Yes we do. More Hate than Love
They designed the state prison to look/be exactly like Barracks.
I have read this thread and held off on commenting but decided to chime in. Maybe Bruno will to.
1. Do NOT put name tags in anything. It will mark your Rat as a Mama's boy/girl and they will stand out. 'Standing out' is not good.
2. Why are you Mothers doing so much for your child? This is your kids journey - not yours. I know you are invested in their success and this is a way you are expressing care & concern … but my advice is 'let go' on this stuff. To the extent you do it you are robbing them of the self reliance muscle they will need by the ton on August 23rd.
Yes … I know that sounds harsh. And I know what you don't … I know what Cadre and the Rat Line is actually like. I am trying to help your child have a better experience.
3. I too have a Daughter attending next fall. I/we have stood back and done NOTHING to help her prepare besides sit down with last year's download Cadet handbook and tell her 'read this'
She will have her debit card and while at STP will go to Walmart in Lex and buy stuff on her list. Most likely she'll forget something. Regardless - it will be up to her. That is because we learn more from our mistakes than we do our success.
4. As re Financial Aid or any other matter - when in doubt: call. VMI is small and personal. A call to Thom Brashears in Fin Aid will answer any/all questions. I know they are working the pile of applications right now and hope to have answers by end of month/1st week April.
5. Stop worrying about which sheets/comforters. If they are not ideal - replace them later. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Only advice I'd have on these is make them as plain as possible. Again - DO NOT MAKE THEM STAND OUT
Back in our day we were issued comforters - everyone's was red. I still have mine. If I were you I'd find a plain red comforter and go with that.
I would not send the down comforter. The cadet laundry would eat that alive should it need cleaning.
6. Best socks for military use are made by prior service Marines - see covert threads.com
I sent some to my son who is in Infantry in the Marine Corps and he swears by them. He had guys begging him for them. They will cut down on blisters by factor of 10. Also - Monkey Butt powder is excellent foot powder.
7. My advice for getting your kids ready for VMI is not on the 'what to bring' list. No, its is much more simple:
Make them run.
Make them do push ups, pull ups, sit ups and run.
Run some more.
Run even more than that.
Run hills.
If you live in the country and where it would not seem unusual - run with a rifle. (preferably a blue gun - i.e., an inert training rifle)
But run.
8. Final word of advice. Let your kids enjoy what time they have between now and matriculation. If they are staying in shape and on track to graduate that is all that matters. Don't micromanage all of their preparation for VMI - it will most likely add to the pre Rat Line anxiety. Take that energy you have to 'do something' and channel it into writing letters (actual on paper) once they are in Lexington
And even better - don't forget them when they are 3rd's as that is worse than being a Rat.
Everyone loves a Rat. Everyone hates a 3rd. Save some love for your 3rd to be.
Good luck to all.