Tips & Tricks for Beast

With R Day bearing down on us, I figured it would be helpful to begin posting any tips or tricks we may have so that the appointees could benefit. Anything from packing, to rucking, to dealing with cadre.

My contribution would be wearing pantyhose ("nylons") underneath your socks whenever rucking and marching. It works to prevent blisters apparently, and my older brother used them for IBLC whenever they would go on long rucks. Ultimately the best thing to do would be to get the proper calluses in place, but if you find yourself needing to wear a pair of boots that you have not had a chance to break in, these could come in handy. Polyprene socks work as well, and some say they work even better due to their moisture wicking capabilities.

You do not do not do enough rucking at a fast enough pace to warrant wearing pantyhose at beast.

I would recommend reading the countless other threads containing Beast advice, and letting those who have actually been give the advice.

BigBear said:

I would recommend reading the countless other threads containing Beast advice, and letting those who have actually been give the advice.

Click to expand...

Hmm... pack your weight high and tight, if you are a guy. And make sure everything is tight, in general (not much rattling in with any gear), as a general rule.

I wish SOMEBODY had told me that during Beast...

A standard courtesy on this site it seems (and in the military) is to do your research before you ask questions. For example, my class had a brief from a nobel author on a book we read during the course. A cadet stood up, in front of generals, and asked a question that was answered on the front cover.

People (like me) have written essays of tips/ tricks and other things posted to this website. It shows poorly on you that you have not done your research before posting. If you had, you would have seen about 3 threads in the past week that have packing lists, recommended items and more. no shots fired, just advice for the future.

The biggest thing for beast?

-use your resources ie classmates(be a resource as well), follow directions, have a good attitude, and realize it's a learning environment for everyone.

No one can truly prepare you for it, because every person is different. West Point itsefl does things differently. have an open mind, and be willing to try new things....and do them even if you don't want to.


In the end, the best thing someone told me was "Suck it up, get through it, learn from it."

Relax and enjoy your time before you get here. All the detail-specific advice you get before coming to West Point is nice but probably won't do you much good.

Enjoy your time with your families before joining, think about why you're doing it, internalize that, and come with an open mind. Your cadre, be they good or bad, will take care of you. Just follow the instructions you've been given by West Point before showing up and you'll be good to go.