AROTC what to bring to college

J

JLur

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Hi, I'm a 4- scholarship winner to the University of Tampa and I'm figuring out what I'll need for college. What things should I be bringing to college for ROTC? I'm totally clueless so any advice will be helpful. Thanks!
 
AROCT-wise, you need a good pair of running shoes. If you haven't already, get your stride analyzed to determine if you are a neutral runner, over-pronate, etc., and buy the appropriate shoes.
 
As far as college wise, most residence life websites/communication will give you a good comprehensive list of what you will need. As far as ROTC is concerned, totally agree with txpotato, running shoes! As far as PT gear and uniforms, ROTC will take care of you.
 
A good cheap watch with a stopwatch function (Casio etc) to time your APFT drills.
 
Your university will have recommendations for dorm/ campus life and your ROTC unit will probably have a list of required/ recommended items.

If you search hard enough, this subject is covered in the spring every year. Irons, ironing board, moleskin, etc etc etc...
 
Earplugs...disposable or otherwise.

One time during Field Exercise, the cadre did not bring earplugs and my DS was firing the M-249 without hearing protection.

He always brought his own plugs after that. Plus, you might have a noisy roommate.
 
Lay out all the stuff you want to take to college....then put half of it back.....You'll still have too much and you'll be having your parents take some back with them when the come to visit the first time.

I'll second the good running shoes., and moleskin.
A back up alarm clock....a loud one if you choose to use ear plugs.
 
I've noticed suggestions in previous threads about getting better boots. Is that worth it?
 
I also happen to be a runner so I've already got running shoes I'm comfortable with and a running stopwatch
 
JLur said:
I've noticed suggestions in previous threads about getting better boots. Is that worth it?
Click to expand...

I think it is worth it, but no need to get them now. Wait until you get on campus, get your assigned boots and see what the other cadets have bought. There are a few other reasons to wait. One is that the army is changing colors and for ROTC cadets it isn't all happening at once, so seeing what color you should buy might save you some money, you don't want to go spend a bunch and find out you cannot use them in the near future. The second reason, is that some battalions might have a hook-up or discount coupons for higher end boots. I know at my daughter's school that they do. My daughter was given a brand new pair of Danner Gortex boots, but as a gift, so she was really happy she had them, way more comfortable than the issued boots, but glad she didn't buy them because she said she thinks that next year they will have the new color.
 
Here are things that my DS wishes that he had brought from home:
(1) Socks for PT - "Socks must be plain with no logos and calf or ankle length. Ankle length socks must cover the entire ankle bone, and sock color (black or white) is at the discretion of the Soldier." My DS had to hunt for ankle lenght ones that were "plain with no logo".
(2) A small ironing board, an iron and a tape measure to keep your uniform squared away.
 
jocomom said:
Here are things that my DS wishes that he had brought from home:
(1) Socks for PT - "Socks must be plain with no logos and calf or ankle length. Ankle length socks must cover the entire ankle bone, and sock color (black or white) is at the discretion of the Soldier." My DS had to hunt for ankle lenght ones that were "plain with no logo".
(2) A small ironing board, an iron and a tape measure to keep your uniform squared away.
Click to expand...
Both of these are awesome, and yes my daughter had to get a ride to Target to get the socks. And she found black and white ankle length socks (not no show), in big packs at target. And yes, one of the ironing boards that are half size and can go on a desk or counter work well in dorm rooms, very good advice!
 
Definitely moleskin. I think DS would say need extra pair of boots you know you can run in. They get wet - a lot.
Also if you're not living with other early risers - an alarm that goes under you - to shake you awake .
 
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