Holiday Gift Ideas

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Proud13

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Does anyone have any "must have" holiday gifts that I could get for my DS that is a freshman in the AROTC program? I've tried asking him if he needed anything but he tells me that he is all set with gear. I just didn't know if there was anything out there that everyone should or would love to have that is in a program. Thanks
 
What about ideas for AS 200's - any stocking stuffers for SFT PREP?
 
ideas

I find the following make good gifts for all young servicemen and women:

- a leatherman
- streamlight or surefire flashlight
- anything from maxpedition
- write in the rain pad
- space pen
- covert thread socks

and then book ideas:

- Brotherhood of War series by WEB Griffin
- Once an Eagle by Anton Meyer
- The Corps series by WEB Griffin
- Sharpe's rifles series by Bernard Cornwell
- Aubrey-Maturin Series by Patrick O'Brien (in my opinion the best ever)
- Hornblower Series by CS Forestor
- Herman Wouk's Winds of War and War & Rembrance

hope these serve
 
+1 on that Leatherman idea.

I also still have and use the Swiss Army Knife I had during my ROTC years (and entire Army life). Nothing fancy with the pocket knife... just one with a few blades, can / bottle opener, honing tool and scissors. They are just high quality tools.
 
DS asked me for assorted AROTC approved items like camelback, etc. Is there a good one stop online store for "approved" gear and accessories?

Thanks in advance.
 
For AFROTC AS 200 stocking stuffers.
1.Moleskin
2. Camo tshirts
3. White tshirts
4. White socks...anklet, not calf height. It is for PT.

All of these items are requirements for SFT. If you want to be funny give him a laundry pen. All of the cadets have to place their 1st Initial of their last name followed by their last 4 ss of their washable items, such as the tees, socks and underwear since their laundry is done for them.

Another cute funny stocking stuffer would be sunscreen. They are required to have it for the bag drag. He might not know that yet. Actually, he might not know yet the list, so you may have to say it is for SFT. (Be smart. send it back unopened, and it will make his life easier)

I can't recall the number they have to have, but I think it at least 6 each, except the moleskin and the sunblock.

If you want to get him a gift, buy him another short sleeve blues shirt. It accomplishes two things. 1. When he graduates it is 1 last thing to purchase. 2. By now their shirts are probably starting to show some wear, and now during the yr. he has a crisper shirt.

On topic for SFT, but off topic for the thread per se. If he/she wears glasses. They will require, or at least use to, a second set for the bag drag, and a pr. of sunglasses. This is the time to go to the eye doc and buy a 2nd cheap pr. while they are home for break.
 
I bought DS a world world II back to back champion shirt as a stocking stuffer.. I think he will get a kick out of that. Also, DS said he wanted a new pair of boots. He is in AROTC and has worn the issued boots. He didn't have problems with them, he would just wanted a more comfortable pair. I got the black hawk warrior boots for him.
 
Thanks everyone. I have already made some online purchases that I am sure he will find useful!
 
cb7893 said:
DS asked me for assorted AROTC approved items like camelback, etc. Is there a good one stop online store for "approved" gear and accessories?
Click to expand...
I don't really know any placed that sells "approved," most of the time - that's what you have to figure out, whether it is approved (least that's what happened to me). General rule of thumb - if it's black, it works. If you are planning on getting anything with ACU pattern, I'd hold off on it for now. Army is transitioning to MultiCam sometime next year ... although I'd doubt ROTC will switch anytime soon, or at all - by the time the universal pattern is established.

... also +1 for the Surefire lights. Great company that sells extremely high quality lights - especially for use in the firearms industry. The only problem is ... they are so darn expensive .... you have been warned!
 
You're welcome!

... also -- +1 for the BlackHawk Warrior Wear boots! These are the pair that I wear ... much better than my Bn's standard issue Altimas ... Extremely comfortable, with a lot of cushioning (also doesn't attract green color from walking around in the grass as much as some standard issue I've seen) - had no issues walking/running around fall FTX & Ranger Challenge Club ... whereas, on the other hand, my squad mates with the Altimas ....
 
break room by Danner

www dot hitthebreakroom dot com

this is a website where Danner boots (all branches) are offered at incredible prices

WHEN they post a sale you have to jump on it as inventory does not last

example: Danner RAT Boots (USMC) are $220 in the Cash Store (I bought a pair for my son when he graduated from MCRD SD)

on the break-room same boots are $79 s&h included

Army versions are apron $49

** note: they are cosmetic factory seconds - often with flaws you and I would never detect

I receive no compensation from this - but you can by emailing this good deal to your friends - every pair they buy puts a $20 credit in your account to your future purchases

don't know if they'll have a sale pre-Christmas but if so - jump on it!

hope this serves
 
I am unfamiliar with moleskin. I went to purchase on-line and had too many choices.. Do they need it in rolls or individual bandages? and does the brand make a difference?

Just talked to my DS and apparently his detachment requires that they wear their standard issue boots for SFT...and can't wear those Blackhawk Warriors until AFTER SFT....

Since I'll be saving on the boots...what is the best moleskin money can buy?
 
We purchased the patches, and I am pretty sure we purchased it at CVS.

I wouldn't buy boots. We never did for our DS. AFROTC and AROTC are much different when it comes to marching, thus the need for higher quality boots really are not needed.
 
Good to know.
When I asked Matt if he thought having to wear standard issue boots put his detachment's cadets at a disadvantage in SFT his response to me was

"If you are going to let a few blisters slow you down then maybe this isn't the place for you....You can't focus on that sh** you just work thru it!"

Yep..in spite of the standard issue boots......I think he's ready! LOL
 
Thompson said:
You're welcome!

... also -- +1 for the BlackHawk Warrior Wear boots! These are the pair that I wear ... much better than my Bn's standard issue Altimas ... Extremely comfortable, with a lot of cushioning (also doesn't attract green color from walking around in the grass as much as some standard issue I've seen) - had no issues walking/running around fall FTX & Ranger Challenge Club ... whereas, on the other hand, my squad mates with the Altimas ....
Click to expand...

Good to know that I made the right choice.:thumb:
 
Pima said:
We purchased the patches, and I am pretty sure we purchased it at CVS.

I wouldn't buy boots. We never did for our DS. AFROTC and AROTC are much different when it comes to marching, thus the need for higher quality boots really are not needed.
Click to expand...

DS asked for some. He found that he liked wearing them. So his are wearing out. Not excessively, but probably more than if he was restricting them to AROTC activities. But, I would not have, had he not asked.
 
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