Ultimate CBT Packing List and Some Tips

[echo2006]

Second the comment on bringing black spandex without logos. Absolute life saver from chafing.

Additionally, bring enough feminine hygiene products to get through the summer if you didn’t have a chance to get to the C store because of training and/or you have a specific brand preference in case the C store doesn’t carry it. You’ll have the opportunity to shop at the PX and commissary during the academic year which has more variety.

Goes in the same vein with the comment on bringing extra hair ties/bobby pins/hair gel or spray. Figure out how you can quickly tame your hair so it looks professional with only five minutes of prep in the morning.

Third, bring comfortable sports bras that are black or white in color. The issued ones suck (if they’re still issuing them…they were the same ones issued to Soldiers at AIT. They provide very little support and wear out quickly). Laundry can be at a premium. Leave the colorful ones for the academic year.

Otherwise, same as the guys for the rest of the packing list. Feel free to hit me up if you have specific questions with regards to field hygiene or other girl specific concerns directly if you want.

Thank you. The one issue I have with bringing a 3-month supply of feminine products (as written in the packing list letter from last year) is the amount of space that it takes. I am trying to fit a pair of boots, running shoes or low quarters into a bag with the rest of the items they are mandating or recommending. Feminine products are bulky but light; just worried about the amount of space they take. I do not really have a preference for feminine products, so does it make more sense just to bring less and just get what I need at the C store? I feel the same about shampoo and other bulky common goods. Not being able to do laundry freely also requires more socks and underwear, it seems. More bulk, not very heavy though.

 

[vipercrew]

Thank you. The one issue I have with bringing a 3-month supply of feminine products (as written in the packing list letter from last year) is the amount of space that it takes. I am trying to fit a pair of boots, running shoes or low quarters into a bag with the rest of the items they are mandating or recommending. Feminine products are bulky but light; just worried about the amount of space they take. I do not really have a preference for feminine products, so does it make more sense just to bring less and just get what I need at the C store? I feel the same about shampoo and other bulky common goods. Not being able to do laundry freely also requires more socks and underwear, it seems. More bulk, not very heavy though.

some tricks for compressing the bulky items is to use large ziplock bags, and compress all the air out, even better yet, if you have a vacuum bag sealer you can save a lot of space. My DS had a bag for socks, a bag for underwear, with the air sucked out and it saved a lot of space. If you are struggling to fit boots in the your bag, you can tie them to the outside, and wear your running shoes on RDay, only packing the oxfords.

 

[Casey]

Thank you. The one issue I have with bringing a 3-month supply of feminine products (as written in the packing list letter from last year) is the amount of space that it takes. I am trying to fit a pair of boots, running shoes or low quarters into a bag with the rest of the items they are mandating or recommending. Feminine products are bulky but light; just worried about the amount of space they take. I do not really have a preference for feminine products, so does it make more sense just to bring less and just get what I need at the C store? I feel the same about shampoo and other bulky common goods. Not being able to do laundry freely also requires more socks and underwear, it seems. More bulk, not very heavy though.

It’s worth it. As the comment above says, I’d take them out of the packaging and pack into ziplocks you can pack down. You’ll end up doing the same if/when you deploy or go to the field for extended periods of times so think of it practice for the first of many times trying to manage this. Your opportunities to go to the C store will be limited and while I’m sure your roommate would be willing to assist in a pinch, better to be prepared.

For the socks and underwear, I honestly didn’t have a bad time with the laundry services but I definitely saw classmates who experienced their items being misplaced or returned late. Doing laundry in the sink was definitely a viable option for them I thankfully never had to experience haha

 

[echo2006]

It’s worth it. As the comment above says, I’d take them out of the packaging and pack into ziplocks you can pack down. You’ll end up doing the same if/when you deploy or go to the field for extended periods of times so think of it practice for the first of many times trying to manage this. Your opportunities to go to the C store will be limited and while I’m sure your roommate would be willing to assist in a pinch, better to be prepared.

For the socks and underwear, I honestly didn’t have a bad time with the laundry services but I definitely saw classmates who experienced their items being misplaced or returned late. Doing laundry in the sink was definitely a viable option for them I thankfully never had to experience haha

Understood and thank you.

 

[bk_app]

How many pairs of these tactical socks should I get in? I.e. 5 black pairs and 5 'coyote/tan'-colored pairs

 

[Jetbill]

What is the color of Garmont boots? Where do you buy the low quarters?

