Recent content by JuiceBox

I wouldn't say a personal laptop is useful. Everything you will need will be on your issued laptop, including a built in ID scanner. Some cadets do use iPads to take notes on, though. If you already take notes on an iPad, then stick to it. If you don't, then it's really up to you.

Yes, but only after affirmation (after the beginning of junior/cow year) or if you are a prior-enlisted cadet.

It is extremely manageable. You will be issued two pairs of glasses with prescription lenses (make sure to do and submit your eye exam results because you will not be allowed to wear your personal glasses until after march back), as well as two cases. Additionally, you will be issued eye...

I wouldn't bring any. We were issued 2 sets of regular ACUs and 2 sets of hot weathers, which are enough.

A personal bag is one that you buy to bring stuff with you going into CBT. You will be issued a duffel bag known as a flight bag on R-Day, which you will then transfer stuff from your personal bag into. You can find them on Amazon or at some sporting goods store. I'd recommend getting a bag that...

Swimsuits were issued last year and were only used once during the swim test and if you chose to go into the water at Lake Frederick (the last week of CBT). Goggles and caps are not required, and I'm not even sure if they would be allowed during the swim test.

I would bring just a few pairs. You'll very likely get a sufficient amount issued to you. I only recommended getting some because the ones issued to me did not fit, which was very obvious.

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

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.

Additionally, you will get PT shirts with your last name on them. I would buy an extra 2 pairs of shorts.

Refer to the list in my posts for what you SHOULD buy. Do NOT bring extra PTs and / or ACUs for CBT, as that would be a huge waste of space for stuff that you will actually need. PTs will be issued (and will be stinky as you won't be able to do laundry very often during CBT, but everyone will...

Midweight. You want thick socks to prevent blisters.

I saw another post or reply from a '26 about which pair of gloves to get but he couldn't use his because they were the incorrect color. I'm sure if you look up gloves on this forum then you'll probably find it. You could also look into which gloves for military use. Make sure to buy them in...

I bought black Fox River boot socks. I don't know how much they weigh, but if you're concerned about the weight of luggage, I would bite the bullet for most of this stuff.

Once you transfer all your items from your personal bag into the flight bag, cadre takes your personal bag and puts it in some storage room. My platoon cadre did not allow us to access our personal bags unless we needed to grab our wallets, as some new cadets forgot to move them during the 60...