I AM somewhat surprised that Mrs S Spilsby's son has to pay for his Army Boots.

I asked my son, who is in the Army and at present on leave, about this item of costs. Within the last three months he has been issued with three pairs of boots -- hot weather, cold weather and normal weather -- no charge.

However, if he misplaces or they are lost, he would have to pay for their replacement.That is why they are actually advised to take out personal insurance to cover any loss. At any one time they may have more than £1000 of actual kit issued to them, which would be very costly to replace.

If soldiers wish to wear their own boots, they would have to purchase them. There is no guarantee that their Commanding Officer would allow them to be worn with their uniform

John Monaghan

The Cheethams,

Blackrod, Bolton