Electronics for Fourth-Class Cadets
- Thread starter oranges95
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What about bringing our own laptops?
iPods, iPads and other devices are generally not allowed to be used by C4C's. You will not be able to connect to the military network with these devices, so wifi is not an option on these devices. You may keep them at your sponsor's house if you are comfortable with that. Only the issued laptop may be used on the government network. This is a change occurring late last year. DD is a C2C and now leaves her personal computer at home. Now if you have an iPhone, there will be restrictions on its use, as with any other phone, but it is possible to have apps on there that, time permitting, you might be able to use. Much of this is squadron dependent!! Don't take other electronics to BCT with you. A phone you may take (it will be taken upon arrival and stored), however there is some risk involved. In the past, phones have been lost accidentally by BCT Cadre.
Wait. So we shouldn't bring our phones? I mean I knew that everything especially phones would be taken up during BCT.. But what're the chances of them losing your phone? I'd like to be able to access it after bct.. And what do you mean by iphone restrictions?
melindayching
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Bring your phone and make sure you label it. Cadre will take it. kd346 mentions that there have been incidents of cell phones lost, but it's not the norm. Even after A-Day, cell phone use will be restricted (e.g. can't use for facebook) depending on the squadron. kd246 was right on about laptops and IPads, even IPods for music. My daughter's squadron had a "no media" policy until after Recognition, and some media (e.g. facebook access) was allowed as a reward on occasion.
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Not during BCT. You will be without any electronics or even a watch. Total detox. You will be allowed to use your phone on Doolie Day out and A-Day. Once accepted into the Wing, you may be allowed to use your phone for calls and texts depending on your squadron. After A-Day in August you will be issued a laptop so you may be able to access Facebook and your will have email. After Recognition in March you will have the privilege to use your phone and other media.
melindayching
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Last year my daughter didn't get her phone back until around Halloween, I recall. Some squadrons got phones back sooner, others not until Thanksgiving. Very squadron-dependent. And phones will get taken away if the leadership in a squadron thinks the freshmen aren't doing well on knowledge or inspections or other things required of them. Even after they get their phones, the opportunities to talk and text seem very limited due to heavy schedules and all of the protocols freshmen have to follow.
so would you recommend bringing it and having it stored once you get to the academy? also should i not bother with getting a watch for bct? i was planning on getting a small black watch like this
I wouldn't recommend getting a watch specifically for BCT. As others have stated you will not be allowed to wear it during that time. My DS took his G shock with him for after BCT. It has an alarm feature on it that he used when he did not have his phone. Don't worry, during BCT, the cadre will make sure you are up on time. At some point, you will probably start to wake up on your own. During BCT you don't want to think to far ahead. Some use meal times as a way to keep in touch with time. You will figure it out as you go, not something you should stress over now. Enjoy the rest of your senior year of hs, you only get to live it once.
well i want a watch in general and i was planning on getting it regardless but i will just wait till after bct to bring it. did your DS bring his phone with him and have it stored during bct?
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Thats a great looking functional watch...
if you're wary about the sq. storage...misplacing your valuables...do what my DS did, he gave his worldly possessions to his sponsor. Others had their folks mail it to them later...either way, LOTS of options...you will have your watch at least after BCT...and like others have stated...each Sq. have their own take on when you can have a cellphone. Good luck and be very afraid very afraid 
of my DS during BCT harharharhar...
Yes, DS took his phone. Only mentioned the problems with phones as in 2010 when my DD was at BCT, 25-30 phones were accidentally thrown away(stored in a box). Not her squadron, but it did happen. The members were reimbursed for their phones if they could provide a receipt for the phone. At least that is what I was told. We store so much information on our phones now days that I just thought it wise to point out the element of risk. If you take your phone, don't forget the charger. Most phones will not keep their charge that long even when they are off.
melindayching
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First thing my daughter did after A-Day was strap on her watch! I came to A-Day so brought it with me, so whatever works for you (sponsor, bring and store) to have it as soon as you want it would be good. I know that my daughter did not see her original backpack she brought on I-Day for a LOONG time, well after BCT was over (I think not until Thanksgiving break) so bringing it and leaving it in your pack may not be the best option.
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Smartphones weren't as much an issue when I was a freshman, so there were no rules then. The only ones I've heard more recently apply more to using Facebook, music, and movies (depending on a the squadron) then data usage, and I think the rules apply whether on a computer or phone.
Also, the best provider depends on which dormitory you will be placed in. Verizon is best for Vandenberg, while ATT works best in Sijan.
Thank you for the response and congratulations for your upcoming graduation.