2020 CBT Squad Leader - AMA

Yes, they do issue a black backpack to all cadets. For some, it will last all 4 years but not for others. I offered a few times to buy my son another black backpack, but he declined. He used the issued one all 4 years. I did do a sewing repair on it once. It had held up fairly well.

All that time say, dont rush out and buy a backpack. The issued one may meet your needs.
 
Goarmy85 said:
Do they not issue backpacks for class?
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Yes they get issued one, many just choose to use their own. Like everything else issued versus self acquired, it’s personal preference (as long as the item meets regs). Boots, low quarters and underwear etc. are Issued, but many would rather pay the extra money for better quality and comfort.
Specifically for RDay a backpack is a great choice for carrying your items around all day. Some people have duffle bags, suitcases, and even boxes. West Point doesn’t issue carts to pull your things around like NAVY does!
So DS decided to get a nice quality black backpack that would meet regulations and use it for his time at WP. Just a suggestion....
 
Does anyone have any good duffle bag recommendations? Specifically ones that you can use as a carry on.
 
2020WPAF said:
Does anyone have any good duffle bag recommendations? Specifically ones that you can use as a carry on.
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North Face Base Camp Duffle Bag. The medium size can be used as carry on. My parents bought me one many years ago and I have used it for travel, the gym, and many camping trips. The bag is very water resistant and durable. It can be used as a backpack and a duffle. Well worth the money.
 
txfwindian said:
During your application process ( years back for you now), how did you do on your CFA.?
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If I can remember correctly, I got about 40ft for the basketball throw, 3 pull-ups, 7.0 shuttle run(ish), 95 crunches/situps, 25 pushups, and a 7:00 mile time. These are just estimates, sorry.
 
TB_Rays said:
What advice do you have for someone who was rejected once and is going to re-apply from college?
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Definitely take classes that would mimic plebe year. Try to take chemistry, calculus, and maybe physics at your college. Work out. That's huge. If you have the chance to, get in contact with your ROTC Department and maybe a liaison can help there too.
 
WishfulThinking said:
Can you explain the need for 550 cord?
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So 550 cord can be used to stabilize rifle attachments, tie things together, or you can burn the edges and it secures things. It really does come in handy. You definitely don't need an entire spool, but I brought about 10 pre-cut lengths and gave some away during CBT.
 
kkel2024 said:
What length and color of 550 cord? Thank you.
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The color doesn't matter very much. The cadre won't get on you for that at all. I saw black, coyote brown, a forest looking green, tan, etc. Just nothing flashy.
 
tryingmybest said:
What backpack/bag would you recommend for arriving on R day? Driving, not flying.
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That's the thing - I was so nitpicky about this. I spent hours trying to figure out the right backpack or duffel bag. I ended up fitting all my stuff in my little sister's soccer backpack. Just pack everything into it carefully - you won't have it for long on R-Day, and you won't see it for a long time afterwards either. If you tie your boots to the outside, make sure you can untie them quickly too, when you have to switch over to your flight bag, or else the cadre will get on you.
 
Goarmy85 said:
Do they not issue backpacks for class?
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They do issue backpacks for class! They're definitely not the most stylish, but they have good pockets and a pouch for devices. When the school year began, I got my parents to send me my North Face backpack that I had in high school (black), and then I Sharpie'd out the logo. It's just preference as long as it's an all black backpack. I've seen people with Oakley, Jansport, NF, Columbia, Patagonia, really any backpack that's black.
 
What are you looking forward to most about Beast? Is there anything you'd recommend preparing for specifically?
 
usma24 said:
What are you looking forward to most about Beast? Is there anything you'd recommend preparing for specifically?
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What am I specifically looking forward to for CBT? This is really my first major role in leadership. I really want to see how I can impact my New Cadets, despite us all scrambling. Most of the cadre scrambled, so your CBT Leadership will not be in your company in the AY.

Be prepared to move fast. This doesn't mean just running - it also includes putting all your gear on in ten seconds and being yelled at in the process, but pushing forward and helping your buddies without flaunting it.
 
candor said:
What am I specifically looking forward to for CBT? This is really my first major role in leadership. I really want to see how I can impact my New Cadets, despite us all scrambling. Most of the cadre scrambled, so your CBT Leadership will not be in your company in the AY.

Be prepared to move fast. This doesn't mean just running - it also includes putting all your gear on in ten seconds and being yelled at in the process, but pushing forward and helping your buddies without flaunting it.
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Why is the cadre scrambled? Will our CBT company be the same in the AY other than the cadre?
 
Sargrio22 said:
Why is the cadre scrambled? Will our CBT company be the same in the AY other than the cadre?
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I'm not exactly sure why they scrambled us, but most aren't too happy. However, it is what it is and we will all be working very hard to be good leadership for the new cadets. The CBT COs are up in the air, currently, regarding their situation in relation to the AY.
 
BristolApp said:
Being two weeks shorter, will this beast be tougher or easier?
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Definitely easier. There are several components of normal CBT that they took out - such as a longer land navigation. And no matter how hard it is, CBT is 2 weeks shorter. That is 2 weeks less of early mornings, field days, training, physical fitness, etc.
 
BristolApp said:
Being two weeks shorter, will this beast be tougher or easier?
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Everyone is going to tell you their beast was harder.

When I was a new cadet, cadre could still smoke you. When I was cadre, the Army’s new hazing and IET physical training regulations went into effect that limited the ability for cadre to smoke new cadets just to smoke them. We found different ways to make it challenging for the new cadets so they would still end up with the foundation they needed to join the Corps. People said those new cadets had an Beast was easier than ours. They still graduated as 2LT’s in 2017 and have been doing good things for America since.

I also didn’t do long range land nav during CFT or night land nav during Beast because we lost a classmate during my Beast during land nav and the Academy took the time to review safety protocols for running the training. Did that make my beast easier than others? I still felt challenged and so were most of my classmates. We did do white tornadoes which rightfully are banned (there is no connection between these land nav and this “training” event, just an example of change). Did that make me a better officer? I don’t think so.

This year is going to be unique and with training modifications. It’s happened in the past due to extenuating circumstances. Just look at how we graduated multiple classes early during WWII.

Basic skills are important to take away from the experience but no one masters anything during Beast; it’s too short even when run at full length. more important, the Academy is building a foundation of discipline and mindset that will hopefully make you successful moving forward in the military by introducing you to the culture and expectation for behavior as a future officer.


Off the soapbox and I will throw my obligatory Corps has in there as a grad because it’s probably the more expected response.
 
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