For Generations Marines have prided themselves on their spit-shined black leather boots. They've spent countless hours in the quest for the perfect shine, even though spit-shined boots were never actually required. Boots only needed to have polish on them, but Marines wanted their boots looking as sharp as possible even in the field. Tins of polish and shinning kits had as much a place in field packs as rifle cleaning gear and Meals, Ready to Eat.

But as Oct. 1, this long standing tradition will slip away into the pages of Marine Corps history and become a story told about the "Old Corps." Marines officially say goodbye to black leather boots and welcome the new tan, rough-side-out Marine Corps Combat Boot -- a boot requiring no polish at all.

But why would the Marine Corps turn its back on such a long-standing tradition such as spit-shined boots, something that to some is considered a hallmark of Marines? Why toss out a tradition that typifies the Marine spirit, which is to be the best at all times?

Technology.

It was inevitable that a better boot would come along; one that better meets the needs of a Marine Corps whose mission is changing with the world around it.

Marines currently conducting operations throughout the world need a boot that's flexible and durable enough to keep up with their operational tempo. Enter the Marine Corps Combat Boot — simply a better boot.

For the Marine Corps to resist moving to the rough-side-out boot simply to maintain a tradition would actually betray the very ethos the spit-shined boots came to represent. What's more important than having sharp looking boots, is what's done with them. Marines are best known for winning wars and doing what it takes to win them. We just look good doing it.

If the new boots bring the Marine Corps one step closer to being a more effective fighting force, then they'll still represent the Marine spirit of being the best at all times, just as the spit-shined boots did.

In this issue of Marines, we look at Marines on the move and their driving determination to accomplish the mission, no matter where in the world that may take them. From the Marines who change tires of vehicles in Iraq — sometimes while under fire — to the Marines training to deploy, one thing their stories all share, just as their boots will attest, is that Marines are always at their best.

• Marines Practive Land Navigation on Commando Course
• Big Job Calls for Small Boats
• General's Gift to Squadron Lifts Spirits, Boosts Morale
• Intel Analysts Mold Battlefield Terrain
• Rolling Billboard Visits the Tri-Command

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