What to wear on I-day?

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KiwiBird

USAFA Cadet, Co 2025
Joined
Oct 8, 2020
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287
So, I was thinking about what might be a good idea to wear on I-day, and I put together some shirts I thought might work.

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This one would be good because it will let my cadre know that I have a sense of humor, and who would not appreciate that?

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This will let my cadre know that I want other people to have the same experiences as me. I am not selfish, so other people could do my push ups and chores and stuff so that they can learn from them. I do not need all of that extra learning since I am basically already perfect.

And, last but not least...
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This one is perfect too because it is even in the AF colors. This shirt will let my cadre know that I am super confident in my knowledge and how I portray it. Plus, I have heard that cadre want you to be confident, so this could do nothing but help.

For clothes other than shirts, I was thinking that I could wear a huge sunhat so that I do not get burned by the sun. I think that a nice 2 foot radius hat would suffice, and it would be big enough for the other doolies to stand under too. For socks, I want to do brightly colored and patterned mismatched socks so that the cadre can see a wider range of my fashion taste. Heck, I might even go with mismatched shoes too, while I am at it! That way, I will stand out even more. Attention is always a good thing, right?

(Disclaimer: everything written above is in jest. I plan on just wearing plain conservative colors.)
 
Excellent choices. Another good option: Anything that loudly and proudly announces that you were an “all-state” or “all-American” anything.

And when you introduce yourself to others, let it be clearly known that you know the deal because you attended Summer Seminar. And then when it’s time to memorize and recite some new knowledge, let everyone know “I got this” because you’d spent the last three months studying. Finally, whenever you finish any activity first, raise your arms in triumph and don’t bother turning around to cheer the others on. Yup, that’ll do it!
 
I like the tshirts. Although it might be some time before we are introducing ourselves to anyone in person or riding on any bus. Isolation is a real possibility.
 
@KiwiBird what great humor! Your parents may still have some "I'm with stupid" t-shirts from their youth......will work at any SA!

My DD spent a lot of effort thinking of her first day outfit. Not along humorous lines, but even between the black, grey, or heather maroon t-shirts. In the end, she chose black t-shirt (untucked), black athletic running shorts, white socks, black Hoka's, and a simple ponytail. Up to you to be as basic as possible, or be the Basic that every other parent will use as reference to find their DD/DS on Webguy for I-Day. When I saw the boy in a bright red t-shirt, I knew my DD would be in that series of photos.
 
Do you have a JROTC or CAP uniform to wear? We seriously had a "classmate" arrive in full service dress and quip back at cadre saying "I am a Cadet Colonel and you will address me as such!"

Gosh... good times. I have to say that was a beat down for the ages. That guy attracted quite the welcoming party as his expectations for how BCT was going to go for him were reshaped before our very eyes.................. Happy tears just thinking about that again.... oh.... great times.
 
I've heard it's a good idea to arrive with an untucked shirt so that this is what you're told to do. Is this true?
 
Peter2025 said:
I've heard it's a good idea to arrive with an untucked shirt so that this is what you're told to do. Is this true?
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This school of thought believes in giving them something to yell at you about rather then them inventing something or going deeply personal that could get you off your 'A game' on day 1. The theory is that you know they will key in on the shirt, and you were expecting that. Crisis #1 is thereby planned for. On to Crisis #2.

I don't know if I personally believe in this, but it is a strategy. Just remember that every cadre member was once in your shoes. Their mere presence suggests you too can make it.
 
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Be sure to update your look to the French Tuck. Tucked in the front, untucked at the back, artistically draped.

I know that’s a trend right now, but I can hear my mother’s voice in my head - “Sloppy” - and see The Look on her face.
 
Capt MJ said:
Be sure to update your look to the French Tuck. Tucked in the front, untucked at the back, artistically draped.

I know that’s a trend right now, but I can hear my mother’s voice in my head - “Sloppy” - and see The Look on her face.
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Thanks for that. Now I can tell my wife "But honey, it's that stylish French Tuck. It's all the rage." 😄
 
I tried to get my DS to do a fundraiser. A GO NAVY AIR FORCE SUCKS and GO ARMY AIR FORCE SUCKS t-shirt would be voted on with $. Whichever shirt raised more money, he would wear that one. He did not take my advice.

As a parent, I suggest something not blue or gray. Everyone is wearing a lot of blue or gray and its hard to find you in the photos from web guy. Same color shirt and a facemark make finding you really hard - then once you get your haircut - geesh. Luckily my DS wore a red shirt so he was a little easier to find. Hawain shirts are for the preppies but the more different your shirt is, the better for your parents. You won't be wearing for long, but those first photos are some of the most important.
 
KiwiBird said:
For clothes other than shirts, I was thinking that I could wear a huge sunhat so that I do not get burned by the sun. I think that a nice 2 foot radius hat would suffice, and it would be big enough for the other doolies to stand under too.
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I'd suggest a sombrero instead... much more sun coverage, and assuming you've seen Minions, you could hold guacamole and bring a bad of chips! I bet the other doolies would appreciate you sharing with them.
 
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