DS leaves for CIET on Friday, any tips on non listed items he should pack? I'm thinking wipes, bug spray... any other suggestions would be helpful. thanks.
Pillows! DS has been without a pillow the whole of CIET. Also has mentioned really good bug repellent (DS took wondercide instead of deep based stuuf, since he was using it all the time) alot of ticks in the field.
Just about any piece of gear is a pillow if you turn it just right. My personal favorites are the poncho liner, camelbak, and boots/ACU top. Many combinations of good pillows out there. You're responsible for everything you bring and pack, and in the real world you carry what you pack, so pack light.
This should have never happened. Most of the issue comes from the cadets bringing a partial list and then having more issued onsite. There should have been one issue period. Not sure of the thinking behind schools sending the cadet with items. Bull I also slept with my gas mask, but stopped doing that, as it seemed to cause weird dreams, lol.
D S s school signs in and out for equipment.This should have never happened. Most of the issue comes from the cadets bringing a partial list and then having more issued onsite. There should have been one issue period. Not sure of the thinking behind schools sending the cadet with items. Bull I also slept with my gas mask, but stopped doing that, as it seemed to cause weird dreams, lol.
I think it's due to the Fort Knox CIF simply not having enough gear to issue to thousands of cadets at once, and somewhat impractical to stockpile enough for only one training event each year. They definitely should spend a little more time teaching the cadets about hand receipts and signing for things, maybe incorporating it into a supply class. It's important stuff to know and they don't do a good job of familiarizing cadets (and even Lieutenants) with the process even at the basic individual level.
Camel back/hydration system update: they did not hear either way about what happened with having to pay for these, however they did not sign a charge slip, so DS thinks they cannot require payment without that.
The charge slip he was talking about, and not sure if that is an official name, is the thing saying "I agree to pay back $60 for my camelback". He also said they were going to make them pay for their ponchos because the strings that tighten the hoods were missing. They all used their 550 cord and replaced them (they were never there to begin with - guess that is why they had them bring 550 cord as they didn't use it for anything else). Regarding the "dirt" on the pouches: DS said it was "wear" marks, like scuffs. He said the pouches were NOT new and many looked very worn to begin with, so when gear is issued, are they supposed to make note of the condition also - like missing drawstrings and scuffed pouches?
On another note - bring your favorite poison ivy remedy if you don't like calamine lotion. DS has it on many parts of his body - but not on hands, neck or face - so it must have been transferred when he removed his clothing.