Labeling items and placing items in plastic bags

abeastlybeast

USMA Class of 2015
5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2010
Messages
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Do we have designated time to label our items (socks, underwear, etc.) on R-Day or during Beast? I read other Academies have periods where cadets label their items with a specified label. Should I label the items at my house or wait until R-Day?

I also heard from a cadet a few years ago that new cadets should place their items in plastic bags so that the items may be transferred from one bag to another quickly. She mentioned that we have to transfer our items from the civilian bag we bring into a bag USMA provides. Does this still apply?

Do the issued items USMA provides also have to fit into our civilian bag? My bag barely fits the items I'm bringing on R-Day; it would not be able to easily fit more items. Should I buy a bigger bag or do our issued items and brought items go into a new bag USMA provides? If so, how big is the bag?

Thanks
 
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Once we arrive we will be given a new bag to put the items we brought into; hence the suggestion to bring our supplies in Ziplock bags for an easy transfer. Not quite sure about the labeling, but I have already written my last name in the tongue of my boots and on several of my more expensive belongings in case they get misplaced.

Another suggestion I have heard is to put your wallet into one of the ziplock bags so you don't accidentally leave it in you shorts (which get packed away for the summer)
 
I neatly organized all my supplies into ziplock bags. I have yet to write my name on them.
 
I also put all my stuff into organized zip-lock bags, but it barely fits into my bag that way. If USMA issues our items before giving us the bag we carry all of our stuff in I won't be able to fit the items into my bag. How big is the issued bag?
 
I also put all my stuff into organized zip-lock bags, but it barely fits into my bag that way. If USMA issues our items before giving us the bag we carry all of our stuff in I won't be able to fit the items into my bag. How big is the issued bag?

You will receive a large duffell bag to place your items in as you get them. You will get your duffel bag, first, and then be instructed to place your items in. There will be a period of time, very quick, were you will be instructed to transfer the items from your civilian bag to the military bag. See the green bag in the pictures below.

(last picture)
http://www.army.mil/article/23859/r-day-class-of-2013-enters-west-point/
(on the new cadet backs)
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090226/NEWS/902260341&Template=photos

http://www.west-point.org/family/mem2011/pages/rday/rday031/content/100_1231_large.html

here is a great website showing new cadets getting their gear and transferring over their personal items
http://www.flickr.com/photos/west_point/sets/72157624377084534/detail/?page=5

In my day, we also received a large blue dry cleaning bag we hauled around in our arms to receive stuff in, but I couldnt find a picture of that.

The pictures bring back memories. Good luck:thumb:
 
Thank you for the information and pictures

no problem. good luck and don't take it too seriously. Remember, those upper class members in the pictures were in your shoes only a couple years ago. pay attention to detail, help your classmates and don't give up and you will be fine.

don't think too much at night, either. enjoy the chance to rest and sleep and let tomorrow come on its own. i wish someone would have told me that. i spent every night of "beast" staying up worrying about the next day. i was exhausted the whole time. not fun.:biggrin:
 
no problem. good luck and don't take it too seriously. Remember, those upper class members in the pictures were in your shoes only a couple years ago. pay attention to detail, help your classmates and don't give up and you will be fine.

don't think too much at night, either. enjoy the chance to rest and sleep and let tomorrow come on its own. i wish someone would have told me that. i spent every night of "beast" staying up worrying about the next day. i was exhausted the whole time. not fun.:biggrin:

Excellent advice!

I think my cadet would also add, "Don't spend time you could be resting and sleeping trying to write a ton of letters to the folks back home." Try to send a couple but your rest is very important too, so let your parents update everyone after they get your phone calls or give them permission to share portions of your letters with others.

"pay attention to detail, help your classmates and don't give up and you will be fine." Seems like this is also good advice for the entire plebe year!
 
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