Starting to get Beast Supplies

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lokichaos

5-Year Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2011
Messages
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4/5 months until Beast!!! Aside from getting physically ready, :muscles2:, its also not to early to start getting Beast supplies!! Aside from getting your boots and low quarters early, what else should we be bringing?:scratch: I understand that there are other threads with Beast supplies, but I think we should make a general list here for quick reference….Administrators maybe make a sticky of some kind at some point?? Lets get started on making this list then.

Leatherman tool (Mail ahead of time)
Compression shorts (if they allow you to wear them)
Wrist watch
Alarm clock (Don't wanna be late for formation now do we)
Headlamp w/red light option if possible
Address book
Postage stamps (preferably the forever stamps)
Sharpie (for marking stuff with your initial)
Disposable lighter
Chapstick(s)
Lengths of 550 parachute cord
Band aids, blister pads, moleskin, anti-friction gel (Anything else that will help/ prevent chaffing and blisters)
Gold Bond foot powder(From what I've hear a must have)
Extra all-white crew socks
Hygiene products - toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner combo (Girls bring your "monthly" hygiene products)
Baby wipes(heard they are good for when you are in the field)
Extra boot socks
Black socks for low quarters
Thin, wicking sock liners for wear under dress socks and/or boot socks
Running shoes (break those babies in)
Boots
low-quarter service shoes
Pencils/Pens (think they issue them to you, but if you really want to)
Sports Equipment for Corps Squad screening(Or if your a recruited athlete)
Travel receipts (Reimbursement ect.)
Paperwork (Dental x-rays, immunization forms, bank form, etc.)
Social security card (heard people say to bring a good copy of it)
Driver's license
Cash (less than $100)

Above all packed in 1 or 2 gallon ziploc bags for easy transportation between bags.

……so thats the list so far...:yikes:

Feel free to add, especially those of you who have gone through it before!! :w00t: I'm already starting to get items here and there, some as graduation gifts and some from the holidays, got a leatherman MUT EOD from my bro for xmass :biggrin:
 
It looks good. Some of them you don't really need, but are useful. Don't forget, you have to carry all of that stuff around on R-day. So the more you bring, the heavier your flight bag is going to be. Also, you only have 60-90 seconds to transfer stuff from your civilian bag to your flight bag. And the flight bag is already going to get heavy just from the stuff you get issued on R-day. You can't have an alarm clock and the head lamp is not needed. That's why they give you a flashlight.
 
lokichaos said:
4/5 months until Beast!!! Aside from getting physically ready, :muscles2:, its also not to early to start getting Beast supplies!! Aside from getting your boots and low quarters early, what else should we be bringing?:scratch: I understand that there are other threads with Beast supplies, but I think we should make a general list here for quick reference….Administrators maybe make a sticky of some kind at some point?? Lets get started on making this list then.

Leatherman tool (Mail ahead of time)
Compression shorts (if they allow you to wear them)
Wrist watch
Alarm clock (Don't wanna be late for formation now do we)
Headlamp w/red light option if possible
Address book
Postage stamps (preferably the forever stamps)
Sharpie (for marking stuff with your initial)
Disposable lighter
Chapstick(s)
Lengths of 550 parachute cord
Band aids, blister pads, moleskin, anti-friction gel (Anything else that will help/ prevent chaffing and blisters)
Gold Bond foot powder(From what I've hear a must have)
Extra all-white crew socks
Hygiene products - toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner combo (Girls bring your "monthly" hygiene products)
Baby wipes(heard they are good for when you are in the field)
Extra boot socks
Black socks for low quarters
Thin, wicking sock liners for wear under dress socks and/or boot socks
Running shoes (break those babies in)
Boots
low-quarter service shoes
Pencils/Pens (think they issue them to you, but if you really want to)
Sports Equipment for Corps Squad screening(Or if your a recruited athlete)
Travel receipts (Reimbursement ect.)
Paperwork (Dental x-rays, immunization forms, bank form, etc.)
Social security card (heard people say to bring a good copy of it)
Driver's license
Cash (less than $100)

Above all packed in 1 or 2 gallon ziploc bags for easy transportation between bags.

