Question on military colleges

Fengawr · Mar 30, 2011

So I assume that when you are accepted to a military college they give you a list on what to bring there. If I got into any of the military colleges in the US, i would most likely have to fly there, so what if some of the items could not be brought on a plain? Would I just have to buy them when I get there? I was just curious, but thanks ahead! Jake.

bruno · Mar 30, 2011

Fengawr- I can't think of anything that they will be asking you to bring that won't fit in checked baggage- it's mostly gonna be Socks, Skivvies, Undershirts, Pillow, comforter, sheets. The rest is going to be issued to you- at least at VMI that's the case and I would be surprised if that's not the case at Norwich, Citadel etc...
The Walmart in Lexington is a hugely popular place just before matriculation and on Parents weekend with last minute emergency buys (Parents weekend- it's almost wall to wall Rats and parents buying Gatorade and Protein Mix, Beef Jerky, Toiletries,etc...
if you will go to the link below then click on the Cadet Handbook you will find on page 13a list of items you are supposed to bring for matriculation.
http://www.vmi.edu/Admissions.aspx?id=6581&ekmensel=fb5d653b_20_547_btnlink
(This is for last years entering Rat Mass- but it hasn't changed much since 1976.)

NU81 · Mar 30, 2011

bruno said:
Fengawr- I can't think of anything that they will be asking you to bring that won't fit in checked baggage- it's mostly gonna be Socks, Skivvies, Undershirts, Pillow, comforter, sheets. The rest is going to be issued to you- at least at VMI that's the case and I would be surprised if that's not the case at Norwich, Citadel etc...
The Walmart in Lexington is a hugely popular place just before matriculation and on Parents weekend with last minute emergency buys (Parents weekend- it's almost wall to wall Rats and parents buying Gatorade and Protein Mix, Beef Jerky, Toiletries,etc...
if you will go to the link below then click on the Cadet Handbook you will find on page 13a list of items you are supposed to bring for matriculation.
http://www.vmi.edu/Admissions.aspx?id=6581&ekmensel=fb5d653b_20_547_btnlink
(This is for last years entering Rat Mass- but it hasn't changed much since 1976.)

I do not know if the times have changed, but when I had to report we were requiered to bring an iron, Ironing Board, Broom and even a type writter (most 2011 HS grads have probably never seen one). The good news is that you can probably show up a day early and buy everything you need at the local WallyMart.

bruno · Mar 30, 2011

From the Cadet Handbook for new cadets: this is all you need to bring to matriculation (in fact all you can bring). OPT FOR the spandex shorts and a fan!! (The barracks are stifling in August!) The XL flat sheets are a pain to find- typically they come as a set with fitted sheets which you won't be allowed to use. I believe that the best bet is online - (BJKuds posted something about this a week or so ago. )

MANDATORY ITEMS14 Underwear (minimum number) - MUST BE WHITE
Men- 7 pairs may be boxers or boxer-briefs.
Women - Sports bras and underpants suitable for strenuous exercise.
14 White crew neck t-shirts (minimum number required for men and women) V-neck or tank-top undershirts are not authorized
10 Pairs of plain white, ankle-length athletic socks (minimum) w/no visible logos
14 Pairs of black or Army green dress socks (minimum) to be worn with low quarter
shoes
10 Pairs of long black socks (minimum) to be worn with combat boots.
2 Pairs of gym shoes (running or cross trainers), predominently white or black
6 Plain white bath towels (minimum)
6 Plain white wash cloths (minimum)
1 Blanket, quilt or comforter (dark solid color), twin size
6 Twin XL white flat sheets (no elastic)
2 White pillow cases (twin or king)
1 White pillow (twin or king to fit pillow cases above)
1 Rubber thong sandals (for showering)*
1 Mouth guard (for boxing class)*
2 Sunscreen (tube or bottle)*
OPTIONAL ITEMS5 Pairs of nylon knee-highs — (helps prevent blisters when worn under socks)
2 Spandex shorts (reduces chafing) - black, red, gray or white (minimum)
1 Small duffle bag for overnight Corps trips*
1 Small fan 12”-16”* since Barracks rooms are not air conditioned
1 Study lamp (black, goose neck 18” maximum height)***
1 Watch
1 Alarm clock without radio*
1 Calculator (scientific or graphing)*
1 Civilian outfit
1 iron and small ironing board (only one per room)
1 lock box
ITEMS THAT MUST BE PURCHASED AT VMI1 Swimming suit (purchased after enrolled in swimming class)**
1 Academic bag (optional)*
* Items available at the VMI Bookstore
** Items available at the Military Store
***Fluorescent-style or traditional-style with compact fluorescent lamps - VMI Bookstore
14
Suggested Personal Items You Should Bring*
Tooth Brush(es) Body/Foot powder/shoe spray
Toothpaste Razor(s)
Chap stick Shampoo & Conditioner
Small packages of tissues Body soap
Medication (if required) Deodorant
Shaving Cream Moleskin (type of bandage)
Band-aids
Antibiotic Cream
Suggested Academic Supplies You Should Bring
Pens Notebooks
Pencils Binders
Paper Folders
Flash drives Laptop Computer**
Monitor (22” or smaller)
Prohibited items - DO NOT Bring These Items -They Will Be Confiscated
Weapons of any type
Knives of any type
Electrical equipment and appliances (including microwave ovens, hot pots, heating elements,
etc.)
Plants and pets
Flammable materials including candles, fireworks, incense, etc.
TVs, or any other type of entertainment media
Alcohol, illegal drugs or associated paraphernalia
The following items are not authorized
for Rats until after Breakout:Cell Phones
Electric razors
Radios (to include alarm clock radios)
DVDs, CDs, computer games
I-Pods or similar devices, & MP3 players
Speakers
Clothing with emblems/logos, to include socks, underwear, t-shirts, linens, and towels

bjkuds · Mar 30, 2011

bruno said:
From the Cadet Handbook for new cadets: this is all you need to bring to matriculation (in fact all you can bring). OPT FOR the spandex shorts and a fan!! (The barracks are stifling in August!) The XL flat sheets are a pain to find- typically they come as a set with fitted sheets which you won't be allowed to use. I believe that the best bet is online - (BJKuds posted something about this a week or so ago. )

http://linensupplier.com/ They supply most of the list except a few things..tidy whiteies, fan, lamp etc

Fengawr · Mar 30, 2011

Thanks! I was just curious (Not sure why, I am only a sophomore). But you guys answered my question.

bjkuds · Mar 30, 2011

Fengawr said:
Thanks! I was just curious (Not sure why, I am only a sophomore). But you guys answered my question.

Son was a sophomore when he started to plan for the possibilities. Logistics are all part of it :smile:

CAVCDR · Mar 30, 2011

best way to do this is fly there and have your stuff UPS-ed there where you can pick it up. Saves having to try to carry it all through the airport, through security, and such.

Same with the stuff you will forget, have your parents order it on Amazon and ship it too you.

Fengawr · Apr 1, 2011

bjkuds said:
Son was a sophomore when he started to plan for the possibilities. Logistics are all part of it

Yes. I have come up with what colleges I want to go to, and what I want to do at those colleges.