Stuff to bring

A

ashley1spear

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Feb 14, 2022
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I live in Florida, and won’t be able to come back for a good bit after I day. I was wondering how we get ahold of the clothes and other stuff that we need/brought after basic?
 
Any clothes will be issued to you. You cannot wear your civilian clothes until after recognition.

Other school supplies and some small organizing kinda stuff for your desk DD either purchased online or during Parent's weekend, picked up a few other items.

There is a not a ton of space to store things, especially with 3 people to a room.
 
Pretty sure the first leave that we get is for Thanksgiving, so that will probably be the only time except Doolie Day Out that we have off the campus.

It seems like all of us will probably be getting quite a few packages after I Day. The AOG Webguy program has some kind of delivery service that brings packages to your door. Not totally sure how that works, but I'm fairly confident that anything you need will get mailed.

Another thing though: clothes? Until Recognition in March you are required to wear uniforms at all times. The only exception is after arriving at your final destination for leave, which I'm assuming would be your home anyway. Even in the airport going home you have to wear the uniform. (Side note, I was informed that trying to change out of your uniform in the airport bathroom is not wise considering that essentially every cadet is in the same airport at the same time, so they will find you and make you suffer for it). Anyway, there will definitely be some things that you will want to have after BCT, but I don't think clothes are included on that list.
 
There is the C-store on campus. I'm not sure how big it is, but I would assume it has essentials like toiletries. If your parents can visit for parents weekend, they can bring things as well or ship if necessary. Other than maybe new underwear after BCT, you shouldn't need any clothes for awhile. I've heard Amazon will become your new best friend 😂
 
theGipper122 said:
Pretty sure the first leave that we get is for Thanksgiving, so that will probably be the only time except Doolie Day Out that we have off the campus.

It seems like all of us will probably be getting quite a few packages after I Day. The AOG Webguy program has some kind of delivery service that brings packages to your door. Not totally sure how that works, but I'm fairly confident that anything you need will get mailed.

Another thing though: clothes? Until Recognition in March you are required to wear uniforms at all times. The only exception is after arriving at your final destination for leave, which I'm assuming would be your home anyway. Even in the airport going home you have to wear the uniform. (Side note, I was informed that trying to change out of your uniform in the airport bathroom is not wise considering that essentially every cadet is in the same airport at the same time, so they will find you and make you suffer for it). Anyway, there will definitely be some things that you will want to have after BCT, but I don't think clothes are included on that list.
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Passes for new four-degrees open at Parents' Weekend in early September. That's when you can sign out on a pass and leave base. Granted, it doesn't really help with the situation at hand, but there are opportunities there to get stuff from home. If you've been assigned a sponsor family before I-Day, you can ask to store things at their house until PW when you can pick them up.
 
Expect the packing list you receive to be minimal. It will feel VERY WEIRD! It feels like you need to pack for a 4 year trip, when in reality, you are going to an all-inclusive resort (so to speak) where they have everything waiting for you. I took a school backpack with almost nothing in it. I remember basic toiletries and not much of anything else - literally.

1) You are issued virtually everything to include new underwear
2) There is a small store in the dorm (cadet store aka C-Store) - think gas station convenience store meets small clothing store (all tax free!)
3) Amazon is easier than getting a pass to go off base
4) There is a Base Exchange at the community center on base - (aka the BX) = walmart type store (not a super walmart with groceries) - all tax free (think iPad Pro for list price no tax....)
5) There is a grocery store at the community center on base (aka Base Commissary)
6) Just off base is anything you could want from a Super Walmart (South Gate), shopping mall (South gate), Best Buy, Costco to Bass Pro (North Gate).

C-springs is not a technology or food desert. PLENTY of options for anything you want. However, getting off base or outside of the cadet area can be a challenge. Understand cadets have figured out a way to get off base for more than 50 years - so it is always possible. As a freshman, the easiest way of getting what you need will be C-Store and then Amazon.
 
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I can't stress this enough:

Bring only what is on your checklist (though I would make exceptions for a few pair of compression shorts especially for young ladies. The PT shorts have wide legs, so compression shorts are for modesty). Travel size toiletries are recommended.

