Boot Camp Preparation

otterpop

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
83
Hello everyone, I'm getting ready for basic training and was curious if any of ya'll had any suggestions. I'm trying to get the boots that they issue us, but I don't how to get ahold of those. I would like to break them in before if it is possible.
 
Save your money

I'm sure others will provide their opinions, but having seen this question come up the last two years, the consensus seems to be: Don't buy boots ahead of time. You'll have plenty of time to break them in once I-Day begins. Our son didn't get his boots ahead of time and had no problems whatsoever.
 
Do pushups, pull-ups, and sit-ups till you can't do anymore. Then run, until you can't run anymore. Do that 6 times a week and you'll probably still be out of shape for basic training.
 
It is my understanding that they will issue you two pairs of boots (and charge you for them) regardless of what you bring. Supposedly, the new boots require no break in. If you bring your own boots, you will just be carrying around more when you first get there. Keep in mind that the Air Force only authorizes the sage green color now. If you still want to get something in advance, Nike makes a good, lightweight boot (Special Field Boot) in the correct color. Unless you live near an Air Force Base, you will probably have to order online.

As for preparation, my recommendation is that you look at the CFA. If you did not max out any of the requirements, work on what you need to improve. Remember that the USAFA is at high altitude. I am not a sports medicine professional, but I believe that if you are in better shape, the adjustment to high altitude is a little easier.

For most people, this means running, pushups, situps and pullups, and more running. Try to wear out several pairs of running shoes between now and your reporting date. Work on both sprinting and long distance. Also running helps. Did I mention running?
 
My sons, already in excellent physical condition, worked out every day, ran every day, worked out some more, ran more... They still had a bit of trouble for a long while dealing with the higher altitude.

Things may have changed but my sons both bought boots a few weeks before BCT (not boot camp!). They didn't require breaking in, and I think they each still have one pair (albeit pretty beat up now).

We live near a reserve refueling base and went there to get the boots so if there were any problems, we could take them back without difficulty.
 
I think they have changed the regs a bit regarding boots. So if you purchase a pair, you might not get reimbused. The ones they issue, Belleville Gortex are not bad and you can exchange them at USAFA if you have issues with fit. So it might not be worth it to purchase them in advance.

As for BCT, people here have the PT aspect covered. I would add two things:
1. You will be challenged and yelled at in ways that will test you emotionally. Learn to zen out and don't get too high or too low. This is at least as important as the physical stuff.
2. The Altitude is a bugger. Running at Sea level is nothing like running at 7258 feet. Be in shape.

Good Luck!
 
Nike boots BCT

Be forwarned on the above mentioned Nike boots, you may not be able to wear them until after recognition (March). Its dependant on each squad. My son just used the boots as issued and got along fine. A better solution may have been inserts for the boots (like orthotics). They were reccomended to us but he thought he wouldn't need them. You will be issued and pay for two pairs of boots, even if you bring your own.
 
Agree: Save Your Money

I'm sure others will provide their opinions, but having seen this question come up the last two years, the consensus seems to be: Don't buy boots ahead of time. You'll have plenty of time to break them in once I-Day begins. Our son didn't get his boots ahead of time and had no problems whatsoever.


Agreed. These are not the leather boots of days gone by - please save your money, not to mention you will be carrying the boots all on I-Day.
If they were still leather (last class issued leather was 2011) I would be offering different advise, but the boots issued now are much more comfortable.

As to the rest: Run, hydrate, Repeat. The best thing to do is enjoy what is left of your senior year, spend time with family / friends, and keep in shape.
 
There is an outlined workout starting on page 17 of the appointee instruction book. I also agree with all other posters, but if you have your appointment you also have access to the book and their recommended program prior to arrival.
The below is the guidance for footwear from the Academy, there is a phone number if you have questions. We purchased DD a pair before she left and they held up much better than the other issued pair, but that was for the class of 2014. There is no statement about the boots like last year, but they may have not updated this PDF:

Footwear
Combat boots and boot socks will be issued upon arrival;
however, appointees may purchase their boots prior to
entering the Academy. Appointees may do so through Cadet
Issue during scheduled day tours to the Academy. These
boots must meet the following specifications: sage green in
color, 8 inches high, have a rubber sole, and a waterproof
upper bootie (Gore-tex or similar.) The boots must NOT have
steel or safety toes, or zippers.
Descriptions and color photos can be found on the internet
at www.bellevilleshoe.com (Belleville model number 650 or
F650 for women’s sizes.) This website is provided for
reference only; there are many additional manufacturers and
sources for these boots. All incoming cadets are required to
have two (2) pairs of serviceable boots for wear during basic
cadet training. If you wear an unusual size (i.e. extra narrow,
smaller than a size 4 or larger than a size 14) or have questions
concerning footwear, call Cadet Issue at 1-719-333-3017/2366
or 1-719-333-3218.
You are also encouraged to bring molded cleats with you
to the Academy. Many intramural activities are played
outdoors and the use of molded cleats will allow you to
maintain your footing. Only molded cleats are authorized. Do
not bring screw-in, metal, or single toe cleats as they pose
safety hazards to other participants.
If you require prescription orthotics, bring them with you.
Make sure they are in good shape and accomplish what they
are supposed to do, i.e., alleviate pain.
 
