Current Plebe here to answer any questions!

One other key bit of advice I will add for those headed to R-Day…. We got my older son a nice military looking backpack for everything to report (all his “Beast” gear…) and then they gave him 30 sec. to empty all into his USMA issued bag - it was a big mistake for us to have something with lots of compartments that had to be unzipped and emptied individually… When his brother was headed to R-Day he told him to just bring a bag with one single compartment that everything could be dumped out of in the 30 seconds - that way he wouldn’t loose any gear like his brother did. Just a suggestion…
 
Also, people suggest using ziplocks and compression bags. Don't use very big ones as it may not fit into the USMA issued bag that you're required to use. My DS had to re-pack some because he said the issued bag already had some items inside and his ziplock was too big to fit.

As @MarTac mentioned, don't put things in the pockets of your own bag. Put everything in the main compartment.
 
What would you suggest in the ziplock? I am thinking like socks, underwear, and toiletries? Or are there other better options to bag up?
 
Arail5 said:
What would you suggest in the ziplock? I am thinking like socks, underwear, and toiletries? Or are there other better options to bag up?
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Those are great things to put in the ziplock!

Also, I found out that the combat boots can hold quite a few things in there too. 550 cord, shoe-shining material, Q-tips, Hair ties, a Gerber, etc. When I reported in, I put my swimsuit, undergarments, and socks in the ziplock bags because you have a limited time to put everything from your civvie bag to your assault pack (the West Point issued one).
 
MarTac said:
One other key bit of advice I will add for those headed to R-Day…. We got my older son a nice military looking backpack for everything to report (all his “Beast” gear…) and then they gave him 30 sec. to empty all into his USMA issued bag - it was a big mistake for us to have something with lots of compartments that had to be unzipped and emptied individually… When his brother was headed to R-Day he told him to just bring a bag with one single compartment that everything could be dumped out of in the 30 seconds - that way he wouldn’t loose any gear like his brother did. Just a suggestion…
Click to expand...
This is so helpful; thank you for the tip MarTac!
 
One other little known fact is that New Cadets can receive small packages with essential items. For my first USMA son, some of his favo underwear did not arrive in time to make it into his pack. We mailed it and he received it just fine. It could take a while to reach the New Cadet, with being in field, etc.. but it will eventually get to them.

The other tidbit of information was lots of clean underwear and socks! They just don’t get a great deal of time to shower or put on clean Clothes during Beast, so a quick change to clean underwear and a fresh pair of socks can be very motivating. Baby wipes…. Don’t skimp on the baby wipes! My first son ran out in the field and regretted it…
 
20kbrown04 said:
When you all get closer to R-day, they will send you a memorandum about it.

As long as they are in compliance with AR670-1, you will be all set!
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Hey there! I am looking to buy some boots for beast as soon as possible so I can start rucking. Is AR-670-1 compliance the *only* requirement the boots have to meet, or is there other standards specific to West Point to look out for? And do you have any recommendation for boots? I was planning on getting on a lighter-weight pair but I would love any and all advice.
 
newcadet2027 said:
Hey there! I am looking to buy some boots for beast as soon as possible so I can start rucking. Is AR-670-1 compliance the *only* requirement the boots have to meet, or is there other standards specific to West Point to look out for? And do you have any recommendation for boots? I was planning on getting on a lighter-weight pair but I would love any and all advice.
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I can't remember the exact measurements that West Point looks for, so AR670-1 is the best way to stay in standards. (A lot of boots are compliant with these standards).

My personal favorite is the Oakley's. They are lightweight, breathable, and feel almost like you're wearing sneakers. However, it takes a little while for them to dry if they get soaked.

A lot of cadets also like the Garmont's. They are a little heavier, but they hold up fairly well on rucks. Under Armour also makes some pretty comfortable combat boots.

If you get the chance to go to an AAFES or order some combat boots, make sure they fit well for you because you are going to walk... A LOT.
 
20kbrown04 said:
Those are great things to put in the ziplock!

Also, I found out that the combat boots can hold quite a few things in there too. 550 cord, shoe-shining material, Q-tips, Hair ties, a Gerber, etc. When I reported in, I put my swimsuit, undergarments, and socks in the ziplock bags because you have a limited time to put everything from your civvie bag to your assault pack (the West Point issued one).
Click to expand...
great ideas, thank you
 
AR670-1 is the Army standard, the boot memo from West Point just explained the main parts from it that pertain to the boots. As long as your boots are labeled AR670-1 compliant, you're good. My son wore "Garmont T8 Bifada w ortholite insoles" to Beast, heavier boots but he didn't get any blisters. After A-Day, I brought him the lighter "Garmont T8 Falcon" which he's still wearing right now. He said he also got standard issue boots, keeping it as a backup just in case, but so far unworn.

