2014 BCT Packing List

Runner2014

5-Year Member
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Mar 25, 2014
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Hello all. I just searched through the USAFA topics and I did not find a thread dedicated to a list of things people are bringing to BCT this year. I am an over planner and I like to start lists early so with exactly two months from today left before we report, I was wondering what others are bringing other than what is on the list provided by USAFA. Basically what kind of stationary/how much, tips from cadets on what they wish they had/hadn't brought with them, etc. I appreciate your input :)



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Bring compression pants! No one wants to see your business in the loose shorts that you are issued during push-ups! Protect your junk :smile: Shop now (online) so you can find white with minimal markings. I think my son ended up with some wording on the band and it wasn't a problem.
 
We were at the Academy with our DS for the appointee orientation. I ask a cadet that had just finished Recognition about what to bring. Here is what he said.."Bring as little as possible, you won't be able to use of your personal items besides toiletries and underwear" I asked him what exactly should our DS bring? He said, "I suggest that he bring 5 to 8 compression shorts without logos and toiletries" I said is that's it? He replied "yes.":eek:

I was surprised by this comment because the portal has an extensive list that includes "cleats". The majority of those items can be used AFTER BCT. So your parents an bring them during parents weekend.

I would hope to get some sort of confirmation from current cadets on this.
 
When my kid inprocessed we followed the list provided pretty closely but added compression shorts (6) and deleted cleats. Our DD is an athlete and wouldn't be participating in the usual BCT intramurals (athletes use the time to work out with their teams) so the cleats were unnecessary. We also added band aids and moleskin. Even with boots and the undergarments needed for girls it all still easily fit into a backpack. Also, makes copies of all paperwork especially shot records.
Good luck to your son!



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You will definitely want compressions!! :smile:

I didn't bring any cleats and was fine using my normal tennis shoes during intramurals.
 
DS likes black compression's, but is white the color of choice for BCT, as also with the V-neck t-shirts they require?
 
We were told "conservative" colors. Black, white, dark blue. No red, green, pinks etc..
 
Shot records and carried with them on I-Day. If they get to the station to get shots and their records are incomplete, they will receive more shots. Nobody benefits from extra shots on I-Day.

Cash for food at the rodeo as well as supplies.

Females need to be able to put their hair up quickly into a bun unless they want a haircut.
 
The cadet I spoke with had 8 pairs of compression shorts. He wanted to have clean shorts everyday. After hearing and seeing what they do I can't blame him.

He did mention that your incoming DD or DS will have to carry their belongings ALL DAY in their left hand, which is why he said do not bring all of that gear before BCT.

He told our group that he had to carry a female cadet's duffle bag filled with towels, clothes and other items ("that she didn't need") along with his own backpack of items.
 
I have seen boys carrying their own duffel bags full of gear as well as those of females that found them too heavy. It makes for a long day, and I have always felt it to be unfair. There are of course girls that carry all of their own stuff, but the issued gear is considerable, and coupled with items brought from home... can get quite heavy and cumbersome.

The old advice " report with what the good Lord gave you" is pretty good. Resist the urge to provide creature comforts and "extras" until after Parent's Weekend.
 
I do remember seeing a great thread on this topic from last year. Can't link to it right now but if you go back through the May/June 2017 threads you'll find it.

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Thanks to everyone who has responded. I have also heard that the C Store has most toiletries that cadets need although the brands are limited. Does anyone recommend a certain shampoo/conditioner that is available at the store or is it best to have your parents send you the stuff your hair is used to? I know this question probably sounds silly, I am just curious haha


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You don't really carry the stuff you bring all day in your left hand. You carry the stuff they issue you in a giant duffle bag in your left hand all day.

As for the compression shorts, get them! They are life savers, but unfortunately it depends on your Basic Flight cadre if you are allowed to use them. My cadre told us they did not care what we used, but I heard that other flights were told to use the issued underwear.
 
You don't really carry the stuff you bring all day in your left hand. You carry the stuff they issue you in a giant duffle bag in your left hand all day.

Thank you for the clarification, LOL, I'm sure this will make my DS very happy to hear :eek:
 
USAFA issues literally everything you need. Underwear and toiletries are the only thing you can get away with during basic. Females don't get makeup, guys don't get boxers (unless you bring them, and that's squadron-dependent), so pack light. And if you really do need anything, cadre will get it for you, or you will wait until your first trip to the cadet store.
 
stuff to bring

BRING COMPRESSION SHORTS!!! As has been said. Color doesn't matter so long as you use common sense. Also, bring smaller containers of toiletries. You will go to the C-Store, but not for at least a few days. Don't be the kid who gets yelled at for not having enough stuff to last you at least the first week. Also, 5-8 pairs of compression shorts will be absolutely plenty.
 
Just don't overpack and become the next "Box Boy". (Anyone know if he made it?)

Box_boy_arrives.jpg
 
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