Class of 2019 "Things to Bring" Thread

With BFEs going out today and phone calls being made by nominating sources, I'm sure candidates will want to start planning for the upcoming Summer. Can we make a comprehensive list of essentials? I've seen some say bring nothing but a pair of broken-in boots for R-Day, and I've seen some who recommend a variety of items.

I know the approved boots and low quarters will come out later, but what are the generic things we should expect to take?

How should we carry our luggage? With all of the stairs and taped-off lines, large suitcases seem like unwanted attention grabbers. Are large backpacks sufficient?

I'm most interested in what watch to bring. I'm looking at G Shock like most, but there are so many models that it's hard to decide. This item is at the top of the list for me since it's a fairly big expense.

Thank you, SAF!

My DS carried a bag like he'd take to the gym. Essentials: broken in low quarters and boots, multi-tool, compression shorts, and a cheap watch. He added a good watch later, but for beast he went w/ cheap. There will be a list later...stick to the list (issued from WP).

Agree with mom3boys -- wait for the list! The boot letter will have specific approved boots and low quarters, and you will have plenty of time to break them in. The "CBT Packing List" will be very detailed, down to the number and color of socks, and other recommended ("not mandatory but high encouraged") things (ie mole skin, sunscreen, etc).

A backpack is not likely to be big enough, unless you don't want to bring the recommended things on the list; a duffle / gym bag is, and don't forget you will have to carry it around for awhile. Probably best not to bring the rolling large suitcase.

Coming from the perspective of a current Plebe, first and foremost, don't freak out about what you pack. Everything will be just fine and the cadre don't check your luggage that carefully. They, like you, will be somewhat flustered and moving quickly.

-On stuff to bring: Bring all the essentials as mentioned above. As far as what to bring, the list is very good and includes more stuff than I actually brought. Read packing advice from years previous on here and elsewhere and you'll get a good sense of what you'll need. However, use common sense with everything and pack only what you'll need in reasonable quantities considering your environment and the length of CBT. For example, if you think you'll do just fine with the government issue socks, don't bother bringing extra (especially of the white because they issue something like 18 pair). One thing I found very helpful was to bring 2-3 of my own heavy duty combination MasterLocks with matching combinations because you need one for your lock box and your bed. Other thank that Duct tape (green), 550 cord, lighters, and a small(think the ones you used in kindergarden) pair of scissors are all good to have. Extra underwear is always a plus, think about bringing about 2 weeks worth. Girls, same goes for sports bras. 14-16 is a nice number. You will go through multiple in one day and Laundry takes half a week to come back.

-Bag: Bring whatever you think you'll need/will be helpful, within reason. So what if it has wheels? The cadre are too distracted to care. You will also only be carrying it for a rather short distance since once you get inside Thayer hall for all your issue points and medical you will leave it in room for a few hours. Once its in your green bag, its on your back and easier to manage.
On transferring your stuff: You'll be given 2 minutes to do it, so have everything organized. Pack it all into 4 or 5 2 gallon bags for easy transfer. After that, don't sweat it. Make sure your phone and charger are in a plastic bag, turned off, and stay in your civilian bag.

Overall. R-day is long and hot, but keep a positive attitude and you'll be fine. Treat it as a game and it might even be a little fun. Certain things are a given, such as sore feet and exhaustion at the end of the day, however you pack, so do what you need to do within the constraints of common sense and the packing list.

Regarding a watch... I don't recommend putting out a lot of money on a watch. Get a decent Casio or Seiko that has some functions including stop watch, alarms, light up screen etc. No need to go with a G-Shock at this time. In my opinion, a good $35 watch (find one on sale) should fit your needs.

Anyone know if the extra socks, underwear or compression shorts that need to be all black or gray can have a logo or emblem on them?

In regards to a multi-tool, is a Leatherman Super Tool 300 (classic Leatherman) fine?

MO06mom said:

Anyone know if the extra socks, underwear or compression shorts that need to be all black or gray can have a logo or emblem on them?

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Army standard with the PT uniform is black or grey compression shorts. I doubt small logos would be a problem. Besides that I don't know the specifics at West Point.

No visible logos or emblems