YOU GET THE PACKING LIST - NOW WHAT?
FIRST thing to note is your swab must carry this bag for several hours, up and down flights of stairs, all across the campus. All the while also carrying new items issued to them. Do them a favor, NO ROLLER SUITCASES. Think backpack duffle, or their old school backpack will work, if on the larger size. My swab used a 55L Patagonia duffle bag, and it was quite full.
SECOND: You will hear if it is not on the list, don’t pack it! That is basically true with a very few exceptions.
THIRD: Put everything in zip lock bags, like items together. They will have to dump there bags several times and this makes re-packing so much easier for them.
Let talk socks:
● The packing list will say 12 pairs of WHITE athletic socks.
○ Pack more socks then the list says - laundry is SLOW (like mail)
○ Believe me, get HIGH socks, those that almost go to their knees!
○ Yes, I am serious!
○ They need to carry their pen and the running lights book in these socks, while
they are running and working out, without the socks falling down.
○ Many opt for compression socks as they are taller. Brand doesn’t matter but
height and the ability to stay up DOES!
○ Cadre likes socks that LOOK MOTIVATED!
● Cough drops/throat lozenges - there is a lot of yelling - and swabs lose their voices even the first week
● Two extras white pillowcases - pink eye is a thing during swab summer - and having an extra pillow case between laundry days is a life saver
● Shoe insoles, two sets - they will be getting several new pairs of shoes and having these can make a huge difference
○ Blisters are definitely a possibility - send a small box of good blister bandages (Compeed are excellent!)
● Small bottle of pepto or antacids
Things to send in care packages: They can receive JUST ONE USPS MEDIUM PRIORITY SIZE BOX PER WEEK!
● Snacks - non perishable individually wrapped - meat sticks, protein bars, nuts, pretzels, goldfish, you get the idea. Think about being able to share with platoon mates as well
● Liquid IV or water additives - nothing with caffeine/stimulants
● More cough drops/throat lozenges
● More envelopes, stamps, stationery
● More blister bandaids
A few weeks before their time onboard the Eagle - CONSIDER adding to their care package:
● A waterproof phone case, the type with a strap they can attach to their body or wrist in some way. They will want to use their phone as a camera while on the rigging and they can’t be holding it in their hand or even in their pocket as it could fall out and hurt someone
● Inexpensive pair of polarized sunglasses with a strap
● You will hear about other items, but medication like dramamine is issued by medical staff; gloves, earplugs, and all safety gear are issued. Don’t over think this 1 week stint on the Eagle.
FIRST thing to note is your swab must carry this bag for several hours, up and down flights of stairs, all across the campus. All the while also carrying new items issued to them. Do them a favor, NO ROLLER SUITCASES. Think backpack duffle, or their old school backpack will work, if on the larger size. My swab used a 55L Patagonia duffle bag, and it was quite full.
SECOND: You will hear if it is not on the list, don’t pack it! That is basically true with a very few exceptions.
THIRD: Put everything in zip lock bags, like items together. They will have to dump there bags several times and this makes re-packing so much easier for them.
Let talk socks:
● The packing list will say 12 pairs of WHITE athletic socks.
○ Pack more socks then the list says - laundry is SLOW (like mail)
○ Believe me, get HIGH socks, those that almost go to their knees!
○ Yes, I am serious!
○ They need to carry their pen and the running lights book in these socks, while
they are running and working out, without the socks falling down.
○ Many opt for compression socks as they are taller. Brand doesn’t matter but
height and the ability to stay up DOES!
○ Cadre likes socks that LOOK MOTIVATED!
● Cough drops/throat lozenges - there is a lot of yelling - and swabs lose their voices even the first week
● Two extras white pillowcases - pink eye is a thing during swab summer - and having an extra pillow case between laundry days is a life saver
● Shoe insoles, two sets - they will be getting several new pairs of shoes and having these can make a huge difference
○ Blisters are definitely a possibility - send a small box of good blister bandages (Compeed are excellent!)
● Small bottle of pepto or antacids
Things to send in care packages: They can receive JUST ONE USPS MEDIUM PRIORITY SIZE BOX PER WEEK!
● Snacks - non perishable individually wrapped - meat sticks, protein bars, nuts, pretzels, goldfish, you get the idea. Think about being able to share with platoon mates as well
● Liquid IV or water additives - nothing with caffeine/stimulants
● More cough drops/throat lozenges
● More envelopes, stamps, stationery
● More blister bandaids
A few weeks before their time onboard the Eagle - CONSIDER adding to their care package:
● A waterproof phone case, the type with a strap they can attach to their body or wrist in some way. They will want to use their phone as a camera while on the rigging and they can’t be holding it in their hand or even in their pocket as it could fall out and hurt someone
● Inexpensive pair of polarized sunglasses with a strap
● You will hear about other items, but medication like dramamine is issued by medical staff; gloves, earplugs, and all safety gear are issued. Don’t over think this 1 week stint on the Eagle.