……so thats the list so far...:yikes:

Feel free to add, especially those of you who have gone through it before!! :w00t: I'm already starting to get items here and there, some as graduation gifts and some from the holidays, got a leatherman MUT EOD from my bro for xmass :biggrin:
Click to expand...

This list has just about everything a new cadet could want or need, but as stated above, R-Day will be very difficult for the nc with everything on the list. I saw new cadets with suitcases AND backpacks, trying to lug everything off the bus while being yelled at for holding up everyone else. The green flight bag will be overstuffed with issue items to begin with, and it will be HEAVY. Cannot stress this enough. I was leaning forward about a foot and a half just to be able to stand up, and I stood in line for hours with the bag on my back.

On R-day nc's are issued a TON of clothing (underwear, socks, shirts, etc.) regardless of what they bring with them. Not to mention, there will be weekly opportunities to visit the cadet store and purchase extra supplies (except food of course). Compression shorts are a must, as well as a black sharpie (it is very easy to take another's uniform items, or have your own taken; either way someone gets in trouble).

There are almost daily chances to get mail (squad dependent), but many people received packages with supplies throughout Beast (the cadre just have to check them first). In short, if it is a necessity, bring it to R-Day. If not, IMO it is best to mail it. What you do take on R-Day, put in plastic bags (makes for easy and stress-free transfer when you have 90 seconds to switch to flight bag).
 
I'm not going to lie, I'll probably bring one medium bag with only necessities. A G-Shock watch with an alarm will be good enough to wake up for formation (+ your battle buddies making sure you're up). Basic medical supplies (chapstick, mole skin, etc) are a good idea though. Just remember, you want to make the transition as smoothly as possible, overloading your luggage will magnify the frustration throughout R-Day hah.
 
Necessities I would recommend:

All black spandex
550 cord
100 mile tape
Leatherman
Underwear and extra sports bras (cannot stress both of these enough if you are a girl, they only issued us 3 sports bras and the issued underwear...well you'll want to get your own as soon as you can)
Watch
Running shoes
Basic hygene kit
Important documents

I also brought a Bible and a collage of photos which were nice reminders to have, but obviously that's preference of the individual. All of my stuff fit in 2 zip lock bags so it was easy to transfer out and put my boots in the flight bag as well.


Recommended items that you'll definitly want, but you can wait to get at the C-store
Moleskin
Any kind of extra socks
Foot powder
Baby wipes
Basic cleaning supplies
Lighter

You'll go often enough that getting them there will save you a lot of hassle that you won't have to carry this stuff on R-day. The less stuff you have to worry about, the easier it will be on you in the long run to organize all the stuff you are issued and see what you actually need. You won't need as much as you really think you do now, and your buddies and you will share to make up for what each other is lacking.
 
Sawndog said:
Just remember, you want to make the transition as smoothly as possible, overloading your luggage will magnify the frustration throughout R-Day hah.
Click to expand...

You can carry everything on the recommended lists plus forum recommendations and still be in a 12x12x24'ish gym bag. Not a duffle. Biggest things are your boots. Shoulder strap and you can sling it onto your back if you need both hands.

You wear your broken in low quarters. Pack everything in zip-locks. small stuff can go in your boots in a ziplock. It will all fit. If it does not, then reexamine your list. Critical papers in a folder or gallon zip lock packed on top.

Not only do you not want to have to haul the extra stuff around, but you will be getting grief while transfering. Less to transfer/inspect is good. More is bad, and attracts the wrong type of attention.

Things DS asked for in his 2nd letter:
- Face soap (anti-acne), even kids past acne issues had acne issues
- small Pocket knife (loved his leatherman, but could not carry it at times)

One other thing: Don't do expensive pens, etc. They get passed around, and in the heat of action often do not get returned.

