In reply to Jonny2vests:
Just a point on kit, I'm currently a serving soldier (Sapper) and I'm about to come to the end of nearly 7 months in Afghanistan in a little over a weeks time and I can honestly say some of the kit we now receive is honestly the best in the world.
I'm been privileged enough to work with Americans, Danish and Estonian forces out here and for the most many have longed after our kit as the quality and certainly blast protection: body armour, helmets etc are simply the best.
From a boot perspective out here in desert boots - Meindl and Lowa are what the army uses and both are a quality boot. I've worn my meindl boots everyday for the whole time out here, yes the sole is starting to degrade and a few stitches are showing but not bad for nearly 7 months of wear at plus 15 hours a day. I'm looking for some new 3 season walking boots when i return and i'll certaintly be looking at Meindl more closely now.
From a clothing point of view, although the issued softie (synthetic jacket) is good, many a squadie (myself included) opt to buy our own. Me, a Buffalo which I also use in the hill and Rab down jackets are also popular .
Just my view anyway.