2020 CBT Squad Leader - AMA

candor

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2016
Messages
105
Hi All,

I've been on this forum for several years now. I didn't have any support from family getting into West Point, so I applied to all 5 on my own and can speak to those experiences if anyone has any questions. West Point was the service academy I didn't get into on my first attempt, but I was given an AOG scholarship to attend a military junior college, which I did for a year. Now, I am a rising Cow at USMA who was originally slotted for Beast 1 leadership, but am now a squad leader for the entirety of Beast. Please, ask me anything! I'd love to give advice regarding what to pack, what to prepare for, potential changes that I see given this year's circumstances, the school year, application process - really - anything!
 
Will incoming plebes get to go to camp Buckner? Or is that out now?
As of now, I think the incoming NCs may be going to Buckner for a very short term. If anything, they have to be there in order to depart for the March Back.
 
What aspect of your initial West Point application (standardized test scores, athletics, leadership, etc.) do you think denied you a direct appointment the first time and got you the AOG scholarship instead?
 
What is the one aspect of beast that took you off guard? I am class of 2024 and feel as though I have read and watched about everything I can to get a good idea of what I will experience at CBT. What aspect of CBT did you not expect or felt that you were unprepared for?
 
What aspect of your initial West Point application (standardized test scores, athletics, leadership, etc.) do you think denied you a direct appointment the first time and got you the AOG scholarship instead?
I think it was my GPA. I switched schools 3 times in my first year of high school and because of that and other things, I got a few Cs here and there. My junior/senior year was basically all As, and I ended up a lot better than I started. Though it was a massive improvement, I felt that West Point wanted me to prove that I could handle college level classes. At the military junior college, I got all As both semesters.
 
What are your top ten items for the must pack list?
1. Socks (boot, PT, dress)
2. A nice watch that you know your way around
3. lots of prestamped, pre-addressed envelopes to write letters
4. 550 cord so you don't have to keep borrowing from others
5. I'm assuming from your username that you are female (same), so I'd bring a month supply of necessary feminine items, though do not be afraid to ask if you don't have something
6. lots of underwear (even though the supply list tells you about how much you should bring, I'd bring a little more because sometimes you don't have time to do laundry/it's not very dependable
7. bug spray. if you're like me, you will get mauled by bugs in the field. bring enough spray to spray your entire sleep system, the ground around it, and yourself.
8. a lighter. this will come in handy in many situations
9. Make up remover wipes. These take off camo SO EASILY. Baby wipes just wipe the camo around on your face for a bit, but make up remover wipes take it right off.
10. A headlamp. They issued us flashlights, but headlamps (that have red light) were so much better (I brought one), especially during land navigation. Make sure you have good batteries for it too.

You also definitely have time to go to the Cadet Store on multiple occasions, or your SL will help you out with them!
 
What is the one aspect of beast that took you off guard? I am class of 2024 and feel as though I have read and watched about everything I can to get a good idea of what I will experience at CBT. What aspect of CBT did you not expect or felt that you were unprepared for?
I wasn't prepared for exactly that - the unexpected. I was alright physically and a really strong rucker, but there were so many days when transportation failed and we had to wait for hours, sometimes it rained in the field when it wasn't supposed to and we weren't prepared, etc. I wish I was able to handle things that I could not prepare for better, because those situations will definitely arise.
 
During your application process ( years back for you now), how did you do on your CFA.?
 
What advice do you have for someone who was rejected once and is going to re-apply from college?
 
1. Socks (boot, PT, dress)
2. A nice watch that you know your way around
3. lots of prestamped, pre-addressed envelopes to write letters
4. 550 cord so you don't have to keep borrowing from others
5. I'm assuming from your username that you are female (same), so I'd bring a month supply of necessary feminine items, though do not be afraid to ask if you don't have something
6. lots of underwear (even though the supply list tells you about how much you should bring, I'd bring a little more because sometimes you don't have time to do laundry/it's not very dependable
7. bug spray. if you're like me, you will get mauled by bugs in the field. bring enough spray to spray your entire sleep system, the ground around it, and yourself.
8. a lighter. this will come in handy in many situations
9. Make up remover wipes. These take off camo SO EASILY. Baby wipes just wipe the camo around on your face for a bit, but make up remover wipes take it right off.
10. A headlamp. They issued us flashlights, but headlamps (that have red light) were so much better (I brought one), especially during land navigation. Make sure you have good batteries for it too.

You also definitely have time to go to the Cadet Store on multiple occasions, or your SL will help you out with them!
What length and color of 550 cord? Thank you.
 
My son used this one. He said it was good to have his hands free to carry other stuff. By the end of the day he had this on his chest and his issued duffel on his back (along with his issued camel pack).

Sandpiper of California Bugout Backpack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Z7JCDA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-XNYEbY179NCQ
DS had that same one I believe for RDay, and it’s still performing well. Great quality too. This is what he uses for classes and travel home. Watch out for cheap imitation look alike back packs, they look nearly identical but are junk.
You must get it in black!!
 
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