Literally everything else you need will be issued to you except toiletries. Your BCT cadre will take you to the Cadet store (C-store) some time during the first week of BCT so you can purchase cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc.

After Recognition in March, you will have earned the privilege of wearing civilian clothes.

This is one of those times that you don't overthink things. Follow the directions and you will be fine.
 
shiner said:
Expect the packing list you receive to be minimal. It will feel VERY WEIRD! It feels like you need to pack for a 4 year trip, when in reality, you are going to an all-inclusive resort (so to speak) where they have everything waiting for you. I took a school backpack with almost nothing in it. I remember basic toiletries and not much of anything else - literally.
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"All-inclusive resort" 😂😂😂
 
Still confused with the packing list requirements. Pg 15 hand carry...MEN-8 V-neck T's with 12 white underwear. Pg 17 says 12 pair plain colored underwear and 3 white V-neck T's. Shiner above says underwear is issued. What should we truly be prepping my DS to bring day 1?
 
Undergarments are a bit of a personal preference item. If the list encourages you to bring them, select the items your DS finds a comfortable fit. For the undershirts, you do not want them big or baggy because it will make for a messy uniform fit. In terms of the conflicting number of 3 vs 8, I vote 8 to ensure you have enough. Laundry service is part of the all-inclusive nature, but it is once per week and BCT may add to chaos and seemingly irregular service. You will be better prepared if you can bring 8.

Inprocessing day is typically filled with going from station to station to get issued everything you need. There will be conflicting things where you were told to bring something, but then they issue you more. An example I recall was footwear - and this could vary every year so follow the list you are provided. In my case, we were told to bring boots and tennis shoes - but then went to a footwear station and issued more. I needed a DodMerb waiver for allergy medicine, but when I got there, I was asked if I wanted allergy medicine because of my medical history of nasal allergies - go figure?

In general, students arrive from all walks of life. Some do not have the means to buy anything in advance. In the end, they will be provided what they need to be successful.

Bottom line - stick to the list. When there is a conflict on the list, I would advocate the higher number.
 
My DS knew his sponsor ahead of time (squadron mate of mine). He left his extra "stuff" there. Some civies when he was at his sponsor. Saxophone, guitar, and the like. It was very helpful. He had so much crap stuffed away in his locked drawer his coach was "impressed" when he emptied it for rec:) He is in D&B and they did need civilian clothes for their Mardi Gras trip.

Also, the undergarments they wear during BCT will likely need to be replaced for the school year.
 
LTBob87 said:
Still confused with the packing list requirements. Pg 15 hand carry...MEN-8 V-neck T's with 12 white underwear. Pg 17 says 12 pair plain colored underwear and 3 white V-neck T's. Shiner above says underwear is issued. What should we truly be prepping my DS to bring day 1?
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Underwear is not issued. Bring what is on the checklist. This list can change a little from year to year. The list in the Appointee Handbook (or portal) is your "gold standard" and that's what you should be following.

As for color of underwear: White is recommended because all clothes are boiled clean and there can be bleeding of colors. But honestly, no one checked underwear. Appointees can bring white, grey, light colors. Realize that many cadets throw out their underwear after BCT because they end up a dingy grey-brownish color from all the mud at Jack's Valley.
 
SpiritCommitteeLiaison said:
You joke but some cadets wear compression shorts instead of underwear. :)

Its for modesty as well as prevents chafing when wearing OCPs. I recommend compression shorts or boxer-briefs.
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I did in college too. They also sale anti chafing for guys chest to avoid shirt burn, it looks like a deodorant stick
Life saver
 
I have to ask this - Do females get to bring a razor to I-Day and get to use them during BCT? Because on the list it mentions that males bring one, but it does not say females. My DD isn't too concerned about this, but I am LOL
 
Burg22 said:
I have to ask this - Do females get to bring a razor to I-Day and get to use them during BCT? Because on the list it mentions that males bring one, but it does not say females. My DD isn't too concerned about this, but I am LOL
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Yes, they can bring a razor.

Do they use it during BCT? --- probably not a lot. In Jack's Valley, most likely not at all. There isn't a lot of shower time.
 
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