Hi, I'm a '14 dad that has been lurking for several months and finally decided it was time to clarify a few items and ask a few Q's. Just a little info. I'm a USNA '82 grad. retired from the reserves so I'm a little familiar with the Service Academies and military although, (obviously) many things have changed over the years. I've tried to gather as much info as possible from previous threads, and my son, Taylor, seems adept at getting lots of good info as well. Still, there are a few lingering..... These are all questions/statements are looking for either clarification, verification, or correction. So here goes!
1) Boots.... Best to wait until BCT to get the boots since they don't need much breaking in, you will get the right size, and they're a much better price? The first pair is issued on I-day and the second pair the day before the march to Jack's Valley (unless you bought a pair before I-day)? Bellville 650 is the boot issued? Doolies are not allowed (or it's frowned upon) to use any boot except standard issue until after acceptance into the Wing in August (or is it Recognition in March '11) so don't bother springing for (or bringing) a nice pair of Rocky S2V's or similar until then??? Just a note; the Bellville's seem to run big! We went to the Uniform Shop at Dobbins ARB to check fit some boots and, although my son normally wears a 10 1/2 or 11, he said the 610's (hot weather boot) fit best at 9 1/2 and the 690's (cold weather flight boot) fit best in a 10. This was with thick hiking socks! They didn't have 650's (which is a medium/cold wx boot?) although they could order them for about $130/pair. The local Army/Navy Store had them for about $175/pair.
2) Boot Socks/Black Socks.... He has several pairs of thicker boot socks left over from Philmont along with the wicking liner socks to go under them. Should he bring them or are the C4C's required to use the issued socks during BCT? Would you recommend the liner socks? Are they allowed to turn the socks over the tops of the boots to keep them from falling/bunching/causing hot spots? Somebody recommended bringing several pairs of better quality/more comfortable black dress socks to wear with the Blues. Anyone else have an opinion on this?
3) Don't get a copy of Contrails ahead of time!?
4) Don't sweat the uniform sizing sheet? It's only used to make sure the right inventory of sizes is in place for BCT?
5) Skivvies (originally a Naval term ).... Are the Doolies required to wear the TW's (tighty whities) during BCT or can they bring/wear plain white boxers? Someone on the USNA forum side recommended the tighter knit boxers to help prevent chafing in the high humidity (I assume not a problem at 7200'?) during Plebe summer. Thoughts?
6) Watch/Phone/Camera.... Are Doolies allowed to wear a watch during BCT? Since Doolie Day is "In" this year (10 July) will they get their phones back to call home then turn them back in thus avoiding the dreaded "Phone Bank"? Can they have a camera during BCT (wife's question, not mine, sorry!)?
7) Sponsors…. If you know of or get a recommendation from someone can he request a specific sponsor? When are sponsors assigned?
8) Pre I-day activities…. Is the C. Springs parents club or any other organization planning anything (like a picnic) on 23 June? Are there any other recommended activities pre I-day? We’re flying into DEN the 21st or 22nd, renting a car for the week and staying at the Rampart. Hope to do Pike’s Peak and that western restaurant (forgot the name) like we did for Philmont a few years ago. Any other suggestions welcome!
I’m sure I’ll have more questions, but I can’t think any more right now. This forum has been a great resource. Keep up the great work!!
Paul “PJ” Johnson
1) Boots.... Best to wait until BCT to get the boots since they don't need much breaking in, you will get the right size, and they're a much better price? The first pair is issued on I-day and the second pair the day before the march to Jack's Valley (unless you bought a pair before I-day)? Bellville 650 is the boot issued? Doolies are not allowed (or it's frowned upon) to use any boot except standard issue until after acceptance into the Wing in August (or is it Recognition in March '11) so don't bother springing for (or bringing) a nice pair of Rocky S2V's or similar until then??? Just a note; the Bellville's seem to run big! We went to the Uniform Shop at Dobbins ARB to check fit some boots and, although my son normally wears a 10 1/2 or 11, he said the 610's (hot weather boot) fit best at 9 1/2 and the 690's (cold weather flight boot) fit best in a 10. This was with thick hiking socks! They didn't have 650's (which is a medium/cold wx boot?) although they could order them for about $130/pair. The local Army/Navy Store had them for about $175/pair.
2) Boot Socks/Black Socks.... He has several pairs of thicker boot socks left over from Philmont along with the wicking liner socks to go under them. Should he bring them or are the C4C's required to use the issued socks during BCT? Would you recommend the liner socks? Are they allowed to turn the socks over the tops of the boots to keep them from falling/bunching/causing hot spots? Somebody recommended bringing several pairs of better quality/more comfortable black dress socks to wear with the Blues. Anyone else have an opinion on this?
3) Don't get a copy of Contrails ahead of time!?
4) Don't sweat the uniform sizing sheet? It's only used to make sure the right inventory of sizes is in place for BCT?
5) Skivvies (originally a Naval term ).... Are the Doolies required to wear the TW's (tighty whities) during BCT or can they bring/wear plain white boxers? Someone on the USNA forum side recommended the tighter knit boxers to help prevent chafing in the high humidity (I assume not a problem at 7200'?) during Plebe summer. Thoughts?
6) Watch/Phone/Camera.... Are Doolies allowed to wear a watch during BCT? Since Doolie Day is "In" this year (10 July) will they get their phones back to call home then turn them back in thus avoiding the dreaded "Phone Bank"? Can they have a camera during BCT (wife's question, not mine, sorry!)?
7) Sponsors…. If you know of or get a recommendation from someone can he request a specific sponsor? When are sponsors assigned?
8) Pre I-day activities…. Is the C. Springs parents club or any other organization planning anything (like a picnic) on 23 June? Are there any other recommended activities pre I-day? We’re flying into DEN the 21st or 22nd, renting a car for the week and staying at the Rampart. Hope to do Pike’s Peak and that western restaurant (forgot the name) like we did for Philmont a few years ago. Any other suggestions welcome!
I’m sure I’ll have more questions, but I can’t think any more right now. This forum has been a great resource. Keep up the great work!!
Paul “PJ” Johnson