I'm currently stationed in Afghanistan as a civilian. When I was in the military back in 2001-2005, we didn't have these specific kind. We had cotten and spandex (no silver). Those socks are normal socks with good duranbility, but THESE new ones with the 2.5% silver are AWESOME! I wear my boots all day (over 13hrs) and when I take them off, my socks do not smell and my socks, insoles and boots are dry. I can't say there are 100% dry, but exceptionally close. It really is incredible technology compared ot the old days.
There are after market "wick-dry" socks on the market that may be even better than these, but if you are looking to save an eceptional amount of money and get the same "wick-dry" effect, then buy these. Make sure when you get them though that the white lettering mentions the 2.5% silver....