Anew pair of boots or shoes should not be fitted too snugly with the expectation that they will stretch. They should fit properly when new. Whenever possible, wear one pair one day and another pair the next to allow them to dry between wearings. In cleaning boots, scrape dirt or mud away with a flat stick, brush, or anything dull that will not cut the leather. Using a small hand brush, wash them with mild soap and very little water. Remove all the soapsuds, and wipe the inside dry with a clean cloth. Stuff paper in the toes while the boots or shoes are still wet to keep the leather from shrinking out of shape. Dry the boots or shoes slowly in a warm, dry place. Do not dry by exposing them to hot sun, fire, or other strong heat, because it may injure the rubber or leather. Be sure that boots or shoes are replaced or repaired when they show signs of excessive wear. Do not wait. A pair of shoes that is not in good repair can cause severe discomfort and lessen your effectiveness, so take care of them.

CANVAS EQUIPMENT

Clean canvas equipment, such as bags and packs, by dipping them vigorously in a pail of water containing mild soap or detergent. Do not scrub them with a stiff brush because it damages the material. Dry canvas items in the shade or indoors. Never wash or dry canvas items in automatic machines. Always repair small rips and tears as soon as possible.

WEB EQUIPMENT

Clean web equipment in the same manner as canvas. Never use chlorine, yellow issue soap, cleaning fluids, or dyes. Do not attempt to dye or repair web equipment. When web equipment is old or damaged, turn it in for replacement.

Figure 2-42.-Bunk layout-rifleman.

NETTING

Wash netting with a warm solution of mild soap or detergent. Repair small hales or tears by placing pieces of adhesive tape or waterproof tape over both sides of the hole. In an emergency, draw the edges together and tie them with string.

FASTENERS

Always use care in opening a snap fastener. To open, place your thumb and forefinger between the two layers of cloth close to the fastener and pry it apart. Do not tug at the cloth.

A slide fastener, even of sturdy construction, must be used carefully. When it snags, check it to see what is wrong. Do not try to force it. Usually by backing it up, smoothing it out, and trying again, it will work. If it works stiffly, rub a thin coating of wax or graphite from a lead pencil on each side of the track and then work it back and forth a few times.

COATED ITEMS

Wipe soiled items with a clean cloth, wash them with water and a mild soap or detergent, and rinse thoroughly. Dry the items as quickly as possible, but do not use direct heat because the material will dry out and crack. Take special care to see that such substances as grease, oil, acid, or insect repellant are washed off as soon as possible.

ARMOR VEST

General instructions for taking care of the armor vest are usually sewn inside it near the collar. Observe these instructions carefully. Never dry the armor vest over or near an open flame.