Packing for SLS

[thefish3]

I started backing for SLS and now I'm getting nervous that I won't be prepared. Can anyone answer my following questions on what to pack from experience?

"2-3 pairs of shoes" - are tennis shoes fine or should we bring a pair of dress shoes to wear to class?

Will we need to bring extra clothes to wear during down time?
(It says "collared shirts" are appropriate when the class or PT uniform is not worn.)

Any other tips or guidelines for packing would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all and good luck!

 

[BeatNavy]

If I remember correctly most people wore tennis shoes to class, but It might be worth it to bring a pair of top siders or something to wear to class (that's just what I did). I think loafers or tie up dress shoes would be way overkill. Maybe a mom or two with a kid at session one could chime in with what their kids brought or what their kid may have told them what most people did via a phone call.

 

[hawk]

DS took two pairs of decent looking running shoes. OK for class, and he had a backup for PT if needed.

Based on what he's reported back so far it's khaki shorts & the issued Polo's unless at PT or in the dorm.

This year they apparently received two Polo's (Black with gold stripes), two workout underarmor type shirts, and a hoodie.

He wore khaki shorts & a solid colored T on the flight up there, but a polo would have done as well. The other kids in the airport did about the same.

Certainly would not worry with dress shoes. Nor pant's/shirts that need ironing, etc. Did bring jeans/long sleeve shirt for "Military Training" per the packing list.

Did not bring a jacket/hoodie since they knew one would be issued.

I'll ask if he calls tonight if there are any suggestions to do differently.

Would heavily recommend being able to do carry on, as many flights were disrupted/rescheduled Sat for session one. Some of the kids had to overnight in the airport without luggage as they had checked their bag but the flight canceled. Which means liquid toiletries in a zip-lock, less than 3 oz, etc.

 

[BeatNavy]

Remember a belt You will always need to have your shirt tucked in and don't put your hands in your pockets

 

[scoutpilot]

Hot damn, they give out a lot of free stuff. 11 years ago (damn...it's been awhile) the summer program was called the Invitational Academic Workshop. IAW persisted as long as I was a cadet. Anyhow, there was nothing issued at that thing except bed linens.

Good luck with the SLS thing. Don't worry too much. And you can put your hands in your pockets. You're not in the Army. Hell, I put them in there all the time, but that's more of a cultural issue

 

[USMAFTW]

I'm packing for SLS as well and i was wondering why we are bringing jeans for military training? i would much rather wear something more comfortable if the "military" training is somewhat strenuous which it probably isn't.

 

[BeatNavy]

And you can put your hands in your pockets.

My bad.
I remember there was one squad leader in my platoon who was always on everybody about it and I got corrected several times. He would see someone across the area doing it and go tell them to quit.

And regarding the Jeans thing, Second session last year had to do most stuff inside on military day due to weather but its probably because you would do some low crawling or something of the like.

 

[scoutpilot]

I remember there was one squad leader in my platoon who was always on everybody about it and I got corrected several times. He would see someone across the area doing it and go tell them to quit.

Take that as a great lesson on the way some people react to having been granted power.

 

[sturner11]

I'm packing for SLS as well and i was wondering why we are bringing jeans for military training? i would much rather wear something more comfortable if the "military" training is somewhat strenuous which it probably isn't.

From the pictures of Session I that are on West Point's website, they will have us running through an obstacle course on the day we have to wear jeans. I don't know why we have to wear them, but I'm sure there's a reason.

 

[armybratkl]

I went to the first session last year. I brought my running shoes and a pair of comfortable shoes that went well with khakis.

I brought far too many shirts, not knowing that we'd be wearing the issued shirts all the time. You may want to wear an undershirt with the polo for the classes you go to, but I was fine without them. The polos and shirts are (or at least they were last year) underarmour, so after wearing them one day, I'd bring them into the shower and wash them with body wash, wring them out, and then hang them to dry in your room. You won't be allowed to wear your own personal shirts other than at night -- it makes you easily recognizable to the cadre.

The jeans are used for your military training day. You'll do things like close combat in a sawdust ring, go on an obstacle course with your "rifle," and go through multiple other obstacle courses (I think they call them leadership training or something). Make sure they fit well! Mine were too loose on me and I didn't have a belt, so it was a pain in the butt, especially when in the sawdust pit, where you'll do a lot of running and other aerobic exercises.

Feel free to shoot me any more questions you may have!