Final packing for BCT Question

Jerseymom

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Apr 19, 2014
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Should DS bring small duffel for underwear/t-shirts/toiletries, and will he have access to it? We heard at USAF luncheon that several Cadets went without underwear because they didn't have access to their luggage. Or is it recommended that EVERYTHING, including in-processing paperwork, be kept in a backpack?
Thank you!
 
Just stuff everything into a golf bag. Plenty of room....easy to carry and he'll be a hit with the trainers!:cool:

Seriously.....if he can't fit it in a backpack (including paperwork).....then he doesn't need it. Don't bring any other luggage/duffel bags.

Good luck to your son! :thumb:
 
Thanks! I have enjoyed your posts throughout our journey! Great information that manages to make me smile, or laugh. He is bringing a pair of ABU boots. Is your advice to: a. wear them to inprocessing, b. put them in bag, c. Leave them at home.
 
He is bringing a pair of ABU boots. Is your advice to: a. wear them to inprocessing, b. put them in bag, c. Leave them at home.
Thanks for the compliments!

Bringing boots is something that my son's class (2015) was discouraged from doing. My opinion is that if they'll fit in the backpack then put them in there, otherwise I'd just tie the strings together and secure them to the backpack somehow. Try to keep his hands free if possible. He can probably carry his paperwork in his hands (folder/envelope). I believe they will take that from him before he gets on the bus.

It will all work out. :thumb:
 
by the end of the day you're carrying everything that you've been issued and it gets quite heavy. Boots add an additional weight so that is something to consider.


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by the end of the day you're carrying everything that you've been issued and it gets quite heavy. Boots add an additional weight so that is something to consider.


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We hear this all the time, how they'll be carrying everything all day in their left hand. That seems a little odd to me. At some point don't they have to go to their room, assuming they don't sleep outside BCT 1? They have to be Drilling so they can look like they can do that for later on in the day I believe, right? It seems to me that at some point for efficiency they'd be rid of the accumulating possessions so they can be doing what appears to be so much else: haircuts, drilling, room set-up, etc. I have to believe the mundane task of carrying a load of clothing, etc. has to be eased up on long before 'all day' in the vein of getting something else accomplished. I'll be anxious to hear from DS in August how long 'all day' was, other than it seemed like all-day!!
 
We hear this all the time, how they'll be carrying everything all day in their left hand. That seems a little odd to me. At some point don't they have to go to their room, assuming they don't sleep outside BCT 1? They have to be Drilling so they can look like they can do that for later on in the day I believe, right? It seems to me that at some point for efficiency they'd be rid of the accumulating possessions so they can be doing what appears to be so much else: haircuts, drilling, room set-up, etc. I have to believe the mundane task of carrying a load of clothing, etc. has to be eased up on long before 'all day' in the vein of getting something else accomplished. I'll be anxious to hear from DS in August how long 'all day' was, other than it seemed like all-day!!

What you have to understand is that I-Day seems like the length of three or so days. I ended up carrying everything and doing the actual in-processing process until dinner time. I had started at 9am. So yes, you carry it all day. As for room set up, I ended up doing most of it during the time we were allotted to sleep. As for drilling, you wake up at ungodly hours which gives you plenty of time to practice for the swearing in.


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Do you even get to eat on I-day?!

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Eating and other things

I hope the eating thing was a joke. Basics will not be starved and it's probably best to leave the boots behind at home. Every squad is a little different, but most will make you wear issued boots anyway through BCT and some will carry that through until recognition.
 
Proof of Citizenship via an 'original Birth Certificate' is on the To-Bring list. As it doesn't specify 'original', do you think copies of DS's Social Security Card and Driver's License is Acceptable?
 
Proof of Citizenship via an 'original Birth Certificate' is on the To-Bring list. As it doesn't specify 'original', do you think copies of DS's Social Security Card and Driver's License is Acceptable?

No, it is not. The birth certificate doesn't have to be original, but it does have to be a "certified" copy. If you don't have time to get a certified copy then absolutely bring the original.

Insider
 
No, it is not. The birth certificate doesn't have to be original, but it does have to be a "certified" copy. If you don't have time to get a certified copy then absolutely bring the original.

Insider

Proof of US Citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, passport, or report of birth abroad of U. S. citizen).
This must be an ORIGINAL document (no photocopies).


This is the copy/paste from the To-bring List off the Portal. Sure looks like an Original of Birth Certificate is requested to us. Can you look at this pls?

Also, are you also saying a copy of the Social Security Card is ok? Thx....
 
The semantics drive me crazy, DS has a Certification of Birth. I have to assume this is the same as a Birth Certificate from the great Commonwealth of PA!
 
The semantics drive me crazy, DS has a Certification of Birth. I have to assume this is the same as a Birth Certificate from the great Commonwealth of PA!
When my son reported in June 2011 he brought his "Certification of Birth" certificate from Pennsylvania and his original SS card. We also gave him color copies. I am almost positive we got the original SS card back and the "Certification of Birth". I would send the originals of both with copies and tell your son to give them the copies unless they insist on originals. I seem to recall that was my advice to my son.

Worse case scenario.....are they not going to in-process you son if he only has copies? I doubt it. I think you'd probably get a call from him asking that you get a certified copy and ship it ASAP. If you don't currently have the originals you might want to order them now "just in case". JMPO....

Good Luck to your son and congratulations! :thumb:
 
When my son reported in June 2011 he brought his "Certification of Birth" certificate from Pennsylvania and his original SS card. We also gave him color copies. I am almost positive we got the original SS card back and the "Certification of Birth". I would send the originals of both with copies and tell your son to give them the copies unless they insist on originals. I seem to recall that was my advice to my son.

Worse case scenario.....are they not going to in-process you son if he only has copies? I doubt it. I think you'd probably get a call from him asking that you get a certified copy and ship it ASAP. If you don't currently have the originals you might want to order them now "just in case". JMPO....

Good Luck to your son and congratulations! :thumb:

Thanks, that is where we evolved too today, copies and originals. I ran out of color ink, but they are good B&W copies of the originals that we do have, yes. I sure hope we get the originals back! Heading out of PHL in the AM!
 
I sure hope we get the originals back! Heading out of PHL in the AM!
Just got off the phone with my son and he confirmed my recollection of events. Your son should be fine and yes we did get the originals back.

BTW - my son will be one of the BCT cadre for your son during the first BCT.
 
Proof of US Citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, passport, or report of birth abroad of U. S. citizen).
This must be an ORIGINAL document (no photocopies).


This is the copy/paste from the To-bring List off the Portal. Sure looks like an Original of Birth Certificate is requested to us. Can you look at this pls?

Also, are you also saying a copy of the Social Security Card is ok? Thx....

"Original" in this context simply means no photocopies. In the most literal sense a person would only have 1 "original" birth certificate (the one that was issued when he/she was first born). You cal always purchase a replacement or additional certificates from the state or county where you were born (these will have original, official "seals" on them and will count as "original" for USAFA's purposes).

What won't count is using a copy machine on a certificate with an original seal and bringing the photocopy to USAFA.

Hopefully this is more clear...

Insider
 
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