ROTC in College, What to bring?

Jkaz

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Aug 23, 2011
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Just as a background, I recieved an aROTC scholarship to attend college next year. I'm really excited and have been looking around at peoples experience, as well as LDAC, FTX's, Ranger challenge and more.

Question I have is what should I bring that will not be issued to me by my battalion? Such as knives, pens, notebooks, boots, gloves and more.

As a heads up, I will be in Washington State, so hopefully that helps with knife suggestions along with boots and other items that I don't know I need yet. Also any tips going in as an MS1 that would be benificial?

I did visit my college, met the cadre and cadets and loved it. I destroyed land nav with the cadet I was assigned to, as well as the PT in the morning the next day. I have an idea just based off of my 3 day experience of what to bring, just not specifics or brands to trust.

Thanks again.
 
I wouldn't worry about anything other than running shoes.
 
I'd add the pen and paper. Small spiral bound that can fit in your ACU pocket. You will need to take notes on what you need to be doing when. If you are out in the field, electronics are not always an option, so the manual method always works.
 
Take my opinion for what its worth as I am an incoming freshman too, but the less unnecessary "gear" you have like knives, flashlights, multi-tools, etc the better.


The more stuff you show up with that is not required, the more you may get chewed out by the upperclassmen.

It's like the dude who can barely hit an overhead volley showing up to the tennis courts with his $150 racket, $200 dollar shoes, and an over sized Wilson bag that holds a gazillion back-up rackets.

Now, make sure you do come with the stuff required. If your detachment requires boots or whatever else, get them. But just don't go get a ton of stuff until you know what you need.

However, if your looking for a good knife just for giggles look into the S.O.G. Trident Tanto. It's a bit more expensive than others, but great quality.:thumb:
 
Just as a background, I recieved an aROTC scholarship to attend college next year. I'm really excited and have been looking around at peoples experience, as well as LDAC, FTX's, Ranger challenge and more.

Question I have is what should I bring that will not be issued to me by my battalion? Such as knives, pens, notebooks, boots, gloves and more.

As a heads up, I will be in Washington State, so hopefully that helps with knife suggestions along with boots and other items that I don't know I need yet. Also any tips going in as an MS1 that would be benificial?

I did visit my college, met the cadre and cadets and loved it. I destroyed land nav with the cadet I was assigned to, as well as the PT in the morning the next day. I have an idea just based off of my 3 day experience of what to bring, just not specifics or brands to trust.

Thanks again.

Better fitting boots then the ones they issue, Blackhawks work well, they don't need to be broke in.
 
Show up in shape and with a shut mouth and good attitude. Everything else will be taken care of. Running shoes will probably help too. Everything else will be issued.
 
Again...a better pair of boots

Moleskin for your feet.

Very good well fitting running shoes.

Sunscreen

.....And everything you would need for college, ROTC doesn't give you that. The above items are good to have before you get there.

Nobody's going to chew you out if you bring a knife or a flashlight, in fact you could bring just about anything you like, because you'll keep all your gear wherever you live. On the days you have Labs or a FTX they will give you a specific packing list so you won't be showing up with any extra stuff anyway.

Oh, and one other thing...Green, black, or Camo Duct Tape.
 
-Bull- said:
Show up in shape and with a shut mouth and good attitude. Everything else will be taken care of. Running shoes will probably help too. Everything else will be issued.

+1

You need to pass the PFT before you can contract. I am too lazy to go through the bowels of this forum to find the AROTC thread LY regarding how many did not pass on the 1st go. If you want to find it, it is probably in the Aug/Sept/Oct timeframe.

Bust it and it will not matter.

I will agree sneakers, boots and moleskin are the items you want to take with you. Wait until you get there and talk to the cadets about knives.
 
Thanks for the info guys, its the small stuff that really helps out, like mole skin, for blisters and suggestions for boots.

as for the PFT, i had done one with the ROTC battalion when i visited over spring break and met the requirement of 60/60/60. but i can always improve
 
Take my opinion for what its worth as I am an incoming freshman too, but the less unnecessary "gear" you have like knives, flashlights, multi-tools, etc the better.
Offence not intended, but...err...then how would you know? seems you're just guessing.
 
