Mickey Mouse boots, Baklava caps

U.S. soldiers suit up to battle Balkan winter

December 14, 1995
Web posted at: 2 a.m. EST

From Correspondent Brian Cabell

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina (CNN) -- U.S. soldiers leaving for Bosnia are taking more than their guns, trusty old knives and uniforms. In fact, their rucksacks are loaded with some rather strangely named items, all geared to help them fend off what might be their biggest foe: the brutal Balkan winter.

"This is the flak jacket," said Pfc. Mason Perrin, holding up a thick coat. "What does it do? It protects us from stuff falling on us, flying at us." It's not bulletproof, though.

Perrin is carrying plenty of gear to survive the bone-chilling cold: Gortex top and pants, polypropylene underwear, Gortex boots. And there's the sweet-sounding Baklava, a garment that keeps the head and neck warm.

The soldiers are also carrying another invaluable tool: floppy-looking boots named after Mickey Mouse. "They're so big, kind of like the cartoon character," said Maj. Ken Fugett, adding that the boots are specially built to keep the feet warm.

There's also an array of gloves for the Bosnia-bound soldiers. "There's an index finger slot as well as a thumb so that you could fire a weapon and not have to take your gloves off," Fugett said.

Another essential item is a heavyweight sleeping bag, good for temperatures down to zero and less.

When finally packed and ready to go, the soldiers have one more mission to fulfill before boarding the aircraft: A farewell call.

"I was just calling to say hello and let you know we are about to hop on a plane," one soldier said to his family minutes before embarking on the long journey ahead.

Mickey Mouse boots, Baklava caps

U.S. soldiers suit up to battle Balkan winter

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