Hot/Temperate Weather ACB/MCCB Tan Combat Boots

With the introduction of the digital camouflage uniforms (the ABU and MCCUU) in the U.S. military in the 2000s, there was also a changeover to tan rough texture combat boots. Following the design of the successful black leather Infantry Combat Boot and the black Jungle Boot as well as earlier versions of the Tan Desert Boot, updated boots were delivered to Soldiers and Marines in light colors compatible with the new uniforms, starting with the USMC in 2002.

Michael Perry fits PVT Kieran Bowe with his first pair of Army Combat Boots, 30th Adjutant General Bn Clothing Initial Issue Point, Fort Benning, GA, October 2009
Michael Perry fits PVT Kieran Bowe with his first pair of Army Combat Boots, 30th Adjutant General Bn Clothing Initial Issue Point, Fort Benning, GA, October 2009.

Today in WW II: 30 Jun 1940 German forces land in Guernsey, the start of their five year Occupation of the Channel Islands.  More ↓
30 Jun 1943 Invasion of New Georgia, Central Solomons, with Munda as its objective.
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

Army & Marine Hot/Temperate Weather Tan Combat Boots

Army Combat Boots are pulled from a size line-up for a Soldier, Iraq, 20 April 2004. Boots appear to be Belleville 390 DES, one vendor's version of the ACB(HW) boot
Army Combat Boots are pulled from a size line-up for a Soldier, Iraq, 20 April 2004. Boots appear to be Belleville 390 , one vendor's version of the ACB(HW) boot.

There are four boots in this catgegory, an Army and USMC version each with one model for Hot Weather and one for Temperate Weather, very similar designs separately procured by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. Viewed from the outside, the hot weather boot is distinguished by air circulation/drain holes at the arch. The Marine Corps boots have the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA) embossed on the outer side, near the heel. The boots are 8-10 inches tall depending on model and size.

The boots all share these features:

  • Water resistant/breathable flesh/rough side out cattlehide leather
  • Nylon panels on upper
  • Leather comfort collar
  • Combination speed lace and eyelet lacing system, laced diagonally with tan laces
  • Plain toe
  • Cushion midsole that attenuates shock
  • Non-marking, oil and flame resistant, rubber lug outsole
  • All visible components Tan-colored

The temperate weather boot contains a GORE-TEX® waterproof-breathable membrane package with durable wicking fabric inner lining. The temperate weather boot contains integrated flame and conductive heat resistance features and is therefore currently (2010) authorized for US Army flight and Combat Vehicle Crewman use. The temperate weather boot is acceptable for wear until the temperature drops below 32° F.

The hot weather boot has drainage eyelets for water removal and air circulation, with a finer screen to block sand while still being able to eliminate water. It has a padded comfort collar but does not have the GORE-TEX lining. The hot weather boots should not be worn by personnel exposed to the cold for more than a short period of time.

Nomenclature and Stock Numbers Army & Marine Hot/Temperate Weather Tan Combat Boots

Weather Range Army Combat Boot Marine Corps Combat Boot
Temperate ACB (Temperate Weather) PGC 02943, NSN 8430-01-516-1506 to 8430-01-539-9336
Also called Infantry Combat Boot-Type II (Tan)
ACB(TW)		 MCCB (Temperate Weather) PGC 02755, NSN 8430-01-492-1727 to 8430-01-492-2160
Also called Boots, Combat, Olive Mojave, Infantry
MCCB(TW)
Hot ACB (Hot Weather) Part No. CRFD/PD 03-23, NSN 8430-01-514-4935 to 8430-01-514-5255 and 8430-01-539-9417
Also called Boots, Hot Weather
ACB(HW)		 MCCB (Hot Weather) Part No. PD-CRFD/PD 00-01, NSN 8430-01-482-9944 to 8430-01-483-0088
Also called Boots, Combat Utility, Jungle Desert Hot Weather
MCCB(HW)

MCCB(TW) showing embossed EGA
MCCB(TW) showing embossed EGA.

The ACB has been procured by the U.S. Army from Belleville, Altama, McRae, Rocky, Wellco, Wolverine and others. Bates and Belleville brands of the MCCB boots are provided to Marines through USMC supply channels. Both the Army and Marine Corps have authorized other producers to make the ACB and MCCB available for direct sale or through commercial channels. The Marine Corps authorized boot (with USMC EGA embossed) is more tightly controlled, for sale only to Marines.

Private Purchase Tan Combat Boots

It has been a common practice for individuals to purchase non-issue combat boots, a practice that is tolerated so long as the purchased boots meet current military standards for both performance and appearance. Individuals may own multiple pairs, for example to wear issue boots to inspection, but purchase a more comfortable or supportive boot for daily use, owning several sets to meet different needs. Therefore, at any given time the boots worn by a Soldier or Marine might not be any of the standardized boots.

Boots may have an official National Stock Number assigned, but nonetheless have never been actually procured and issued through supply channels. Such boots meet military standards and may be officially procured at some time.

Amazon.com offers many styles of military authorized tan combat boots for private purchase, including the Belleville 390.

Find More Information on the Internet

There are many fine websites that have additional information on this topic, too many to list here and too many to keep up with as they come and go. Use this Google web search form to get an up to date report of what's out there.

For good results, try entering this: army marine tan combat boots. Then click the Search button.