R-day? carry a backpack??

Ryno15

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What do most cadets carry their personal items in for r-day? would a backpack be better? I have read to have items packed in zip lock bags for quick transition to issued duffel bag. What is best?
 
If you can fit everything in a backpack, then yes. Whatever is easiest to lug around for the morning. I wouldn't worry too much about the "quick transition to an issued duffel bag."
 
Backpack or duffel bag that can be easily carried. Early on in the day new cadets will be issued a larger duffel bag and everything they brought needs to be transferred into it, in a short amount of time. It really is easier if everything they bring (except boots/low quarters) is pre-packed in extra large ziplock bags (2-4) for transferring. If anything is accidentally left in their original backpack/duffel, they will not get it back until after Beast. You can buy the extra large ziplock bags at Walmart.
 
I have seen many plebes-to-be standing in line at USNA I-Day with Hefty cinch sacs, wearing a throwaway t-shirt and an old pair of shorts. Lean and mean.

You will get good advice from current cadets/mids and alumni.
 
Just take what is on the list. No more, no less. Stuff everything in your day pack. If you have boots, tie them to the outside of you day pack. Wear your low-quarters. If it rains, put your stuff in zip-locks. All your street clothes will be wet and pack away until Beast is over and you can throw that away because it will be full of mildew. I would just wear a T-shirt shorts, low-quarters, even if its raining. Your cell phone and charger should be turned off and stored in a zip-lock. You will not need anything else. On A-Day you family can bring a big box fan and your iPad then.
You can show up in your underwear and they will outfit you with everything you need.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
A backpack may be too small. A small duffle filled with things in gallon plastic zip locked bags should be sufficient. Also, you'll need a few of those bags to put you socks and knowledge book in so they don't get wet from the rain when you are out in the field. Good luck!
 
Bring whatever, you won't be using your personal luggage very long and you will not be able to wear the backpack though.
 
maybe a silly question but I've seen several people saying their child work their low quarters to R-day. Can I ask why low quarters vs one of the pair of sneakers they need to bring as well?
 
In the past, the requirement was to report in low quarters. That was not the case last year. Most CCs show up w/ a sport duffel type bag (what they take to the gym). Definitely do the zip lock bags. It's a fast way to move stuff and they'll use the bags later. Bring what's on the list--invest in good socks and wicking compression shorts.
 
maybe a silly question but I've seen several people saying their child work their low quarters to R-day. Can I ask why low quarters vs one of the pair of sneakers they need to bring as well?

Look at past R-day pictures. Early on in the day NCs change into low quarters and shorts/t-shirt. It really just saves time looking for the shoes in their bag, changing, repacking tennis shoes. NCs will be moving from one station to another quickly and no one wants to be that NC that is lagging behind.
 

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Reference Annex B of the packing list for a diagram with photographs of packed luggage and dimensions.
 
Just take what is on the list. No more, no less. Stuff everything in your day pack. If you have boots, tie them to the outside of you day pack. Wear your low-quarters. If it rains, put your stuff in zip-locks. All your street clothes will be wet and pack away until Beast is over and you can throw that away because it will be full of mildew. I would just wear a T-shirt shorts, low-quarters, even if its raining. Your cell phone and charger should be turned off and stored in a zip-lock. You will not need anything else. On A-Day you family can bring a big box fan and your iPad then.
You can show up in your underwear and they will outfit you with everything you need.

Push Hard, Press Forward


I thought cell-phones were on the banned list and not to be brought to R-Day?
 
You can bring a cell phone with you but you can not use it during CBT. What will happen is that the phone will be taken and stored for you and you'll get it back after CBT.
The advice above is correct. Put your cell (turned off) and charger in a zip-loc bag and hand it in.
 
I know many parents on here need to know this and understand. There will be a lot of pomp and tradition that will take place that serves a purpose that can create much anxiety for the parents. Especially the moms. Its difficult to let go and not have control and have the ability to dote and nurture, thats a moms whole purpose in life. And I thank you!! The cell phone is just not a device to communicate with your child that you pay big bucks for. Its a means to track, control and communicate with. Its a way to hear their voice to calm our hearts. When the doors slams shout at Ike Hall and at Washington Hall after the parade on R-Day, its a cutting, a separation, its has meaning to slam that door that resonates through every mom and dads heart. Your childs new mother will be the Army and West Point will now educate, nurture, care for, clothe their new Cadet who will be an Officer.

You can bring a cell phone to R-Day that will be safely stored with the rest of the civilian belongings and will be returned on reorgy week which is just before A-Day. If you plan on going to A-Day, which I highly suggest, your Cadet will be able to spend the weekend with you with limits. You can give them their cell phone at this time. (I think its smart to give them their electronics at this time rather than store them. About three three weeks into Beast your Cadet will be allowed to call home on a limited, monitored call using a phone that will be made available for them. This event is called the Ice Cream Social. The next time you'll hear from them will be after Beast.

During Beast write a letter to them everyday to lift their spirits. Don't be hurt as parents if that phone call goes to the girlfriend or boyfriend. Just write.

Beast is a growing experience for both parents, family, friends and more importantly "The Cadet."

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
I don't think it's a coincidence that you can find the word Ma in USMA. :)
We've joked with our cadet that he now has a new Ma.

As a mother, it did calm my heart a bit to think that my son would still have a Ma taking care of him while he was away from home. Granted the Army 'mothers' in a way that is Completely Different from this momma, but still, the Army Ma (USMA) will provide for his needs. And really they do - food, clothing, shelter, medical care (my son got stellar care at Keller Hosp - and he loved the food that he got there), counseling (from a variety of sources), academic instruction (I'd homeschooled him so this had been my job and now his new Ma will take over that job), and unprecidented opportunities.
 
If you plan on going to A-Day, which I highly suggest, your Cadet will be able to spend the weekend with you with limits. You can give them their cell phone at this time. (I think its smart to give them their electronics at this time rather than store them.

There will be phones around when needed, and there have been ongoing reports of stolen phones & water damage in the trunk rooms for stuff stored during summer training. (not just CBT, also the other stuff like CFT, CLDT, etc)

So either bring them to A-day, or ship to a sponsor's to arrive at the beginning of Reorgy week. (or just before)
 
West Point stores cell phones in a different area now. Bring your phone so you'll have it before Aday, so you can contact your parents where to meet.
 
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