Silly Cadet Basic gear question

[MidwestDad]

With cell phones few wear watches any more; is this something that would be useful or prohibited for Beast Barracks? I know from Boy Scout years that there are some field courses that need them but DS doesn't own one.

Is this addressed on the standard 'bring / don't bring' list or not?

 

[AROTC-dad]

Here is a thread that may be helpful.

https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/recommended-watch.19857/

 

[Casey]

She should bring a watch. As an officer, she'll be expected to wear one just like officers are expected to always have pen and paper on you. Its just part of the professionalism of the culture she'll learn.

 

[Capt MJ]

And there are many places in the military where you park your devices in a drop area before entering certain workspaces...doing the obstacle course trying to hold or carry a phone is a bit challenging...

Browse the watch threads. G-Shock tend to be a favorite, or a sport Timex with some basic water resistance and rubber or web mesh band.

 

[MidwestDad]

Thanks - watches are a no-no for USAFA BCT so we'll wait and see !! Watch sounds like a good idea regardless after basic for any academy.

 

[Capri120]

Actually, for USAFA BCT, watches were allowed for the 2020 class, depending on the squadron.

 

[MidwestDad]

OK we'll see what's on the official list this year then !! Thanks again.

 

[Capri120]

I don't think a watch was listed on the official list; word of mouth (social media) indicated watches might be allowed. So, DD wore hers and was allowed to keep and wear it, with some restrictions.

 

[brovol]

My son got a G-shock before Beast last year, and didn't take it off until the middle of last semester. He loves it still, and always has it on. He would recommend new Cadets getting a durable watch with an alarm.

I am surprised that USAFA had a rule against watches. Wonder why?

 

[LongHorn21]

My son got a G-shock before Beast last year, and didn't take it off until the middle of last semester. He loves it still, and always has it on. He would recommend new Cadets getting a durable watch with an alarm.

I am surprised that USAFA had a rule against watches. Wonder why?

Do you know the model of the G Shock?

 

[brovol]

Do you know the model of the G Shock?

No I don't. Sorry.

 

[LongHorn21]

No I don't. Sorry.

No worries, thanks anyway!

 

[bookreader]

My son is a plebe at USMA and he went to CBT wearing a watch and rarely takes it off. I think he even wears it in the shower.
His watch has an alarm and is water proof. It was around $35. They sell a watch like this at the cadet store so your cadet can get one when he gets to WP. They don't need an expensive watch - just a functional watch. They will be very hard on the watch during CBT so it doesn't make sense to buy an expensive watch.

Side story. My son needed physical therapy and he ended up at a place near our home. He would be told to do a particular exercise for say 15 minutes and he'd use the timer on his watch. His therapist noted that all her 'army' patients always wore a watch and used it during PT to keep track of the time.

 

[wp0524]

https://www.amazon.com/Casio-G7900-...=UTF8&qid=1487736621&sr=8-30&keywords=g+shock

That is the watch I have. I've had it for almost a year with absolutely no issues. I use it for timing runs, workouts, etc., I wore it through SLE and NASS with no issues, and I rarely leave home without it. Casio makes other G-Shocks at a slightly lower price level (~ $40), just search "G shock" on Amazon and you'll see countless options. I would definitely recommend it.

 

[dawndemoss]

Before Beast my son never wore a watch, now he says he lives by it. We didn't get him anything fancy just solid black, water resistant, and durable. I think we got it at Wal-Mart.

 

[Full Metal Bulldog]

The Walmart brand Ozark Trail has $10 watches that look very similar to G-shocks and have similar capabilities. I have had one for years and I've never needed or wanted a different watch.