What to bring

karebear

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Dec 16, 2016
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What should I take to basic training that's not on the packing list? Any current cadets have advice on what to take that would be helpful but not on the packing list? Thank you!
 
I'm not a current cadet but as a mother of a 2021er I can tell you without a doubt if you stick to the list you will be A OK. As I stated in a previous post all the additional advice from FB parents and even some of the other forums got so overwhelmingly confusing that I finally told my DS we are going to stick to the list verbatim. All those things (as a mother) that I was concerned about ie: chapstick, sunscreen, socks, Advil, etc, etc were all issued to him on I DAY. As a matter of fact some of the basics bags were so full they were having a hard time carrying them! If nothing else stick to the list and good luck!
 
The saying is, “You could show up on X-Day with just the clothes on your back,” and it’s true. The academies have been doing this for a very long time. They know what cadets/mids need. So keep it simple and stick to the packing list. Whatever you do, don’t be “that guy.” The cadre is not fond of “that guy.”
 
Part of Basic is learning to live with the bare minimum...which may be even less than you think you need. I know right now is a stressful time for 2022 appointees and one way to keep busy is by agonizing over the packing list again..and again...and again. I did that too last year! But please remember that USAFA has been inprocessing Basics for many years. USAFA knows what it is doing; if you bring what they tell you, you should be just fine. You will be issued everything else that you need, including hand sanitizer and over-the-counter medications such as decongestants, cough drops, aspirin, etc.

Absolutely the only way I would advise you to deviate from that list is in number of underclothes. I think they said 6 or 7 of each type in my packing list...you will get laundry done once a week. It may or may not get back to you within a week. Think about it and do the math...you will need more than 7 pairs of underwear, unless you want to go with the trusty "forward, backward, inside out forward and backward" method that some poor souls have to resort to. In 2nd BCT my bag of white laundry got lost in the wash and the prodigal clothing did not make an appearance until October. So I would suggest bringing more than the recommended amount of underclothes. It's up to you how much extra you want, but I'd say bring at least 10-12 sets.

Good luck! :)
 
@karebear, I am confused. I thought you declined USNA and accepted USMA last year. What happened? The draw of stealth fighters? :scratch:
 
Thank you everyone for your responses. I'll keep everything you have told me in mind. @Zeus, I did end up going to USMA and I am a rising Yuk there. I'm looking to buy a gift for a friend who accepted his appointment at USAFA and I just wanted to see if there was anything that I could maybe get him before going into basic training. I don't know how different it will be from USMA's Beast and I know there were some things that would have made my life easier last summer but I can't think of any right now. Thank you everyone though. I appreciate it and I will also let my friend know about everything you have told me since he is nervous about his experience, I'm sure.
 
Old mother's recommendation: WAIT. Wait till Christmas/birthday/A-Day/parents weekend. Please. Wait. There may be something your friend would LOVE to have.
 
What should I take to basic training that's not on the packing list? Any current cadets have advice on what to take that would be helpful but not on the packing list? Thank you!

I checked with my DS - he is glad that he packed only what was specifically listed on the list. If he had to do it again, he would bring only black compression-type underwear (his white underwear turned grey fairly quickly).
 
Yeah, not much beyond the recommended list. You have to carry it...
 
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