What is the $250 for??? Ok, son will have money in his Armed Services bank account all ready (transferring money from personal checking/saving when he closes it). I shipped his toiletries to his B&B/sponsor's house all ready. I read some time during BCT he will be buying an iron. I want him to have emergency cash since he is flying out alone but I'm thinking $150.00 is plenty. Are there other things he will be buying? I will send him with however much he needs, but I'm not really seeing a good accounting of what this is for, (unless Braun makes irons too! lol) and finances are tight. Any thoughts are appreciated!
Cash
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greentrees
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DS (a 3* who's home on leave) tells me $150 would be enough. Said he spent his cash on toiletries, iron (roommate bought ironing board), cleaning supplies and eventually school supplies.
also bought food at airport on his layover, though he might have used his debit card from his "home" account.
Best of luck to your son!
also bought food at airport on his layover, though he might have used his debit card from his "home" account.
Best of luck to your son!
raimius
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The first time basics go to the cadet store, they will be using cash. They will be buying things like irons, ironing boards, cleaning supplies, shoe polish, etc.
If the instructions say to have $200, bring that. That way, you know you will have enough to cover stuff you need (eg. my issued flashlight broke before going to Jack's Valley, so I had to buy another one.)
If the instructions say to have $200, bring that. That way, you know you will have enough to cover stuff you need (eg. my issued flashlight broke before going to Jack's Valley, so I had to buy another one.)
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It's a bit vague - the Instructions to Appointees booklet says $250, so my son is planning on bringing that. However, at Orientation, they kept saying $150 and the slides they showed had tha amount on them. Son said "always better to have too much money than not enough!" 
Anyone else bringing a credit card? I don't think he'll need it at the academy, but I want him to have it for the trip just in case he misses his connection in Denver or something so that he could get transportation. Also, the Drivers License - he needs that for ID obviously for the plane - will they take that and the CC and secure them for him on I Day? Or will he keep them in his wallet with the cash and lock it up in the drawer? What about when they're out at Jacks?
Anyone else bringing a credit card? I don't think he'll need it at the academy, but I want him to have it for the trip just in case he misses his connection in Denver or something so that he could get transportation. Also, the Drivers License - he needs that for ID obviously for the plane - will they take that and the CC and secure them for him on I Day? Or will he keep them in his wallet with the cash and lock it up in the drawer? What about when they're out at Jacks?
The items you mentioned will be the cadet's responsibility. They will have their own, lockable drawer in their room. They will leave those items locked in their drawer when they go to Jack's Valley (as there is no use for any of it in Jack's).
Our son took his passport, his wallet that had his driver's license, his debit card for his checking account at home, cash, and a credit card he carrys of ours. He just locked it up in his drawer when he did not need it.
The only thing he took with him in a drawstring small backpack when he left for IP day was a change of clothes, travel-size toiletries, a new pair of unopened contacts so that he would have them after basic, and the preaddressed and stamped envelopes and writing paper I had sent with him to write home. Plus all the USAFA required forms. I can't think of anythng else he took. He also took his own glasses which came in handy for Acceptance Day as he had an eye infection from Jack's Valley and could not wear his contracts.
They issued him BCG glasses but he hated them and doesn't need alot of correction and figured out they didn't make him wear them so he just quit wearing them.
Oh, and he took his cell phone and charger. He had it for DDI and Acceptance Day so that worked out well. He could also use it to text us what squadron he was assigned to, and his squadron lanyard color to help assist us in finding him in the WebGuy photos.
Our son took his passport, his wallet that had his driver's license, his debit card for his checking account at home, cash, and a credit card he carrys of ours. He just locked it up in his drawer when he did not need it.
The only thing he took with him in a drawstring small backpack when he left for IP day was a change of clothes, travel-size toiletries, a new pair of unopened contacts so that he would have them after basic, and the preaddressed and stamped envelopes and writing paper I had sent with him to write home. Plus all the USAFA required forms. I can't think of anythng else he took. He also took his own glasses which came in handy for Acceptance Day as he had an eye infection from Jack's Valley and could not wear his contracts.
They issued him BCG glasses but he hated them and doesn't need alot of correction and figured out they didn't make him wear them so he just quit wearing them.
Oh, and he took his cell phone and charger. He had it for DDI and Acceptance Day so that worked out well. He could also use it to text us what squadron he was assigned to, and his squadron lanyard color to help assist us in finding him in the WebGuy photos.
bsa07eagle
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Should we bring a change of (civilian) clothes? When would we get the chance to wear them?
Later,
Brian
Later,
Brian
Christcorp
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Other than the clothes on your back, and that's only for the day you get there, I can't imagine any time you'd be allowed to wear civilian clothes your first year except when home at thanksgiving and christmas. And of course after March when recognition day comes about. But while on the yard, and even if you go downtown after BCT to hit walmart, you'll be wearing your uniform. And being you live in the Colorado Springs area, I wouldn't bring anything extra. Your parents can bring you anything you need after BCT is over; parent's weekend.
Yo Brian, for what it's worth, I'm really proud of you. You done did good. Have a great last couple days. Breath in...... Breath out....... Breath in........ Breath out. I'll see you on labor day. Don't forget to come to Thudgate. Take care brother. Mike....
Yo Brian, for what it's worth, I'm really proud of you. You done did good. Have a great last couple days. Breath in...... Breath out....... Breath in........ Breath out. I'll see you on labor day. Don't forget to come to Thudgate. Take care brother. Mike....
