Random Questions from newbie parent

T

TRdeeter

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Joined
Mar 23, 2015
Messages
31
1. Why is it impossible to find all white boxer briefs that don't look like a diaper?
2. What is the best thing to use to write the cadet number inside of the shirts/underwear? Seems a sharpie would wash out eventually.
3. What is the best way to carry all required items when arriving? Backpack? small suitcase? If all they need is paperwork, shirts and underwear?
4. Is it true that people try and sneak small treats inside letters during BCT? i.e. gum, beef jerky, etc. If so, what is penalty if caught?
5. If DS has a debit card, will he be allowed to use it, or do I need to get him a credit card?
6. Is there any way to request sponsor family that has children & pets? My DS will miss these things the most.
 
1. Sir, I do not know! :)
2. Laundry markers are readily available at such fine establishments as Wally world. If you're truly old school perhaps embroidery?
3. We are going with backpack, however, a more recent perspective might have more insight. I have seen several exhortations to avoid the wheeled luggage. Most importantly--DO NOT BE BOX BOY!!!!!!!!!!
4. Yes and 99% get caught. Two points of view--first, avoid it not worth the grief. Second, it's just sooo funny. Depending on the cadre mail call can be a ton of fun. Perfumed letter from mom will cause untold grief and pushups and likely some of the most cherished memories from basic. Seriously, keep it to harmless items should you decide to stimulate the cadre. No pocket knives drugs porn etc. Keep it to perfume candy and other fun type things.
5. Debit cards should be fine. Do bring some cash according to the literature I've seen. This is addressed in the appointee paperwork.
6. Sir, I do not know!

Grats and best of luck. Try not to worry toooo much about DS. They've been doing this for awhile and I'm confident he'll survive and more :)
 
1. Don't worry about the color, any solid color should work (as long as it's not highlighter yellow. . .)
2. Sharpie should be fine
3. Backpack
4. Don't bring treats/snacks
5. Debit cards are accepted
6. Not sure on this one
 
1. Found some in JC Penny or Sears last year that didn't look like diapers (don't recall the brand name)
2. Sharpie makes a laundry marker (Rub-a-dub is the name I think). I have seen this in K-Mart, Walmart, Staples etc.
3. The list last year said a black back pack, so that is what mine packed his items in. If you wan't to make a statement, go with the hello kitty, smiley face or pokemon one ;) If your son really wants special attention, a pink or turquoise roller suitcase would definitely stand out.
4. If your son can see the humor in being singled out for special beatings for "violations of mail protocol", go for it. Most items are caught/noticed by the cadre.
5. Debit cards are accepted in the C-store last I heard. But bring the cash specified in the to pack list.
6. When mine filled out the sponsor questionnaire on his portal last year, there was a whole list of questions regarding his preferences. I think there was an area provided where he could write anything else that came to mind. They do try and match the cadet based upon the cadet's listed preferences.

Edited for this note: For Doolie Day out, they will visit a sponsor family, but it may not be the one they are assigned for the academic hear. Mine was with one family for Doolie Day out and was assigned his permanent one after BCT was over.
 
Btw about mailing candy or beef jerky to your basic, you are not providing them with a treat they might be missing. They will not be allowed to keep it the vast majority of the time. You are expressing your love to them and allowing the cadre to put the exclamation point on that expression :) Unless there is something else in play they and their compatriots will do some pushups and receive instruction on following directions outlined to them. They will not be harmed in their progression through basic. Depending on your DS personality this extra personal attn might best be avoided.
 
For question 6, when filling out paperwork for I-Day (2019), we had to put preferences for sponsor families. I remember that you could request no dogs, cats, children, etc. I do not, however, remember being able to specifically request them


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We ordered white compression shorts on-line - way better than boxer briefs and DS was very glad to have them during BCT.
 
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