Luggage?

nigel

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2012
Messages
126
DD is starting the Scholars program this summer. Her aunt would like to give her a rolling duffel bag from Eddie Bauer as a HS grad gift. I am assuming she would be able to use this at MMI, but can she use it in her later years at CGA?

Does the CGA issue their own luggage to students? Are there restrictions as to what it can be? I'm sure black is okay - what about navy blue? What about a brand logo showing?

Also, I know she needs a black backpack; Can it have grey or any other colored trim or accents, or must it be ALL black?

Thanks! Nicole
 
The easy question first: at MMI, the backpack can have some trim, but should be pretty low key. I'd suggest limited to piping or maybe a small logo. Better to err on being too conservative.

As far as the rolling duffel at MMI, I suggest you call our admissions people at 1-800-664-1842. If they don't know the answer right away, they can find the people who do know.
 
Hi Nigel,

Congratulations on DD being appointed to the Scholars Program. She will learn a lot and be ready for Swab Summer. DS was in the program last year, and also went to MMI. I will pass on info based on his experiences (as related to us). Bear in mind that things do change a little each year.

Do not use a rolling duffel to report in to the Academy!!!!

OK, got that out of the way. DS used a smallish backpacking pack to report in. This is what is recommended, and it worked well. He tried to fit everything into a large daypack, but it didn’t work well. While at the Academy he was issued a daypack for use to carry things while there. However, it was not sufficient for heavy school books and computer. He was issued a seabag for his uniforms. Shortly after he arrived at MMI we ordered a heavy duty all black daypack for use on campus which he loved, and still uses. On flights home he put computer, books and so on in the daypack for carryon. He used the seabag for uniforms and civvies needed on vacations. We brought back the backpacking pack when we went to Parents Weekend at MMI. A rolling duffel will be fine for vacations after arriving at MMI, but based on his experience, not needed before, and certainly a liability at S-Day (R-Day for Scholars).
 
Thank you both for your replies. Physicsguru, I spoke earlier today with MMI and the lady there was very helpful. She also helped a lot with questions I had regarding the packing list.

auxnoob, I wouldn't send my DD with a rolling duffel to report in at the academy! I was thinking about a rolling duffel more for moving in and moving out of Chase Hall in later years. Which actually brings up the question: Do cadets even ever move in and out for their four years at USCGA? Or do they just leave their gear there year round?

Your mention of a backpack brings up another concern as well. We were going to get a daypack-type large (29 liter) backpack that she could use for her whole college career. Is it not big enough to report in with? Is the problem all of those towels and bulky socks?

If you don't mind, I also have a few other MMI questions...

1. After orientation, did you go to MMI to meet up with your son for a short visit or to get him settled in? We weren't planning on it but with all of the threads I am reading it sounds like many parents do this. Of course we would love to see her, but don't want to embarass her by doing this. Would she even have any time for us?

2. Socks are driving us crazy! We like to buy quality products that will last, but with all of the different socks needed, we don't want to spend $360 on socks alone - LOL! She needs high white socks for R-day and orientation at CGA, and then MMI specified crew length socks. MMI told me today that the high socks would be fine for them, too, but will that make her stand out, since everyone else will be wearing crew?

I'm glad to hear of your DS's positive experience with the Scholars program. We are thrilled for her and think this is really this best approach for her.

Nicole
 
Thank you both for your replies. Physicsguru, I spoke earlier today with MMI and the lady there was very helpful. She also helped a lot with questions I had regarding the packing list.

auxnoob, I wouldn't send my DD with a rolling duffel to report in at the academy! I was thinking about a rolling duffel more for moving in and moving out of Chase Hall in later years. Which actually brings up the question: Do cadets even ever move in and out for their four years at USCGA? Or do they just leave their gear there year round?

To answer this part of the question, no, they never move everything out of Chase Hall until they move out for good their Firstie Year right before graduation. Cadets DO however pack out of their rooms every summer and store everything in the trunk room (attic) and a largish extra bag is always helpful for that! Also, whenever cadets go on leave (particularly on spring break and winter break) they will tend to need a suitcase to travel. It can be any size shape or color because we store them upstairs until we travel. It is very helpful, especially if your DD is planning on traveling overseas at all while a cadet (something I highly recommend. Spring Breaks Abroad were one of my favorite memories of the Academy.)