Color Coyote Brown boots. Garmont are fantastic according to my son and many others. We got great deal for them on Amazon. Amazon super easy for returns if they don't fit correctly. In our case sizing was spot on. He used them at MMI as a self-prep for a year. CBT and now Plebe year. They are now about used up. So Im bringing the second pair i bought to Plebe parent weekend next week for him. Also bought on Amazon over last summer when they were on sale. Best to be prepared. I think winter conditions and lots of Sandhurst, etc...finally did them in.
Whatever brand of boots you go with, just make certain they comply with AR 670-1. (Army regulations).

 

[vipercrew]

Color Coyote Brown boots. Garmont are fantastic according to my son and many others. We got great deal for them on Amazon. Amazon super easy for returns if they don't fit correctly. In our case sizing was spot on. He used them at MMI as a self-prep for a year. CBT and now Plebe year. They are now about used up. So Im bringing the second pair i bought to Plebe parent weekend next week for him. Also bought on Amazon over last summer when they were on sale. Best to be prepared. I think winter conditions and lots of Sandhurst, etc...finally did them in.
Whatever brand of boots you go with, just make certain they comply with AR 670-1. (Army regulations).

PPW is just a week away!! See you there!

 

[drsegway]

I'd recommend bringing some sort of spandex shorts to wear under ACUs since chaffing can be a big problem during the rucks. I personally did not have a problem with it (I think I just got lucky) but my roommates during Beast had trouble with it. I'd also recommend bringing extra hair ties, bobby pins, hair gel, anything to do your hair to military regulation with, etc. Whatever you decide to do with your hair, whether braid or bun, my tip is to just figure out a way to to do it fast since you will not have much time in the mornings to get ready!

This can also be mitigated with a big tub of Aquaphor.

 

[drsegway]

I will be Beast Cadre for this Summer. The knowledge posted on here is spot on for the most part. Garmont NFS boots are a go to, as well as either Fox River or Darn Tough boot socks (strongly recommend getting these in black as then you can wear them with any uniform during the AY). Will be leading a Platoon this summer - ask away if you have any other questions.

Prior Service CC, what rucks are they issuing this year? Any point in me bringing any of my issued gear?

 

[JuiceBox]

Prior Service CC, what rucks are they issuing this year? Any point in me bringing any of my issued gear?

I've been hearing that the class of 2028 will be getting newer issued gear (so no digital pattern stuff). I wouldn't bring any issued gear because everything you need is given to you early on during CBT. Maybe bring extra PTs if you have the space for it, but even this isn't really necessary.

 

[jpan_]

Hi all, these packing supply tips are great. I was just wondering if anyone had any opinion on the Danner resurgent hot weather boots. I just got them and they feel nice and lightweight but I haven't seen any reviews of them. And if I was to get garmonts, should I get the wide or regular fit and or should I size up/down? Thanks!

 

[vipercrew]

I've been hearing that the class of 2028 will be getting newer issued gear (so no digital pattern stuff). I wouldn't bring any issued gear because everything you need is given to you early on during CBT. Maybe bring extra PTs if you have the space for it, but even this isn't really necessary.

The only digital pattern that is currently issued is the Goretex, and packs. I dont believe the pack are permanent issue and are returned back to USMA when they graduate. For CBT do not bring your prior service gear, it will be way to much to carry. After ADay, have family bring your prior service gear that you need, you will be better able to assess what you need and want. Example, they dont issue waffle tops, and my DS does a lot of outdoor activities in the winter through FAST, so he purchased one from the PX. Here he is lugging the AT4 during a FAST FTX in the cold.

 

[vipercrew]

Hi all, these packing supply tips are great. I was just wondering if anyone had any opinion on the Danner resurgent hot weather boots. I just got them and they feel nice and lightweight but I haven't seen any reviews of them. And if I was to get garmonts, should I get the wide or regular fit and or should I size up/down? Thanks!

If you can, try them on before you purchase. This store has a lot of different brands, and stores around the US:

Store Locator | US Patriot Tactical

Check out our interactive Store Locator to find the US Patriot Tactical store near you!

www.uspatriottactical.com

 

[thesword76]

Prior Service CC, what rucks are they issuing this year? Any point in me bringing any of my issued gear?

I've also heard rumors of and have seen CIF now acquiring brand new OCP Molle 4k Rucks as well as TAPS chest rigs, etc. Right now, they're been issued to Sandhurst Spring Comp. teams but maybe also for the class of 28... I wouldn't recommend bringing anything special for R-Day except for maybe a nicer pair of tactical gloves, boot blousers, Rite in Rain notebook etc. After that, you can look into bringing other equipment after A-Day.

