What is the latest I should fill out USMA Gray Cards?

abeastlybeast

USMA Class of 2015
5-Year Member
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Apr 6, 2010
Messages
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I've filled out all information except for the uniform. I want to try on shoes at USMA when I visit again, but that most likely won't be until March. Should I just submit my JROTC shoe size?

I've heard that we are remeasured on R-Day. Is this true?
 
Yes, they will provide you shoes and boots when you get there on R-day. They are not sitting there with your name on them as far as I know. The sizes provided on the grey cards are to let the academy know about how many of each size they MAY need on hand. When you go to USMA in March go to the PX with the 'boot letter" (this is the letter that appointed applicants get to allow them to purchase boots and shoes in the Post Exchange - there will be plenty of posts on this later on!!). Buy them then when you can relax and take your time on fit. Then wear them both to break them in. When I say them, I mean your feet. Most likely (not a guarantee), these will be the boots and shoes you will wear during beast. During R -day, there isn't any time to try a pair of boots, see how they fit, try on another pair, etc... The stress level is pretty high and you will be moving very quickly just to get out of there.
 
March will be fine. Livinlarger has good suggestions--you definitely want broken-in feet and shoes. My cadet wore his boots and low quarters continuously until Beast and did not really have a problem with his feet during CBT.
 
Yes, they will provide you shoes and boots when you get there on R-day. They are not sitting there with your name on them as far as I know. The sizes provided on the grey cards are to let the academy know about how many of each size they MAY need on hand. When you go to USMA in March go to the PX with the 'boot letter" (this is the letter that appointed applicants get to allow them to purchase boots and shoes in the Post Exchange - there will be plenty of posts on this later on!!). Buy them then when you can relax and take your time on fit. Then wear them both to break them in. When I say them, I mean your feet. Most likely (not a guarantee), these will be the boots and shoes you will wear during beast. During R -day, there isn't any time to try a pair of boots, see how they fit, try on another pair, etc... The stress level is pretty high and you will be moving very quickly just to get out of there.

Thank you for the thorough response. I have a few questions:

When can I expect to receive the "boot letter?"
How can I ensure that I use the shoes/boots I buy at the PX at Beast?
Should I submit exact measurements for shoes or can I just submit an approximate size (for the Gray Card)?

I just want to make that Uniform icon green. Once I do that does USMA send me any CBT info? I check the mail everyday for more information about R-Day coming up.

Thanks for any replies
 
If you search "boots" on this forum you'll get a lot of good info from years past. http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/search.php?searchid=365773&pp=25
They probably won't be sending out much of the information we need until they fill up more of the class; the instructions for applicants offered admission that was supposed to be up around today isn't even there yet. I've had the icons green and I didn't receive anything.
 
Thank you for the thorough response. I have a few questions:

When can I expect to receive the "boot letter?"
How can I ensure that I use the shoes/boots I buy at the PX at Beast?
Should I submit exact measurements for shoes or can I just submit an approximate size (for the Gray Card)?

I just want to make that Uniform icon green. Once I do that does USMA send me any CBT info? I check the mail everyday for more information about R-Day coming up.

Thanks for any replies

1. The ever elusive "boot letter" won't arrive until sometime in the spring. The only reason it is important is because it gives non military the right to buy their shoes / boots in a px on a military base. The other thing is that it identifies what boot and shoe is authorized for beast. That is not that big a deal because that will be posted on this sight very thoroughly.

2. You can't ensure anything until you get to beast and get to your company. The company determines all the rules. However, if you get the right shoes and boots you will be fine.

3. My suggestion is to submit the size of shoe (not sneaker / tennis shoe) you wear now, its not abig deal.

My other suggestion is to not worry so much about your shoes. When I asked my daughter the one thing she was surprised at she never mentioned shoes. Begin to prepare yourself for one of the most physically and mentally demanding 7 weeks of your life. As good of shape you think you are in, 16 hours days in 95degree heat under a great deal of stress takes its toll. If you made it this far in the process you are well ahead of the game. Use that time to your advantage. You will not regret it. Good Luck
 
How can I ensure that I use the shoes/boots I buy at the PX at Beast?
Should I submit exact measurements for shoes or can I just submit an approximate size (for the Gray Card)?

You report to R-Day wearing your broken-in low quarters. My cadet had his other boots and shoes in his bag.

My cadet wore different sizes in the boots and low quarters. He picked one of the sizes, but since he ended up reporting with two pairs of each, it didn't especially matter what size he listed because he would not be getting any more shoes/boots. You are only authorized two pairs of each.

The sizes that the ladies in the PX fitted him for were perfect.
 
So I can buy 2 pairs of boots and low quarters and then avoid being issued new pairs on R-Day?

Btw, just realized I typed "what" instead of "when" in my thread title. Grammar lol
 
Blah, it's off topic, but see you at R-Day. I'm currently at the Prep, and can't wait to get to USMA. See you in June ;)
 
I wanted to get all the USMA Gray Cards turned to green too, but I did not want to mess with the "Travel" one. At least up until a few weeks ago, its information was outdated (from last year) - it had arrival for R-Day as June 2010 instead of 2011...was this updated?
 
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