Open a window and a breeze rolls in...Let's be real here---I'm 23 years old. A slight breeze can blow and I'll be pitching a tent.
I'm a prior enlisted C-pooler, went to AMDO school while in A-pool with black shoes.
I was asked by the staff why I wasn't in brown shoes.
I told them I hadn't earned them yet. I was basically labeled as an SNA but didn't do a damn thing to REALLY earn my brown's.
They respected that, and really got a kick when I wore brown shoes to the AMDO class graduation.
This policy is rediculous. It's been awhile, but doesn't API stand for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination? Since when are we indoctrinating our aviators to wear black shoes? Insanity.
Even funnier, I was called out by an IP last week for wearing brown shoes . . . I told them that my designator is in aviation, so I'm wearing them. He said 'no it's not, you're not winged yet.' What's the expression, facepalm? yeah, that was it. I simply said well, to each their own. Yeah, he didn't like my 'just say no' to black shoes patch either.
This was your actual shoes and not the brown boots?
Yes, the shoes are what he was referring to, though the boots did add fuel to his own little fire
Yes, the shoes are what he was referring to, though the boots did add fuel to his own little fire However, I had prior approval on the boots, the PAO asked the CO if they were ok, to wear for studs.
I would have given you crap for wearing brown boots as a SMA. You didn't get to wear brown boots until you made HAC at my last command. Did you just go to the PAO and ask because you wanted to wear them or was there an actual reason you need to wear the brown boots.
I would have given you crap for wearing brown boots as a SMA
If/when the powers-that-be require that Ensigns do a seabag inspection (just like they do to junior sailors E-3 and below), that will be the ultimate sign of A-Pool going full retard.
I personally think its more of a uniformity thing. Prior to the incident I'd say it was roughly half and half for those who wore brown/black shoes. Inspections inspect a uniform, and uniform is just that...uniform.
I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, but black shoes are considered the basic uniform component. That being the case, I think its fine for students to be expected to wear black shoes during a uniform inspection.
Not trying to start a war or anything...