 

[drsegway]

I've also heard rumors of and have seen CIF now acquiring brand new OCP Molle 4k Rucks as well as TAPS chest rigs, etc. Right now, they're been issued to Sandhurst Spring Comp. teams but maybe also for the class of 28... I wouldn't recommend bringing anything special for R-Day except for maybe a nicer pair of tactical gloves, boot blousers, Rite in Rain notebook etc. After that, you can look into bringing other equipment after A-Day.

Thanks for the information. My personal experience with those rucks have been pretty terrible. Way more injuries in the TRADOC world popped up once they started issuing those out. I've got a nice Molle 2 ruck that has served me well the last couple years. If I were to bring that, say as a personal bag or item any chance of being able to use it during the rucks? My gut tells me probably not, but I'm curious nonetheless.

 

[bethf]

When do they publish the packing list? My DS just accepted his appointment on 3/15, so I'm guessing it's on its way?

 

[echo2006]

Last year's was dated March 15, but not sure about this year. Wonder if it has been issued already????

 

[Casey]

Thanks for the information. My personal experience with those rucks have been pretty terrible. Way more injuries in the TRADOC world popped up once they started issuing those out. I've got a nice Molle 2 ruck that has served me well the last couple years. If I were to bring that, say as a personal bag or item any chance of being able to use it during the rucks? My gut tells me probably not, but I'm curious nonetheless.

I wouldn’t bring different equipment for CBT. Don’t look different during the experience and it’ll prevent you from extra attention from the cadre. Think about how during your basic training the DIs would have taken someone showing up with their own stuff instead of using the issued equipment. You’re coming with experience your squad will be able to lean on which is awesome. Use that but blend in to the crowd. Your summers after A-day, game on.

 

[JuiceBox]

Thanks for the information. My personal experience with those rucks have been pretty terrible. Way more injuries in the TRADOC world popped up once they started issuing those out. I've got a nice Molle 2 ruck that has served me well the last couple years. If I were to bring that, say as a personal bag or item any chance of being able to use it during the rucks? My gut tells me probably not, but I'm curious nonetheless.

No, you will used the issued OCIE / TA-50.

 

[tberend]

Current plebe here.
This is what I brought to R-Day. I did not feel like I was missing anything important. At the very end of this list you will find some stuff that would have been nice to have, but not what I considered to be a “must have.”

• DD Form 93
• Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate
• Completed cadet finance papers
• Wallet
  • Photo ID
  • $100 cash and debit card
• Glasses and cases (if you wear any)
• Watch (A cheap Casio watch is perfect, like the F-91W)
• Phone
• Phone charger w/ cable
• Portable charger and cable
• 50-60L personal bag. Our issued bags (the green “US” bags, which are called flight bags, are about 60L, but they will have issued items, so you will NOT be able to utilize the full 60L for the stuff you bought. Though you technically only have 60 seconds to transfer your stuff from your personal bag, if you don’t finish, you may get additional time if your cadre are good people on the inside. Cadre are still people and were in your shoes just two years ago).
• Boots (Garmont T8 NFS)
• Running shoes
• Low quarters (matte black leather oxford-style shoes without cap toe)
• Gallon zip-loc bags (to pack stuff like socks and underwear for easy transfer into the flight bag. Pack extra zip-loc bags because they are occasionally useful during CBT).
• Black socks (can be used as both boot socks and dress socks)
  • Purchased 9
  • I was issued plenty of green boot socks and black dress socks, but not many white PT socks that actually fit me. Fit is important because if you can’t keep them motivated (pulled as far up your leg as possible), you will get yelled at.
• Black or gray underwear
  • Nobody checks, so if some other color is cheaper, buy that.
  • Highly recommend packing at the VERY LEAST 12 pairs but preferably 18 pairs because you are NOT guaranteed to get any laundry done AND even if you do, it may get lost.
  • Hanes moisture-wicking underwear are great and cheap on Amazon
• Deodorant
  • I recommend not getting gel deodorant because you will bring some when you're out in the field, which will stay in your rucksack. It could get very hot, so the gel may very well melt and / or explode.
• Soap (3) and soap box
• Razors
  • I recommend getting a common gillette razor with handle and replaceable razors. Space efficient, and if you run out, you can probably buy more razors at the Cadet / Academy store for your handle.
• Moisturizing cream
• Face wash
• Toothbrush and case
  • Do NOT forget a case.
• Tooth paste (2)
• Chapstick
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Sunscreen (some may be issued to you)
• Bug repellent cream (some may be issued, but if you want to buy some, buy cream)
• Foot powder (some may be issued to you)
• Band-aids (and some kind of blister relief pads or molskin, if you are susceptible to them)
• Baby wipes (2 packs of 100. The costco / kirkland ones are the best because they are super space efficient).
• Multi-tool (must buy)
• Lighter (not the most useful item, but nice to have when you actually need it. Others in your platoon will have one though).
• Shoe shining kit (I would recommend so that you aren’t forced to use a battle buddy’s kit)
• Headlamp (extremely optional b/c we were issued them last June)
• Tape (3 packs of 2 black flat rolls. Look for flat rolls of tape on amazon. This stuff is not only amazing, but actually extremely useful. You will be in the field and eventually, you or someone else will need tape. These can easily fit in your ACU pockets or in your FLC grenade pouches. Absolute must buy).
• Rite in the rain hand-sized book and pen
  • I would highly recommend because it will rain eventually and you will most certainly get wet.
• Pencils (2) and pens (2) (You will get some pens anyway. It’s nice to have little things from home, though).
• Envelopes and stamps (20 of each. You will be issued some but if you get a lot of letters, you may run out).

