defense
Priority of fielding is to deployers. Consequently, the 45 men and women of Air Task Force 22, who head this month to Mazar-e-Sharif were issued first. The Dutch military has also instituted a new foot measuring device to ensure a proper fit as they issue these 2 new boots which are intended for use in Netherlands and North-Western and Central Europe. The first is a multifunctional combat boot for use in rocky and mountainous terrain and incorporates a waterproof, breathable lining for temperate to cold areas. The second boot features a moisture regulating lining intended for temperate and warm areas. Together, these two boots replace a single model that was supposed to be a jack of all trades. While no brand name or model was mentioned, it appears everybody initially will get 2 variant of Meindl boots; the Island MFS and another unnamed model for hot weather. Additionally, the boots are issued with 6 pair of socks matched to the performance of the boot.
They’ve also adopted other models, the so-called desert or jungle gevechtslaarzen, which are special issue to troops stationed or deploying to those areas.
Thanks Ipkiss
