Duffle Bag or Backpack on I-Day?
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Christcorp
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The question is WHY?
All you need, is the clothes on your back; an extra pair of underwear and socks; a copy of all of the paperwork you've done through the process required and even if it isn't required; and don't forget your immunization records. Other than that, just what can fit in your pockets like your wallet, and some toiletries.
If you're a girl, you'll need more. But assuming you're a guy, you don't need a duffle bag. At the very most, take a back pack. The kind you'd have in school. Plus, something you can strap to your back will make life much easier those first few hours once you get off the bus. After the first day; you won't even see your civilian clothes until you go home at Thanksgiving. Than again at Christmas. You really don't need a duffle bag.
All you need, is the clothes on your back; an extra pair of underwear and socks; a copy of all of the paperwork you've done through the process required and even if it isn't required; and don't forget your immunization records. Other than that, just what can fit in your pockets like your wallet, and some toiletries.
If you're a girl, you'll need more. But assuming you're a guy, you don't need a duffle bag. At the very most, take a back pack. The kind you'd have in school. Plus, something you can strap to your back will make life much easier those first few hours once you get off the bus. After the first day; you won't even see your civilian clothes until you go home at Thanksgiving. Than again at Christmas. You really don't need a duffle bag.
jag3
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as Christcorp states above, don't waste your time with it.
Our kid took his blue bookbag that he had used in high school. He took the clothing that the packet stated to take and nothing above and beyond what the packet stated except he substituted under armour compression shorts in lieu of underwear.
He was issued a black bookbag/backpack thing.
I made him up some plain white envelopes with postage affixed to each. I also folded a sheet or two of paper and inserted them into each envelope for him. That was probably the only reason he wrote during bct. lol
He wore one of his white t shirts and his boots to I-day.
Don't be "box boy"
Our kid took his blue bookbag that he had used in high school. He took the clothing that the packet stated to take and nothing above and beyond what the packet stated except he substituted under armour compression shorts in lieu of underwear.
He was issued a black bookbag/backpack thing.
I made him up some plain white envelopes with postage affixed to each. I also folded a sheet or two of paper and inserted them into each envelope for him. That was probably the only reason he wrote during bct. lol
He wore one of his white t shirts and his boots to I-day.
Don't be "box boy"
Daretodream
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Last year we packed everything our DS needed in his backpack. I would suggest bringing cleats and running shoes for intramurals. We ended up mailing a pair to our DS after a request. Our DS was very non-descript in his dress and actually had the haircut done before he left so footprints went smoothly for him and he didn't have to get the initial haircut.
Snoopy
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Search youtube for USAFA Inprocessing day videos and see what to bring so as to get extra love from the cadre (the ones in sunglasses and white gloves). Suitcases, carry-on luggage, boxes, etc, have to be held off the ground and usually end up on top of the basic's head while they stand at attention.
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Ultimately it is one day and you'll get through it just fine if you wear a Hawaiian shirt or sport an afro or have a duffel bag instead of a backpack.
One guy showed up with a mustache and a "talk to me, Goose" shirt. Obviously he got some extra attention, but he was also instantly famous (not infamous) across the cadet wing.
One guy showed up with a mustache and a "talk to me, Goose" shirt. Obviously he got some extra attention, but he was also instantly famous (not infamous) across the cadet wing.
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Exactly. Give yourself a good story to tell. Pack everything in a cardboard box and haul it around!
by_co21
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Sounds like he got an earful!!!
by_co21
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I guess. Only one I-Day right?
Christcorp
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This can be funny or sarcastic; depending on how you read it.
Quite a few years ago, I was helping an individual get into the academy. (Around 2002). (He told me this story when he came home for christmas). He took basically a packing box; "Pretty good size"; and a back pack to BCT. When he was trying to carry it all off the bus in the cadet area, a couple of the Cadre (Upper classmen in charge of BCT) started getting on his case. Why did you bring so much? Didn't you read the instructions? How are you going to carry all that stuff? etc. They laid into him pretty good.
One of them finally asked him: "Why didn't you just leave all that stuff at home with your parents and bring what you were suppose to"?
His reply was: "My parents died when I was 7. I don't have any other family. I grew up in an orphanage. This is everything I own. I didn't know what to do".
The 2 cadre felt so bad, they helped him take the box to a holding area (Where everything goes after you process in). From that point on, they were super nice to him.
Fast forward about 3 weeks; right before Phase 2 of BCT. He confronts the 2 cadres and confesses: "My parents aren't dead. I just didn't know how to answer you without admitting I "Really Screwed Up". The 2 cadre started laughing and said he definitely knew how to "Adapt". They didn't hold it against him.
Caveat: I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE TRYING THIS.
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Clothes, toothbrush, and a plastic bag with your required documents. NOTHING ELSE.
tex2021
Proud parent of USAFA C/O 2021
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@Daretodream What type of cleats (I.e. track cleats ?) and why would they be useful ?
Tex2021-this year's Instructions to Appointees, page 11 says " You are also encouraged to bring molded cleats with you to the Academy. Many Intramural activities are played outdoors and the use of molded cleats will allow you to maintain your footing. Only molded cleats are authorized. Do not bring screw-in, metal or single toe cleats as they pose safety hazards to other participants."
I do not think track or xc spikes (cleats) fit this parameter as they almost always have metal spikes that you screw-in to the bottom of the shoe. I think USAFA is encouraging more baseball or soccer type cleats.
tex2021
Proud parent of USAFA C/O 2021
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thank you.
