Shined boots and low quarters were a means to quickly determine if a Soldier was taking care of his gear.
Good old Kiwi wax helped preserve and protect the footwear which in turn helped protect the Soldier’s feet.
Like so many other things in the Army, this quick indicator got way out of hand.
Soldiers spent way too much time polishing shoes.
Polishing shoes became a religion.
It was a means of showing how committed you were to the Army.
There are numerous things that started out as good ideas, but became religious displays.
Ribbon placement…..official photos…..two mile run times…..badges…..
Combat patches became so important that people would spend one day in a recognized combat zone, usually at an air base, to get a combat patch.
One fellow I know went to Iraq as an Equal Opportunity Officer so that he could get a combat patch.
I guess he made sure the enemy fired the same number of rounds at the different races.
Sad. I knew a Battalion commander that cut off his own leg cast so he could jump into Panama to get his combat jump badge. Jumped in, left the next day, got his badge. Guy was a flaming idiot (as were most of the commanders I ran across while on an exchange tour with the Army).