Beast Recommended Items

USMA2016

Appointee - Class of 2016
5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2010
Messages
518
Okay, so I've read the recommended items for Beast list, but how many of those items would current cadets actually recommend? I've heard that not all really necessary and will just add extra weight on R-Day.

Also, for shining shoes, should we bring a buffing brush? (it's not on the list and idk if it's issued...)
 
You get issued a lot of stuff. If you're trying to keep the amount of stuff you bring minimal then I would recommend:

1. A leathermen
2. Duct tape
3. Zip-lock bags
4. Extra underwear
5. Extra socks
6. A debit/credit card


Beyond that, you'll be issued most of what you need. I would also recommend bringing at least one good set of civilian clothes. Ironically enough, there are a multitude of events and trips for which a plebe might be able to wear civilian clothes. That being said, a lot of plebes don't usually bring them to R-day and thus don't have any until after Thanksgiving break (unless they have clothes mailed).

That being said, you can't have a multitude of civilian clothes. I would recommend showing up in civilian clothes that are no too casual: IE a shirt with a collar and jeans. I would recommend showing up in the kind of clothes you'd wear if you were going to the movies with friends (with a collared shirt--it doesn't have to be a dress shirt).

Many people will tell you many things about what you should show up in. The reality is that everyone will go to a point shortly after showing up and having their hair cut where they will change into the same thing. So what you wear initially isn't really all that important. And by showing up in said clothes you can ensure that you have at least one pair of good civilian clothes.


What you bring really depends on you. For me personally, I don't rely on too much stuff so that's why those six things are things I'd recommend. You get issued a lot (including shoe shining materials) so you don't really need to bring anything with you. Theoretically you could show up naked and you'd be alright.
 
Compression shorts: none will be issued, and they are quick nice for running and rucking as you could probably guess. Also, wash them yourself as cadet laundry will likely destroy them.
 
Color for tshirts and underwear

CBT packing list says compression shorts must be black or gray. Willco.

I assume tighty whitey briefs are okay for regular underwear? Did not see any direction on color or style. Confirm?

What color for compression short sleeve shirts? I know avoid logos that show through. Did not see any direction on color. Details?

TIA
 
CBT packing list says compression shorts must be black or gray. Willco.

I assume tighty whitey briefs are okay for regular underwear? Did not see any direction on color or style. Confirm?

What color for compression short sleeve shirts? I know avoid logos that show through. Did not see any direction on color. Details?

TIA


Another 2016 parent here-correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think any underwear except compression shorts is authorized for male new cadets to bring to Beast- tighty whiteys are issued and compression shirts are not okay to bring.
 
Debcst is spot on.
To clarify, only black/gray compression shOrts with no logo visible (if it's on the waistband that's fine, just nothing that could show if the PT shorts slide up and the compression shorts show).
 
Another 2016 parent here-correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think any underwear except compression shorts is authorized for male new cadets to bring to Beast- tighty whiteys are issued and compression shirts are not okay to bring.

They may not be on 2016's packing list, but I really doubt anyone is going to go around doing underwear checks during beast. Bring comfortable black, grey, navy blue, etc. colored underwear. This is more comfortable than the stuff they issue you and will hold you over when laundry inevitably gets lost, or you are out in the field on laundry day
 
what's the size limit of the picture frame we're allowed to bring?
also, are we allowed to bring/wear retainers?
 
what's the size limit of the picture frame we're allowed to bring?
also, are we allowed to bring/wear retainers?

Picture frames are not on this year's list for R Day due to breakage issues- they may be brought on A Day (this info originated with Debra Dalton).
 
CBT packing list says compression shorts must be black or gray. Willco.

I assume tighty whitey briefs are okay for regular underwear? Did not see any direction on color or style. Confirm?

What color for compression short sleeve shirts? I know avoid logos that show through. Did not see any direction on color. Details?

TIA

You'll be able to wear whatever underwear you want. Compression shorts should be black if you can help it, dark gray should also work.

Any logo should not be visible if the sorts come up.

what's the size limit of the picture frame we're allowed to bring?
also, are we allowed to bring/wear retainers?

Not so big that you can't carry it.

Yes, you may bring and wear your retainer. In fact, it is recommended if you need it.

Can someone tell me what forms i need to bring on R-Day?

It depends on the person. You should be told what to bring. If no one says anything in particular then I would bring a Direct Deposit form, Your medical forms, just in case. Essentially, any important paperwork that you turned in during the process that you may have a copy of. The letter stating you were appointed, etc.

It could be that you need none of that, but as a just in case I would bring it. I am pretty sure that they should have told you what you needed to bring.
 
I understand that there's a point on R-Day at which we're asked to move all of our stuff from the bags we brought to the bags given to us. It's also my understanding that at this time you sort between things that will go into storage and things you keep for the duration of Beast/CBT. What items might/should we bring that would go into storage? Or should we just have our parents bring that stuff up for A-Day (if they're coming) or ship it up at the summer's end?
 
Into storage: cell phone, civilian clothes, anything that cadre takes exception to.
 
Travel as light as possible and have your parents, if they are coming for A-Day bring what you think you may need. Err on the side of less because you are going to have to store these items/clothes/etc in a small room with 2 other people. Shipping works too--just make sure your parents don't send too much. A good idea may be to set out now what you would like them to bring/ship for you later.
 
This isn't something for Beast, but I was really glad for was an external hard drive with all of my files, pictures, and music on it. Of course I had to transfer all of the files onto it before R-Day, but my parents brought it up on A-Day. Definitely something to consider.
 
It makes sense to bring a pair of civillian clothes for storage. My only question is, should we use the set of clothes we wear to R-Day? Or should we bring a set of clothes in addition to those we're wearing. If so, what happens to the clothes we arrive in?

I get the sneaking suspicion I'm over-thinking all of this but I figure there's no harm in asking.
 
Picture frames are not on this year's list for R Day due to breakage issues- they may be brought on A Day (this info originated with Debra Dalton).

I guess this answers the question that DS had regarding the fact the the "8x10 picture frame" item, after being listed in all prior R-Day listings, was omitted without comment from the CBT memo of 1-May-2012 from LTC Silas Martinez. Thanks for clarifying.
 
Multitool/Knife

My son isn't sure, reading the packing list, if the multitool/knife must fold? His knife does not.

Does any current cadet know?

Thanks in advance.
 
I haven't seen anthing about folding, but I have read multiple times that it can't be more than 4 inches long. Based on that, I would think fixed blade might be ok, but I don't know for sure
 
Back
Top