The only other thing that DS wished he had brought was a spare M4 firing pin. :smile: (not really) He ended quite proficient at field stripping the M4, but one time he dropped the firing pin, and could not find it anywhere. Spent 45 minutes searching and getting yelled at, putting the squad at risk. (they were getting smoked while he searched). Finally found it caught in his waist or belt. Not his best day!
 
lokichaos said:
Ok then I'll be taking the alarm clock and head lamp of the list. Save my parents some money haha.
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You'll need an alarm, just can't have an alarm clock. Hard to beat a G-shock watch. There is a specific model that the RA folks & past cadets recommend, I'll try to post a link. (had to do with how the timers worked or something)

You'll need it especially in the field sections.
 
hawk said:
You'll need an alarm, just can't have an alarm clock. Hard to beat a G-shock watch. There is a specific model that the RA folks & past cadets recommend, I'll try to post a link. (had to do with how the timers worked or something)

You'll need it especially in the field sections.
Click to expand...

Alright, thanks a lot hawk!! I currently own a G-shock, but its a bit beat up after four years. :smile: the buttons aren't pressing in anymore.
 
hawk said:
Things DS asked for in his 2nd letter:
- Face soap (anti-acne), even kids past acne issues had acne issues
- small Pocket knife (loved his leatherman, but could not carry it at times)
Click to expand...

My leatherman is is a leatherman skeletool cx. Small enough to carry in my pocket whenever I needed it but not as bulky as a lot of the larger ones. I can't tell you how helpful a good knife is lol
 
Shower shoes, Ranger panties, and a light coat of CLP are all you need to report in. The rest is extraneous...
 
Maybe I don't remember it too well (it has been awhile), but I don't remember people bringing much of anything other than the clothes on their back (and some low quarters on their feet). I am surprised by the long list of creature comforts.
 
billyb said:
Maybe I don't remember it too well (it has been awhile), but I don't remember people bringing much of anything other than the clothes on their back (and some low quarters on their feet). I am surprised by the long list of creature comforts.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the age of the coddled child. We had black leather GI boots and green wool socks. Somehow, we survived.
 
TO ALL NEW CADETS IN THE CLASS OF 2016 AND THEIR PARENTS!
My son (Class of 2015, Company I-3) and I spent MANY hours and many dollars researching and buying every item that apperared on any list.
My son said you should only get the things on the list provided by WP. He said WP issued almost everything you need and the other things were easy to procure at WP.
My advice - RELAX - get the things WP suggests and be done with this glorious quest.
The important thing is to get a pair of the recommended boots and shoes - that fit perfectly - and break them in before R-Day.
 
so that list has a good amount of useful items. but at the same time, if beast is anything even remotely similar to what Basic was like for me, you'll need your watch, paperwork, some stamps, some paper, a couple cheap pens, and a sharpie.

i'd be surprised if west point didnt publish a list of things that are needed to bring with you to beast, as well as a list of stuff you're not allowed to have.

there, gleaning from what the current cadets have said this far, will be a shoppette close by to where you are, and more than enough opportunity to purcahse the necessities. remember you're in the army. not going to college yet. thats after beast. go talk to the local army recruiter, tell him you're in west point, and ask what he reccomends to the soldiers he ships out to basic.

me. i'm probably just bringing the clothes on my back, my debit card, and the stuff i listed above. plus the boots/low q's. of course if a list gets published by WP, i'll bring that stuff too though. but i see no need to make life more difficult that it has to be.
 
Yeah, this isnt ranger school or anything like that...you can get rid of your alarm clock, flash light, stamps, sharpies, pen/pencils, address book, and 550 cord. You probably wont need extra underwear either but extra socks are useful. First aid stuff (moleskin saved my life) is provided by the medics but its always handy to have them on you. Breaking into those boots and getting in shape were the most important from my experience! I remember overpreparing for beast...its really not that big of a deal and its only scary and awful if you let it be like that. Think of the cadre as a bunch of college kids pissed off about having to stay an extra three weeks at West Point instead of going home...you'll see them goof off. Dont do anything stupid, stay under the radar, and just have fun. You'll make some great friends. And dont memorize any knowledge before you go either :rolleyes:
 
I purchased my boots and low quarters. I got both the bates and the Belleville. Would it make sense to bring both boots on r-day or to save a pair for the school year.
 
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