I made an old guy appearance at the local ROTC detachment today.

[TomSlick]

2. The Army made the change to the rough-out boots before I retired.

I did not miss polishing boots. I had long before accepted that BDUs were not to be starched.

Polished boots and starch were too easy a way to judge a soldier. The real test for a soldier and an officer is more subtle. I made rash conclusions based on short conversations. There was insufficient information for my judgment but I prefer to think I am correct.

Absent evidence to the contrary, I will believe the future of the Army is in good hands.