Better fitting boots then the ones they issue, Blackhawks work well, they don't need to be broke in.
right. Also popular at the moment are the Nike and the "light" pair approved for incoming West Point cadets this summer, the Tactical Research (by Belleville) Khyber Hybrid Mountain boot. http://www.uspatriottactical.com/tactical-research-khyber-lightweight-tan-mountain-hybrid-boot.html The Khyber is about $120 delivered, the Nike is $140 delivered, and the BlackHawk is, actually don't know. Jcleppe, is THIS the Blackhawk you refer to?: http://www.usmilitaryboots.com/blackhawk-warrior-wear-desert-ops-boots.html
Since you are going to be in Washington state, I'm not sure how suitable either of those boots are for lots of rain and wet.
 
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right. Also popular at the moment are the Nike and the "light" pair approved for incoming West Point cadets this summer, the Tactical Research (by Belleville) Khyber Hybrid Mountain boot. http://www.uspatriottactical.com/tactical-research-khyber-lightweight-tan-mountain-hybrid-boot.html The Khyber is about $120 delivered, the Nike is $140 delivered, and the BlackHawk is, actually don't know. Jcleppe, is THIS the Blackhawk you refer to?: http://www.usmilitaryboots.com/blackhawk-warrior-wear-desert-ops-boots.html
Since you are going to be in Washington state, I'm not sure how suitable either of those boots are for lots of rain and wet.

To be honest I am not positive, it looks like the ones my son's purchased, I'll have to check when he returns from CULP. The purchased them from Rangerjoes website. I know the ones they purchased had steel shanks in the soles and had pretty good ankle support, they never had any problems with them in the wet weather. The biggest advantage to any of these boots is that they are ready to use, they don't require the long break in time.

You should wear the boots they issue you around school so they get broke in, but when you start out with any long road work use the better boots right from the start, your feet will thank you.
 
Thanks for the info guys, its the small stuff that really helps out, like mole skin, for blisters and suggestions for boots.

as for the PFT, i had done one with the ROTC battalion when i visited over spring break and met the requirement of 60/60/60. but i can always improve

You will want to make sure you are well above the 60/60/60 for the APFT. The test they give you to contract will be by the book and a little stricter then the practice one you have done. Work towards at least 80/80/80. for some school that will keep you off remedial PT. Other schools, my son's included require 90/90/90 to stay off remedial, so work hard on the PT over the summer.
 
WA State eh? You will NEED write in the rain notebooks and waterproofing spray if you can get a hold of it.

For boots I would personally just stick with your issue pair. As you progress in the year and glean feedback from peers go ahead and purchase another pair with your stipend.

Oh and please don't be a freshman GEARDO. One who shows up to ROTC with all sorts of tactical gear and gadgets for really no reason. It will bring negative attention.

I am a native Washingtonian so if you don't mind me asking, what school will you be attending?
 
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Oh and please don't be a freshman GEARDO. One who shows up to ROTC with all sorts of tactical gear and gadgets for really no reason. It will bring negative attention.

What?? No helmet, flak jacket, and Wal Mart Night Vision Goggles, and what about that new leg holster for that shinny new side arm they issue all the cadets.

Geez Aglahad, your taking all the fun out of it.
 
What?? No helmet, flak jacket, and Wal Mart Night Vision Goggles, and what about that new leg holster for that shinny new side arm they issue all the cadets.

Geez Aglahad, your taking all the fun out of it.

I know I am just a debbie downer! Seriously though I have seen some people bring some crazy gear to simple events like land nav.

Me: "Cadet XXXX why do you have a new ACH (with tailored cadet rank) and tactical FLC with a 12 inch K-Bar esque knife. "

Cadet: " Umm...*long pause* in case a bear attacks?

Me: *Finishing his sentence* "Or the Russians invade?. Put that gear back in your ruck, you look ridiculous."

Sadly that's a true story...
 
Eagleman I think a better word would be ASSUME, and we all know what that really means.
 
I would find out if your MS Class has a reading list, ie Black Hawk Down, Killer Angels, Band of Brothers, etc. If so, buy those books now and read them before September.
 
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