The second phase every (I think every) enlistee goes through is called Advanced Individual Training (AIT). I was at AIT when I saw soldiers wearing a different kind of boot, a kind that didn't have to be polished! This was amazing to me, that the Army would issue a type of boot that didn't have to be polished.
The drill sergeants of our platoon (Haack and Ingallinera) must have heard that some of their soldiers wanted the new boot, or were perhaps envious of soldiers who had the new no-polish boots. One day, Ingallinera stood in front of the platoon and lectured us about how lucky we should feel that we had the old had-to-polish boot since it made us stand out from the crowd.
Needless to say, it was not a persuasive argument. In any case, everyone at Fort Stewart was later issued a non-polish desert-colored pair of boots. I guess even the Army disagreed with you, Mr. Inagallinera. Cheerio!
Hilarious story! I remember sitting with you after the day was over with my very pregnant belly helping you polish your shoes. The other soldiers were envious of you because you had someone to help you every day. :)
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