What would have been nice:

• US Army face paint kit
  • Black, green, brown, and dark gray are the colors that I remember being allowed to use.
  • A mirror to apply the paint
• Some kind of long-lasting body spray. Technically, you are not allowed things that spray in order to apply, but nobody actually checks for that and some cheap cologne/body spray is sold at the C store, which you may buy. It just sucks to stink almost all the time.
• BLACK gloves for shooting and field stuff. The ones we are issued suck because they’re all leather and clunky, but they’re really not THAT bad.
• Photos of family and friends. CBT is easy, just do as you're told. The real hard part is being away from home and isolated from the rest of the world, especially if CBT will be your first time away from home. You have a lot of people counting on you.
• Addresses of family and friends. Preferably, you will give them your P.O Box and they will write letters, but the first week or so may feel very isolating and dehumanizing. You may or may not have free time during the first half of CBT (up to your platoon’s leadership), but eventually you will be in your room doing nothing. Write and send out letters for fun.
• Phone numbers of family and friends. You might be able to make a short phone call a few times during CBT. Not that I didn’t want to call my mom (because I did, and she was mortified when they left me at Ike Hall, according to my family), but her phone number was the only one I could remember. You don’t want to have the opportunity to call a loved one to be taken away because you forgot to write down phone numbers.
• Small things from home that make you happy.

Tips for CBT:

• I saw a lot of people asking about running in general. You will run a lot, but they will not be at very fast paces, however, they will suck if you did not run at all before CBT. As a (humbly) very good runner throughout high school, I recommend building up to being able to run 5 miles at a 9:00 minute pace. You will not run this far during the beast (2-3 miles max run, which may depend on your ability group), but you will ruck distances longer than this. You need to build the mental grit of doing nothing but moving for extended periods of time, as well as cardio. Increase mileage by 10% each week. Run at least 3 times a week and stay consistent. Running everyday is not very useful and could lead to injury. Rucking is also not good for your body, so don’t ruck before CBT. This is contradictory to what many people say here, but if you want to be good at rucking, buy good boots, boot socks, be tall/have long legs, have a strong back, don’t injure your back (especially lower back), and have strong hips (if you put on the hip strap of your ruck and you have weak hips, you will not have a fun time).
• Go to the gym and get big. Running is important, but being strong is so much more valuable. You don’t wanna be THAT guy who can’t last during smoke sessions, and / or can’t drag / carry a battle buddy. West Point has a very serious physical fitness culture.
• Have fun and don’t take things too seriously. As mentioned earlier, CBT is easy. Just do what you’re told. Obviously, don’t be a huge square, but don’t be the reason why your platoon or company gets smoked. Read the room. Know when you can loosen up and when to lock it up. You will be with your platoon of new cadets (future plebes) for the next 4 years, and platoon leadership for the next year (PL is a firstie) or two (squad leaders and PSG are cows); don’t make enemies. Make friends. CBT will be your easiest and least stressful time at West Point.
• Have fun before you leave. CBT is the end of your childhood. You haven't yet committed to minimum of 5 years of service, but you may have taken the spot of another kid who has been working towards getting into West Point and eventually commission. I don't necessarily blame those who leave West Point before Affirmation, because you really don't know what it's like here until you're done with your first semester. Cadet Candidate visits are simply not enough to capture what life is actually like here, so really know what you're getting yourself into.

Thank you for this post! Hugely helpful!