Discretionary Money - $275

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mack7

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Jun 9, 2016
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Where I should put the discretionary money that the appointee handbook says to bring? With my luggage or do I carry it on my person? I've heard that some cadre take away wallets or they put the bags into storage and we will not have access to them. Can someone clarify, please?
Also, are we allowed to use debit cards instead of cash?
 
If you don't have actual cash on you...you will pay for items and it will come out of your pay. It's called "magic money" and it will be deducted out of your regular pay like your computer and other items will be.
 
fightingfalcon2020 said:
If you don't have actual cash on you...you will pay for items and it will come out of your pay. It's called "magic money" and it will be deducted out of your regular pay like your computer and other items will be.
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Unless there has been a change that has been annotated in your instructions packet, this is not the case in the Cadet Store. You will need money (whether that be cash or card) to purchase things like ironing boards, cleaning supplies, etc.
 
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Agree would also like to know if they take the birth certificate and or passport? Or do they return it?
 
Cadre will not be taking wallets, your birth certificate, or your passport. These are things you should hold on to until you can lock them in your lock drawer. Good luck during BCT!
 
Can a Basic to be bring a prepaid debit card instead of cash or would the stores Basics have access to not be able to use a prepaid debit card or even a regular debit card.
 
haleym said:
Unless there has been a change that has been annotated in your instructions packet, this is not the case in the Cadet Store. You will need money (whether that be cash or card) to purchase things like ironing boards, cleaning supplies, etc.
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I'm curious to know why the "Checklist" doesn't list money to bring as an item in your wallet. And also, how much money should we bring?
 
All... I'm trying to be helpful, but it is time to start being resourceful. There are only a few days left until basic, and this concept is going to be very important in BCT. A lot of this info can be found directly in your appointee handbook or has been mentioned already. Control F is your friend with this document when you think of questions. I am happy to help you all with questions about the types of things your cadre will take and related topics, but unfortunately I do not have your handbook, so I don't have the most updated info on some of the instructions.
 
I believe this is a place for questions. Feel free to not respond to those of us who need a bit of last minute help. I am a parent so I consider this still my job to understand what's needed before my cadet leaves home.

From the Frequently Asked Questions/for Cadets and Parents

Discretionary Money: approx $275 plus anticipated travel funds. This is to buy misc items needed until pay day. AAFES Cadet store takes credit card. Most Debit Cards can be processed as credit. Hope that helps.
 
I'm pretty sure they will need cash for when they go to the rodeo, if they want to get food to eat.
They will not have access to ATM or computers to reload prepaid debit cards.
 
Hey all - this really isn't hard -- honest!
Bring cash (it was recommended in the handbook). You will be able to put your money into a locked chest once you get your room assignment. In the mean time, you will be carrying everything with you. No one will take your money, nor will they take your id, other than to check it.

Honestly, can you imagine the cadre taking everyone's wallets & ids? What would they do with them -- carry them around all day? Yeah, I wouldn't want them to be grumpier. :rolleyes:

Ok - now ... take a deep breath and relax. You all have plenty of time to stress once you're actually *in* BCT (even the parents).

For now, realize you're dealing with real, live people who understand what you're going through and went through the same thing 2 or 3 years ago.
 
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