-USCGA13STN
 
MMI Campus Visit

In response one of the questions, if you'd like to come down we'd love to have you. There are two dates that might be of interest to you.

Coast Guard Scholars will be traveling from New London to Marion on Friday, 9 August. The should arrive that afternoon, and they will be fully processed in. Afterwards, they will be turned over to their training cadre for initial indoctrination, but it will not be very intense as the rest of the corps does not check in until 12 and 13 August. They will be supervised by Coast Guard personnel over the weekend, and there are some activities tentatively planned.

The other date which may be more suited will be 13 August, when the rest of the Service Academy Prep students will check in. We will have lots of parents on campus that day, and students will be moving into their rooms. We also have two events planned: a welcome briefing in the afternoon by the President of the school, and a reception for the students, friends and families at the Executive Vice-President's house. After the reception the students will march back to campus where they will begin their MMI training in earnest.

If you choose to come visit, I would suggest the 13th, but we'd love to have you anytime.
 
To answer this part of the question, no, they never move everything out of Chase Hall until they move out for good their Firstie Year right before graduation. Cadets DO however pack out of their rooms every summer and store everything in the trunk room (attic) and a largish extra bag is always helpful for that! Also, whenever cadets go on leave (particularly on spring break and winter break) they will tend to need a suitcase to travel. It can be any size shape or color because we store them upstairs until we travel. It is very helpful, especially if your DD is planning on traveling overseas at all while a cadet (something I highly recommend. Spring Breaks Abroad were one of my favorite memories of the Academy.)

-USCGA13STN

Enjoy your last full day as a cadet. Hope the weather holds, be a shame to have 3 consecutive commencement ceremonies indoors...
 
STN – again best of luck. I’ll miss your information here.

I don’t think 29L is enough. Ours is 32 cu in and was plenty, but that converts to about 52L if I did the math right. Yes, the problem is fitting bulky stuff in. Everyone will emphasize “stick to the list”. Get exactly the number of whatever, and pack no more, no less. Extras can be sent, though their orientation at the Academy is not that long.

I would suggest considering the Academy and MMI lists as two separate bunches of stuff to get. I would consider socks to be pretty much disposable. It isn’t necessary to get high priced socks as they get washed with dark colors and look pretty dingy. Bear in mind the USCG is paying room, board, and tuition, so a few extra socks, some calf, some crew, isn’t a big deal in the long term.:thumb:

Some parents did go to the airport to see them off to the sunny south. Some did go to GMC and MMI to welcome them. We did not. It is a several hour drive to the Academy, and almost two full days drive to MMI. We got our first phone call while they were waiting at the airport to leave. It came while elder brother was in the dentist’s chair getting wisdom teeth out. So much for timing. We did drive down for Parent’s Weekend, and again for SAP Convocation and to move his stuff home.

We did ship two or three packages of stuff to MMI at the beginning of the fall semester. It included an iron and ironing board (small one). I believe and hope Chief Lonergan will remain in this billet. He will strongly confirm this necessity. :wink:
 
Enjoy your last full day as a cadet. Hope the weather holds, be a shame to have 3 consecutive commencement ceremonies indoors...

The last full day as a cadet...

The last drill...

The last night in Chase Hall...

There are too many lasts and they are approaching too fast. I guess its fitting that our class' unofficial song is Jumper. To paraphrase my class president... tomorrow we're being pushed over that ledge whether we like it or not.
 
The last full day as a cadet...

The last drill...

The last night in Chase Hall...

There are too many lasts and they are approaching too fast. I guess its fitting that our class' unofficial song is Jumper. To paraphrase my class president... tomorrow we're being pushed over that ledge whether we like it or not.

Oh... someday you could be a CHDO and sleep in Chase Hall again!

Really enjoy the day. It's a little overwhelming what it means, but luckily it's so simplified for you that you walk, sit, stand, walk, throw some stuff, hug, sit, stand, walk and you're done.

I don't think it really sinks in that first day that you are actually a commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. But it feels good anyway. Take it slow. Remember the meaning of the things you do. My girlfriend (who 6 years later would be my wife), but on one of my shoulder boards, and my parents put on the other.

Then we had to deal with the BS (and I'm not talking the fun Bachelor of Science kind) of checking out of Chase Hall.

And then you're free!
 
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