We bought from uspatriot.com, they also have actual stores inside some base exchanges. We also visited there so my son can try on different brands and styles. He said the boots he picked seemed like his running shoes in comfort and support but heavier. The heaviness he got used to and didn't notice afterwards. Pick whichever compliant boots fit well.

Base exchange locations, find one close to you and hours open. Call first to ask if they have your size before going.

Exchange | Military Discount - Tax Free Shopping

Shop the largest military government retailer online and in store for exclusive discounts. Tax-free. Free shipping and pick up at store available.
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If u don't have a military sponsor, you need the West Point boot memo which gives permission to buy shoes from base exchanges. Bring that and the WP appointment certificate (plus your ID) to the base gate pass issuer. You need to show it again to the cashier when you pay. You are permitted to buy black low quarters, boots, running shoes from the exchange.

All the best to the 2027 Cadet Candidates (CC)!
 
Candd82026 said:
AR670-1 is the Army standard, the boot memo from West Point just explained the main parts from it that pertain to the boots. As long as your boots are labeled AR670-1 compliant, you're good. My son wore "Garmont T8 Bifada w ortholite insoles" to Beast, heavier boots but he didn't get any blisters. After A-Day, I brought him the lighter "Garmont T8 Falcon" which he's still wearing right now. He said he also got standard issue boots, keeping it as a backup just in case, but so far unworn.

We bought from uspatriot.com, they also have actual stores inside some base exchanges. We also visited there so my son can try on different brands and styles. He said the boots he picked seemed like his running shoes in comfort and support but heavier. The heaviness he got used to and didn't notice afterwards. Pick whichever compliant boots fit well.

Base exchange locations, find one close to you and hours open. Call first to ask if they have your size before going.

Exchange | Military Discount - Tax Free Shopping

Shop the largest military government retailer online and in store for exclusive discounts. Tax-free. Free shipping and pick up at store available.
www.shopmyexchange.com www.shopmyexchange.com

If u don't have a military sponsor, you need the West Point boot memo which gives permission to buy shoes from base exchanges. Bring that and the WP appointment certificate (plus your ID) to the base gate pass issuer. You need to show it again to the cashier when you pay. You are permitted to buy black low quarters, boots, running shoes from the exchange.

All the best to the 2027 Cadet Candidates (CC)!
Click to expand...
Very helpful info, thank you so much!
 
Running shoes?
Are there guidlines about colors, brands, etc? Will they issue him a pair upon arrival? Should he have 2 pairs with him, already broken in?
Any guidance would be appreciated ;)
 
Jetbill said:
Running shoes?
Are there guidlines about colors, brands, etc? Will they issue him a pair upon arrival? Should he have 2 pairs with him, already broken in?
Any guidance would be appreciated ;)
Click to expand...
No guidelines for running shoes, but get him the brightest pair you can find. It'll help you spot your CC when you're combing through all of the pictures from Beast.
I'd recommend just one pair of broken in running shoes for Beast as you don't want to pack too much. Everything that's packed for R-Day has to be carried around and transferred to a duffel.
 
Mem2026 said:
No guidelines for running shoes, but get him the brightest pair you can find. It'll help you spot your CC when you're combing through all of the pictures from Beast.
I'd recommend just one pair of broken in running shoes for Beast as you don't want to pack too much. Everything that's packed for R-Day has to be carried around and transferred to a duffel.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info! There's not much chance he's gonna wear a pair that stands out even a bit 🤣
 
USMA2026Cadet said:
Just from an actual cadet, don't get bright running shoes, you'll just get made fun of for them. Also, no new cadet wants to be "that guy" in an environment where the purpose is to "blend in with the masses" (BEAST).
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I've said this in other threads before but I got piled on by people who said "My cadet had neon shoes and said that nobody zeroed in on him".
Having been an upperclassman and later a career officer, I know that uniformity allows someone to blend in, that's why we use camouflage. In my opinion, protecting oneself by blending in is more important than making it easier for parents to spot you in pictures.
 
OldRetSWO said:
I've said this in other threads before but I got piled on by people who said "My cadet had neon shoes and said that nobody zeroed in on him".
Having been an upperclassman and later a career officer, I know that uniformity allows someone to blend in, that's why we use camouflage. In my opinion, protecting oneself by blending in is more important than making it easier for parents to spot you in pictures.
Click to expand...
And, you don't need the neon shoes for your parents to find you. If they want to find photos of you, they will.
 
20kbrown04 said:
Those are great things to put in the ziplock!

Also, I found out that the combat boots can hold quite a few things in there too. 550 cord, shoe-shining material, Q-tips, Hair ties, a Gerber, etc. When I reported in, I put my swimsuit, undergarments, and socks in the ziplock bags because you have a limited time to put everything from your civvie bag to your assault pack (the West Point issued one).
Click to expand...
What color 550 cord do you recommend?
 
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