Although the United States has been the leading producer of manufactured goods for more than 100 years, the industry has been declining for decades. Without manufacturing, the United States cannot remain the world’s engine of innovation. Massachusetts has a number of innovative manufacturers that have made the often-challenging decision to keep their labor force in the United States. The success of these companies demonstrates that it can be done, but we need to pursue policies that support their efforts. One such policy is the “Berry Amendment,” which states that when our military has an opportunity to buy American, US soldiers should train and operate with American-made uniforms and equipment. Over the past 70 years, this law has ensured that American soldiers are defending our country in American equipment; it has helped keep jobs here on our shores, served as a powerful incentive to grow manufacturing production in America, boosted innovation, and ensured that US taxpayer money is spent on US-made goods to help grow the economy.

This policy has also benefited servicemembers by providing them with top quality uniform items and equipment. But for two decades, athletic footwear for new recruits has been exempted from this “buy America’’ requirement, despite a rebounded domestic shoe industry that employs thousands of American workers.best nike shoes for weight training Thank you for signing up!runners shoe store miami Sign up for more newsletters hererunning shoes guide to buying The Defense Department recognized this resurgence in manufacturing in April 2014 and issued a new policy that eliminated the exemption and committed to providing recruits with 100 percent American-made athletic shoes, should they become available.

The domestic shoe industry stepped up, but the Defense Department has not lived up to its commitment and has not implemented its 2014 policy change. This is wrong, and the Defense Department should eliminate the exemption. Some have argued that requiring the Defense Department to abide by the Berry Amendment would provide an advantage to only one company, New Balance. And, while it is true that New Balance, which employs thousands in Massachusetts and Maine, invested heavily to research, develop, and manufacture 100 percent American-made athletic shoes, additional companies, like Saucony, owned by Michigan-based Wolverine Worldwide, have also taken a serious interest. Even Nike told President Obama that it plans to open factories in the United States. Furthermore, components for these shoes are produced at smaller companies around the country. With so much evidence establishing that US companies are interested in producing American-made athletic shoes, it is reasonable to expect that new recruits would have a variety of high quality options to choose from.

If athletic footwear was required to be US-made, any global shoe company could compete to provide it — if that company set up factories in America, hired Americans, and produced the shoes here. We’ve seen exactly that outcome in other industries, like America’s textile industry, which produces modern uniforms. In addition to the far-reaching economic benefits, our servicemembers would be stepping into high quality footwear that could reduce injuries. After thorough assessment, the Army Surgeon General’s Office advised in 2015 that recruits should begin basic training with new running shoes that are comfortable and fit properly. That is why the Defense Department requires athletic footwear to pass rigorous testing for quality and fit. After testing and approving two American-made athletic shoes, Defense Department officials wrote that one of those shoes “scored higher overall than any other neutral/cushioned running shoe we have tested thus far.” That is quite an endorsement, since the Defense Department has been testing sneakers for more than 20 years.

Even so, should recruits require something more specific, they can receive a waiver. Understanding the incredible impact it could have on our manufacturing base, as well as the potential to provide recruits with a higher quality shoe, I helped lead an effort to ensure the Defense Department fully complies with the Berry Amendment. The first steps by the next generation of American soldiers should be taken in high quality American footwear, made on American soil, supporting America’s economy.« Plantar Calcaneal (Heel) Spurs Sports Podiatry Info is now on YouTube »New colors of our best PowerSports are here. When the weather turns warm, you need boots designed for lightweight, breathable comfort. Left to Right: 8” Velocitor Zip Waterproof, Special Response Tactical 7” Boot, Shock 8” Side Zip Boots made to perform in hot weather environments and keep your feet cool. HIgh quality boots designed to protect and perform. Get news and updates from the frontlines of Bates headquarters.

MILITARY DISCOUNTS with TROOP ID Up to 47% Off for Active Military Members, Military and Uniform Footwear Whether you’re in the military, the police force, or the industrial sector, Bates offers high performance footwear to keep you comfortable and safe, no matter the intensity of the job. For over 130 years, we have been dedicated to developing quality military and uniform footwear with market leading innovations for comfort, durability, and protection. From military and security boots to uniform shoes and chukkas, equip yourself with footwear designed to provide long lasting performance for the most physically demanding jobs.Steven k. - Marines I traded in my AIMPOINT MICRO I honestly as a "tired" 0311 and tactical firearms instructor vouch for Vortex and everything they make. Why pay 7 x the amount for a aimpoint? Ryan J. - US Marshals I purchased the watch with the black rubber band about two years ago on GOVx and received straight from Luminox.

