BCT Boots?

Badger

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I understand that we can either bring regulation boots or have them issued upon arrival. If we get them in advance, is the expense reimbursable?
 
No. You just won't be issued boots once there. Keep in mind, you buy your boots and uniforms out of your salary. They're not free. :)
I do recommend waiting until you get there & have them issued.
 
I agree with ASAFA83GredMife. DD received boots there & had no issues.
 
Last year about this time I made the same inquiry for my DS. I was prepared to buy the exact boot as are issued with the hopes of them being broken in by the time BCT started. I read this forum religiously and followed the advice from many that had gone before us. Good thing I followed the advice and didn't buy them. A broken-in pair drew attention to a couple of Cadets by the Cadre in DS's Squadron. It was presumed that they were trying to get an edge over the other Cadets. They were "beaten" extra hard for their presumed fore-site.

Money is better spent on a pair of very comfortable Nike's like this http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/special-field-boot/pid-438376/pgid-771642 that can be worn after BCT and other occasions before Recognition and anytime after.
The issued boot are unlike the all-leather boots form the old days. They are soft and easily broken in. As well, I'm told that breaking in new boots is the least of the worries you will have :).
 
Last year about this time I made the same inquiry for my DS. I was prepared to buy the exact boot as are issued with the hopes of them being broken in by the time BCT started. I read this forum religiously and followed the advice from many that had gone before us. Good thing I followed the advice and didn't buy them. A broken-in pair drew attention to a couple of Cadets by the Cadre in DS's Squadron. It was presumed that they were trying to get an edge over the other Cadets. They were "beaten" extra hard for their presumed fore-site.

Money is better spent on a pair of very comfortable Nike's like this http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/special-field-boot/pid-438376/pgid-771642 that can be worn after BCT and other occasions before Recognition and anytime after.
The issued boot are unlike the all-leather boots form the old days. They are soft and easily broken in. As well, I'm told that breaking in new boots is the least of the worries you will have :).

I'm going to risk repeating myself ... again ... call me the "dasher of hopes".

You may not be allowed to wear those Nikes right after BCT. It will be squadron dependent. My DD's squadron didn't allow them until partway into the 2nd semester.
So wait to buy those until you know (and wait until they're on sale. DD got a pair for $50)
 
Remember, bring ONLY whats on the list. You will have to carry EVERYTHING in your left hand ALL DAY LONG while double timing, filling out forms, and getting yelled at. THis is on top of EVERYTHING they are going to issue you, which is a LOT. It will get heavy......
 
If you really want to get used to running in boots, I'd suggest buying a pair of the issued ones and leaving them at home during BCT. I did that and picked them up after the summer, one of my issued pairs was ruined anyway.

Honestly, you'll probably be fine if you don't buy any ahead of time but if it makes you feel better, go for it. I just wouldn't recommend bringing them on I-Day.
 
Remember, bring ONLY whats on the list. You will have to carry EVERYTHING in your left hand ALL DAY LONG while double timing, filling out forms, and getting yelled at. THis is on top of EVERYTHING they are going to issue you, which is a LOT. It will get heavy......
I just got the backpack I'm going to bring on I-day: a small tactical plain black one. I figure, the smaller, the better; that way I won't be tempted to fill it up too full!
 
I just got the backpack I'm going to bring on I-day: a small tactical plain black one. I figure, the smaller, the better; that way I won't be tempted to fill it up too full!
Where did you get your backpack? DS will need one.
 
Sweet! The backpack is much smaller than it appears to be in the link, but it's really light weight and I think the smaller the better for I-Day. Not sure if it'll fit our laptops or books after BCT, but at the very least, I can put it to good use for the inevitable camping trips I WILL be dragging my friends on ;)
 
Sweet! The backpack is much smaller than it appears to be in the link, but it's really light weight and I think the smaller the better for I-Day. Not sure if it'll fit our laptops or books after BCT, but at the very least, I can put it to good use for the inevitable camping trips I WILL be dragging my friends on ;)
You'll also be issued a backpack. :shake:
 
You'll also be issued a backpack. :shake:
I had a feeling that would be the case. Lol, it seems like they will literally issue us EVERYTHING we could possibly need! It'll be great; cuts down on unnecessary time spent shopping lol ;)
 
I had a feeling that would be the case. Lol, it seems like they will literally issue us EVERYTHING we could possibly need! It'll be great; cuts down on unnecessary time spent shopping lol ;)

Yes! Exceptions are the items on the to-bring list.
 
I want to say DS got his at Wally World, Black / Tactical / Some Loops on it for Gear / Velcro for a Patch or Name Tag. Sometime into 1st semester, he received an extra name tag that was Black with White Lettering. Fit the backpack perfectly.

MAKE SURE your back pack has a handle on the top that you can use to tote it with. You won't be able to wear it properly for a while....
 
The only thing I can remeber that my DS brought that was not on the list was compression shorts (and I'm not positive they weren't on the list). I concur with most to just bring what they list. After BCT the squadron they are assigned to will tell them what they can and cannot have. This would be the time to purchase boots etc. if allowed. My DS was not allowed to wear any boots other than what was issued until around Thanksgiving break. Some squadrons are leniant while others are very strict.
 
Compression shorts are DEFINITELY a good idea. Boots--it's personal preference. They'll take boots out of your pay anyway, and even if you have a pair coming in they might still issue you both pairs of Basic boots. I would recommend waiting until after Basic and then getting a style you like and is comfortable. Breaking in the boots doesn't take long at all.
 
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