Packing

tbby2 · 06-09-2005, 10:23 PM

I saw people at inprocessing with a duffle bags jsut PACKed with stuff....

personally... besides my paper work and my boots... I have NO IDEA what I'm going to bring... considering they issue you EVERYTHING... not evne sure if I should bring running shoes and my own toiletrys?? Any one having the same problem? For the people in c/0 2009 make a list of what you're packing? Thanks!

docfrance · 06-09-2005, 11:03 PM

Bring the paperwork you require, your boots, and the clothes on your back--unless they give you explicit instructions to bring something else. Let your parents send you everything else once BCT is over.

sarahbates · 06-10-2005, 04:54 PM

should we just wear our boots there then? and if so, should they be polished? don't exactly want to draw attention to myself! also, are we aloud to bring a personal item (picture or something?) thx~!

docfrance · 06-10-2005, 06:40 PM

Carry your boots. You can polish them, but unless you're a preppie or prior enlisted, I suggest they not "sparkle and shine." Black is fine--just black. Anything else and you'll be instantly labeled. No personal items like pictures. You can have those after BCT. Again, have parents mail them.

rchlebek05 · 06-10-2005, 10:56 PM

I know that people will try to send pictures over the summer, so what should I do with them? Discard them? Hide them?

falconhopeful06 · 06-10-2005, 11:27 PM

I heard a hint from a current cadet...place them in your bible (if you have one). He claimed that the upperclassmen would leave those alone.

docfrance · 06-11-2005, 07:51 AM

Your mail will be inspected for contraband (food, perfumed letters, etc). Encourage your friends and family to send you letters, but tell them to omit separate photos. What I'd suggest in this digital age is that they just print the photos onto the letter they send you. You won't be able to post the letters in your room or do anything with them except store them with your other letters, but you'll at least be able to see them. I don't suggest sneaking photos in using any kind of book (Bible, Q'uran, Atlas Shrugged, etc)

airforcetwo · 06-11-2005, 02:49 PM

I have a question about the stuff that we do bring...when do we get that stuff back? After BCT is over? If so, do we have to keep the $100.00 in our pockets? How about the underwear that "us girls" have to purchase and bring? How about misc toiletries? Retainer? Cell phone that they suggest we bring for the day of the rodeo? Do I place these in a separate bag or will my whole backpack be given back to me the night of in-processing? Can any recent cadet respond...

docfrance · 06-11-2005, 06:54 PM

You'll probably put all of these things in your backpack and they'll check it for you--then give it back at the end of BCT. I wouldn't bring cash either. I'd just bring a debit card--you can use them everywhere you'll need them until BCT is over.

airforcetwo · 06-11-2005, 09:35 PM

This is quite confusing information then. So...what you are saying is that the 12 pairs of underwear and 12 bras they want the gals to bring themselves must be put in a separate bag or else we won't see it again umtil after BCT? Interesting...Thanks for the info. I guess I should be putting anything I want for BCT in my pockets then? Sounds rather strange to me, but OK! They suggested that those of us who have cell phones bring them for the Rodeo trip...the logistics of all of this is daunting to say the least.

docfrance · 06-12-2005, 12:49 AM

Bottom line: Show up when they tell you to show up, with what they tell you to bring. Nothing more. THEY'LL TELL YOU WHAT TO DO WITH IT. Listen to them and do it. Don't think. It's basic training. Just listen and do what they tell you to do. I hope that's not too daunting! ;-)

airforcetwo · 06-12-2005, 08:44 AM

Thanks for your input DocFrance. I do appreciate your sage advice. As far as current, up-to-date information I was asking a current cadet, preferably one who went through in-processing just last summer, for advice. From what it sounds like, every year is different and especially from the start of last year, it seems like A LOT has changed from the previous years. Did you say you have a sibling or a son/daughter who went to or is going to the Academy right now? When did you graduate from USAFA? Of course I will keep my mouth shut, blend in and wear the same pair of underwear if I am told too if I can't get my bag back (hope not!!!), but knowing what will happen ahead of time is always a good thing. To be as prepared as I can, go with the flow, then run with it will be my mantra of the day on June 30th!
Thanks for trying to answer all of the questions on this USAFA thread. We all appreciate it.

docfrance · 06-12-2005, 09:51 AM

AF2--you're right, a lot has changed and will continue to change. That sort of thing is true every year at USAFA. You're correct to get the most up-to-date info from a recent cadet. We sponsor several cadets and my son's a "firstie" now. I graduated at some date after the Earth cooled, around the time when dinosaurs were finally eradicated from the Terrazzo (big open square in the middle of the cadet area where all the marching occurs). I taught there during other eras of recent social development (stone tools, steam engines).

UNcynical · 06-13-2005, 07:09 AM

Just to clarify something... females DO need to bring underwear/bras (but only plain white, no insignia, etc.); these WON'T be issued. But for males, they do issue underwear.

Do NOT hide pictures in Bibles. It's a good idea you don't come into this place trying to be deceptive. Besides, you will survive without them for the few weeks that BCT lasts.

If you're coming this summer, please just bring what's on the list, nothing more. It'll make it easier on you and us. You will be taken care of, in the respect that you will get what you need (not to be confused with the things you may want or think you need).

(I'll still try to respond to this post and other important ones between now and inprocessing, but I'm overseas and I have very little spare time now, let alone internet access!

)

flyingmom · 06-13-2005, 10:34 AM

Docfrance, you said to encourage your family and friends to write letters... For some reason, I was under the impression that letters were discouraged until after BCT was over. I don't know where I got that impression, but hopefully it's not correct. I understand the "perfumed letters" thing, but is there anything else that will draw "negative attention"? Should family and friends put several notes in one envelope? Or is that seen as deceptive? Don't want to be seen that way, but I don't want to cause my son unnecessary grief either.

Also, several have mentioned Bibles. In the WP appointee info, they mention that you can bring "religious reading material" (which I assume means a Bible, Quran, etc). I didn't see anything like that in the AFA appointee info. CAN you bring a Bible? And if so, is a paperback one best?

fm