Within 3 months it stopped telling time accurately, with the second hand ticking and snapping back in place. I called Luminox and they informed me that I needed to send it into to thier contracted repair company in NY (Saltzman's Watch Repair) which I did, paying the 15 dollars to ship and included an additional 15 dollar check to ship it back to me, as required. I received it ba... David G. - Other Protect and Serve Buckets are solid and come with a variety in each one. "G" Shock Casio watch.This one gives you the option of using an audio, or vibrate alarm. Nice for those situations when you need quiet. Daniel M. - Marines Great dot for the price. I ordered the 3 moa dot. Vortex shipped the 6. One call and they had the problem fixed with me sending the 6 back and them sending the 3 out. Mounting was easy on a g19 mos platform. 1 side note is it doesn't come with mounting bolts for the mos system. Vortex sent them out but I went to homedepot and purchased ss machine screws.

The correct size for the mos is 8/32x3/8L. I ended up putting in 8/32x7/16L with lock washers. Worked like a charm using more of the mounting plate threads than th... Jacob D. - Air Force Perfect for pilots, outdoorsmen, adventurers The D2 is part of a line of adventure GPS watches put out by Garmin that started with the Fenix. In many ways it is exactly like the Fenix (Same case, same functionality, firmware, and sensors). A quick comparison of the two will show you that the only difference that accounts for the $50 price increase is that the D2 adds support for aviation. That means you're basically getting a Garmin Fenix with a WAAS GPS, the worldwide Jeppessen database of airports, Nearest and Direct-to functions, and... Alvin B. - Army I used mine in Iraq for everything, it's really reliable. I had it on every mission and no matter the job it worked every time. Thomas B. - Police Can't beat the price for the craftsmanship of this scope. David H. - DOD

Does what it says Put it to the test from digging to throwing. Great product would recommend to others Jeffrey R. - Coast Guard I ordered these boots, my feet love me for it. At my job i am standing at least 70% to 80% of my time on shift. My feet never hurt when i get home. Eric V. - Army These shoes truly are the most versatile, comfortable, awesome shoes I have ever bought. I will buy these shoes again in the future. I will never buy another slip on or regular shoe again!!!! ryan d. - Coast Guard What a great pack. I recently bought this pack for a long hiking trip and I have to say it's built amazingly well. I loaded it with 48 pounds of gear and strapped it on and there is no doubt I will be comfortable for this hike. Although large this bag easily packs a week's worth of essentials and allows you to carry it in comfort. Also the integrated hydration system accommodation carries a two liter bladder perfectly. I highly recommend this pack.

Conor K. - Other Protect and Serve Bought this for a patrol light that I could stick in a pants pocket without it getting in the way. This does this job and it's bright as hell...plus it looks sharp. Cary G. - Sheriff Have it mounted, speedy delivery. Shawn R. - Marines I've got the short straight edge version of this knife- way easier to find a place for it than the full sized versions I also own. Blade is strong, comes sharp (if you do manage to dull it, it will take a little while to put an edge back on it)... But when it has an edge, I can gut skin and process 3 deer (that's all I take on any given year prior to touching up the blade) without losing the edge. Yeah, the bigger blade looks cool, but if you actually plan on using it, this smaller, thi... Jourdan V. - Army Best sneaks ever, my knees love me for this. Look bulky but weigh and feel like minimus. Only thing if you run in them. A lot you will wear out the cloud like sole, but I will continue to buy these every time i feel they have reached their end.

Tim R. - Navy I've been wearing these about a week.....and honestly these are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I definitely will be buying another pair! Kyle W. - Corrections Great piece of equipment!!! I just used it to grill steaks for Valentine's day! Uses fuel much faster than expected and burns very hot. Expect some discoloring of the metal from the heat. This is a great value and very versatile. Use smoker chips for extra flavor. Mark C. - Army Owning the power of the sun... Very satisfying feeling hooking up my cell phone (Droid Ultra) to this unit and calculating the percentage gained in about 10 min. of testing would have a dead phone charged to 100% between 2-3 hours. Charging options (included car charger adapter) and portability (includes two Goal Zero mini carabiners) gives a strong sense of security and confidence in its capabilities. One negative, though I refuse to drop a star over, is that one attachment loop failed upon my initial attempt to secure it...