Wow, I don't remember the cleats at all. I wonder if this is new, or my kids just never had them (fencers don't have cleats, after all).
 
Molded cleats have been recommended for a long time (at least 5yrs), but I personally wouldn't recommend bringing them to basic unless you intend to try out for a sport that would use them.
 
Ahhh Basic, I remember it well - Lackland Aug 1979, LAST WWII MOB dorm in the squadron (no room in the RH&Ts), no AC, red "condemned" X's freshly painted out on the sides. No stall dividers, No working intercom to the orderly room... Ah the GOOD OL' days...! :rolleyes:

Good luck!

:shake:
 
Agree

Molded cleats have been recommended for a long time (at least 5yrs), but I personally wouldn't recommend bringing them to basic unless you intend to try out for a sport that would use them.

Agree. Unnecessary if you are not trying out for a sport that requires them. You will not be alone if you are not wearing molded cleats.
 
Like others have said, don't get boots ahead of time. You don't want to carry around anything you don't need to that first day. You'll come out of Doolittle Hall (where you check in) with a few allowed personal items in your book bag (notice I didn't say suitcase), paperwork, and get on the bus where all the "fun" begins. You'll be expected to hold everything in your left hand and won't be allowed to sit it down whenever you feel like it, so you want as little weight as possible. My son said it was a very long day.

We have a picture from webguy of our son trying on boots with the other basic cadets in his squadron that first day--you'll be able to get a pair that fit. And there is no break-in period--they're comfy. My son did take cleats--never used them once for intramurals or field day so they were a waste.
 
Do parents usually attend inprocessing day? In my appointment letter, it recommends that parents attend the parent's weekend not inprocessing day however my parents still are interested in accompanying me to the first day.
 
Do parents usually attend inprocessing day? In my appointment letter, it recommends that parents attend the parent's weekend not inprocessing day however my parents still are interested in accompanying me to the first day.

Some parents do and some do not. It is usually up to the Appointee. We dropped our DS off for inprocessing and were glad we did. Other appointees travel by themselves and do a bed and breakfast through AOG and the sponsor families. It is pretty much up to you and what you want to do.

Parents' weekend is a great time for both the cadet and the parents. I would recommend making arrangements for that now (hotels fill up fast).

Congrats and best wishes.:thumb:
 
I would say that when we dropped off our son for I Day this past summer, there were more new appointees WITH parents than without. So definitely, if you want your parents there, have them come with you. A few unescorted appointees were staying in our hotel and they were very nervous that morning before catching the shuttle to the Academy--you could just tell they needed one last hug from someone they knew and loved! Plus, in Doolittle Hall (where everyone goes first) there are informational tables set up for the appointees (banking, academic advisors, etc) but I was glad to hear about some of that too as well as the info for parents (for example--Cadet Treats, where you can order goodies to be delivered to your child once the academic year begins).

Parents Weekend is a blast--good for the cadets and the parents--so if a family can afford it, its a must!
 
We put our sons on that plane and I will never forget seeing their hands waving from the window - through my copious tears, of course. Didn't make it to I- or A- days, but have not missed Parents Weekend - it's great.

What will I do this Labor Day w/e? (I sense a trip to Pensacola!)
 
I attended I-day for the class of 2014, I am glad I was there. DD's boyfriend decided to wait until I-day to dump her. It was a nightmare and if she had been alone I doubt she would have made it to a shuttle by herself. That said, DS will fly on the government ticket while DD and I drive her car to the Academy and then we will time it to meet him at the airport in CoS. I managed to hold myself together, so feel fairly confident I won't ruin DS day with my emotions. I will leave later on Friday after the swearing in ceremony. I did miss that in 2010, as I didn't know what to expect with DD as she was a very late appointee and I had not found this forum before her appointment. I went on a very quick turn around flight for A-day. While it was worth it, I may leave that chore up to DD to take care of her brother that day! Will not miss Parent's weekend ever! Have already rented the house we had last year :shake:
 
kdc246, how awful for your daughter!

Although we couldn't justify the cost for the whole family to fly out for Acceptance Day, I flew out for the ceremony and again, was glad I did. I arrived the day before and spent some time shopping for things my son needed/wanted (new underwear, socks etc for those ruined during Basic, a printer, food for the squadron picnic after the ceremony, snacks etc). A Day itself goes very fast with the parade in the morning, squadron picnics (that parents can attend), seeing the cadets get their shoulder boards, and then my son and I had a little time together to spend seeing his room, dropping off the stuff I bought, and making a quick trip to the bookstore (even though it was so crowded we weren't able to shop since he had to get back for a squadron meeting). Parents/visitors have to leave by 1 or 1:30ish, so there really is minimal time to spend with your cadet. If I had to pick, I would say I would have gone to I Day and Parents Weekend and passed on A Day. I can't envision missing I Day or PW, but that's just me! :rolleyes:
 
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