What I need for ROTC thread

Pima

10-Year Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2007
Messages
13,900
Now that we are getting down to the end of the line, the new threads will be about what I need to bring for ROTC?

So, I thought I would start the ball. Please feel free to cut and paste to the list. Parenthesis if you are unsure that it is every branch


Contracted Cadets:
1. Original Birth Certificate (AF)
2. Original SS, not laminated (AF)
3. Voided check or deposit slip (AF)


ALL Cadets:
1. Sneakers
2. Sewing kit --- buttons will fall off
3. Shoe shine kit (AF)
4. Polish for buckles ---(AF silver)
5. White Tees
6. Black dress socks (AF)
7. Spray starch (AF)
8. Iron
9. Ironing board
10. Frogs (little clasps, akin to tie clasps or earring posts...for name and rank on covers) (AF)
11. Black Umbrella

AFROTC cadets you can buy Corframs instead of wearing black leather shoes. You will not get an EQ on inspection because it is seen as cheating, but many cadets get tired of spending hours on polishing shoes and still not get an EQ.
If you buy corframs, bring WINDEX and also remember to break them in over the summer...they are basically plastic, thus takes more time to break them in over traditional leather.


For Parents of contracted I would add in these things:
1. FedEX/USPS pre-paid return envelope.
You don't want to leave their original BC with them because it can get lost. They submit to the unit, the unit copies it for permanent file and that is it. Sending them with a pre-paid all they have to do is drop it in the box.

2. Copies of all correspondence
That includes the scholarship and DoDMERB paperwork. If there is an issue (rare) and they don't accept the copy from your child (rarer still), you can FedEx it to them. If there is an issue, than because you both have the paperwork you will be able to discuss it and send the correct paperwork since you will both be reading it.


Hope that helps you all.
 
For Parents of contracted I would add in these things:
1. FedEX/USPS pre-paid return envelope.
You don't want to leave their original BC with them because it can get lost. They submit to the unit, the unit copies it for permanent file and that is it. Sending them with a pre-paid all they have to do is drop it in the box.

Thanks for the list. It is helpful.

Rather than worrying about getting an original birth certificate back check into getting additional certified copies from the issuing state. Where my kids were born, a certified (legal) duplicate is only $7. Cheaper than FedEx and valid everywhere. I have sent all my kids to college with several copies as they eventually need them regardless of the route they choose in life.
 
Everyone must choose what is right for them. A raised seal BC stolen makes ID theft easier. For me, I choose not to risk that, and give only copies.
 
Sent both students to college with a portable safe -- many important documents or other small items can be stored, available at Walmart, Target or other stores 30-50 bucks. Typically come with 2 keys - one here at home, other with student. Not perfect, but since most dorm theft is opportunity based it helps.

Would also send 20-30 dollars in quarters or find out if student id/account can cover laundry. Dirty PT clothes are not cool to keep around.

lysol and bleach wipes - especially for the guys...colds, flu etc seem to hit harder in the guys dorms WASH YOUR HANDS and SPRAY the room!!!!

Other items will come to me...will watch the thread for everyones ideas(hey, I'm always looking for a great idea and find a lot of them here:thumb:).
 
One individual I am acquainted with dispensed with the quarters and relied for several months on the generous application of febreeze to his clothing. While this saved time on laundry it may have hindered his social life.
 
We sent our kids with $50 in quarters. Main reason why is that if they hit the ATM for laundry they will get 20 bucks and only need $3. $17 will burn through their pockets.

This also allows them to buy sodas or whatever in the dorm vending machines at midnight.

I would suggest you investigate the banks on campus. With DS1 we didn't, we had him go with our bank. Thought process was ease of transferring money into his account and learned quickly the fees kill you! Check out the banks on campus and go from there.

Contracted Cadets:
1. Original Birth Certificate (AF)
2. Original SS, not laminated (AF)
3. Voided check or deposit slip (AF)


ALL Cadets:
1. Sneakers
2. Sewing kit --- buttons will fall off
3. Shoe shine kit (AF)
4. Polish for buckles ---(AF silver)
5. White Tees
6. Black dress socks (AF)
7. Spray starch (AF)
8. Iron
9. Ironing board
10. Frogs (little clasps, akin to tie clasps or earring posts...for name and rank on covers) (AF)
11. Black Umbrella
12. Quarters
13. Tide to Go pen or wipes
14. Tylenol or aspirin, Benydryl, and aka Day Quil
15. Cotton balls for shining buckles and polishing shoes
 
My son must have uncaring parents because he will have to figure out how to get his own quarters and get his laundry done. I did and my wife did and we think he can figure it out as well.:thumb:
 
My son must have uncaring parents because he will have to figure out how to get his own quarters and get his laundry done. I did and my wife did and we think he can figure it out as well.:thumb:

I agree. However it may be an excellent strategy to avoid kids bringing laundry home with them. Unfortunately DS seems to be adept at this. He does manage to wash his PT clothes in the interim between trips home though. Thank God! :biggrin:
 
We have been through this with 2 sons now, and boy did we learn from the first one.

The Academies have their own packing lists so this is more for those going to traditional universities.

With the first son, he packed everything they had on their list plus everything we thought he might need. The challenge was finding a place to put everything when he got to school. Son moved straight into a Fraternity, luckily they had a large storage room because that's where most of his stuff stayed until I went over to Dad's Day and ended up bringing a car load back home. The joke among parents was to watch the new kids and their parents carry multiple boxes only to begin bringing some of them back to the car because it wouldn't all fit.

We learned a lot by the time the 2nd son went to school, he was in the same Fraternity. This time he packed only the minimum amount he needed to get started. We gave him around $100.00 in his account and told him once he was settled to go to the local stores and just buy what he really needed as he needed it. This worked out great, he wasn't overloaded with stuff and no place to put it, he could see what worked by looking at what other students and cadets had purchased. We still brought some things back home but not nearly as much as the first time, he had a lot more room and was more organized.

Son's university is in a small town but they have plenty of stores that cater to college kids and have most everything they will need, it just worked out better having him uy what he needed as he needed it instead of packing everything for the first day.

As far as quarters, we never even thought of sending quarters with them, they probably would have lost them or used them all in the soda machine anyway. They were on their own for quarters.
 
My son must have uncaring parents because he will have to figure out how to get his own quarters and get his laundry done. I did and my wife did and we think he can figure it out as well.:thumb:

Reading through this thread, I can see how this statement by me could be seen as a bit crass. If I offended any of the parents on here, I appologize as that was not my intent. My intent was to somewhat lightheartedly say that all of our son's and daughters are very bright young people that will figure things out on there own.
 
Reading through this thread, I can see how this statement by me could be seen as a bit crass. If I offended any of the parents on here, I appologize as that was not my intent. My intent was to somewhat lightheartedly say that all of our son's and daughters are very bright young people that will figure things out on there own.

I doubt anyone took it that way Packers. I certainly didn't... Only saw it in the spirit of good humor as it was intended.
 
Back
Top