<p>if you have any last minute questions about the summer/academy life before R-day i'd be more than happy to answer them. im a newly minted 3/c who just went through all of the stuff you're about to go through so im full of knowledge. im currently underway and the internet is a little slow on the boat so post your questions in this thread so i only have to wait for a few page loads. good luck to all who will be entering soon, you're in for a shock at first but it does get better. i couldnt be happier with my choice to attend academy</p>
<p>first of all, thanks for the offer.</p>
<p>this may seem like a silly question, but does the intensity of the summer taper off at all? that is, is week 7 or 8 (after EAGLE I assume) as intense as day (or week) one? thanks in advance.</p>
<p>the last 2 weeks it tapers off. in the beginning you are ordered to do every task. 3 min to one thing, 4 to do another. your day is controlled to the minute. towards the end though it will be more like 30 min to do this this and this, show up here at this time. plus the cadre relax and joke with you a little more.</p>
<p>Thanks br, nice gesture and very helpful.
In addition to the list of items to bring on R-day, I wish they'd provide a list of all items issued to incoming swabs. It would keep down the guessing and "wonder if I should bring it" questions that pop up. I DO understand the "if it's not on the list, don't bring it!" and I know all the main essential items issued (clothes, shoes, laptop, etc), I'm referring to the little extras that come up.
So far I've gathered swabs are issued a water bottle, shower shoes, robe(?), toiletries-type bag, and not to worry about laundry detergent. Anything else, helpful tips or items you can add? Thanks.</p>
<p>I seem to recall reading somewhere how to label laundry, but now I can't find it. Does anyone know? Thanks.</p>
<p>Robes are definitely issued. Label underwear with a permanent marker, last name only.</p>
<p>In the cadet handbook, after the list of optional items to bring, there is a single sentence in bold that says, "Please label all of your belongings with your first initial and last name (e.g. J. Doe)"</p>
<p>On (I think) the Class of 2012 parent message board, a parent of an upper class cadet said to label everything (even each sock) that way, since the cadre does the laundry and it has to be returned to its owner, with as little extra effort as possible.</p>
<p>Thanks br2011. I'm wondering... is it best to bring a large bottle of shampoo and liquid soap to last the whole first month, or is it best to bring smaller bottles and have your parents mail more every week or so?</p>
<p>Also, with mailboxes... is there a limit to the size or quantity of boxes/packages sent to a cadet? If they don't fit in the mailbox, is that OK?</p>
<p>cleaning supplies are a must. i recommend swiffer pads and maybe some endust. you'll also want a lot of snacks. these things should be packaged up and dropped off in the watch office on R-day to be delivered later. i would also recommend pre stamped/addressed envelopes. bring a large bottle of the combo hair/body wash to last you a while. no limit on package size. it might also be a good idea to bring those on-the-go toothbrushing pads. its "dangerous" to make the extra trip to your room and back to grab a toothbrush during head and water breaks. i often found myself either not brushing my teeth or just doing it in my room and swallowing it. thats one thing i wish i would have had. ill try and think of some other important things to bring</p>
<p>Thanks for answering my questions br2011! Those on-the-go tooth cleaners sounds like a great idea. Now, I can't find the shampoo/body wash is one. Do they sell that? Any specific brand to look for?</p>
<p>And my friends are all asking about sending me not only letters, but food once a week, enough to share with anyone. What exactly are the rules with receiving food? Is there anything we can't get? Do we need permission to eat in our rooms?</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
<p>At a chain drugstore or grocery store, look for Old Spice body wash in a big Blue or Red container.</p>
<p>Thanks. I'm going to look in CVS and Walgreens for the Body Wash and Shampoo in one. And also for those teeth cleaners. Thanks for the great advice!</p>
<p>You can get food at any time...make sure your friends send enough to share but tell them not to go overboard as sometimes the food piles up believe it or not. You'll get a better handle on it as you go along. </p>
<p>My overall advice to you is relax...you seem kind of overhyped...things will come together but you have to chill a bit.</p>
<p>Thanks Boss51. Yeah I suppose I am a bit overhyped. I know exactly what I'm in for, but there are some small specific things I am worried about that I want to know so I don't do anything wrong. Imagine the food was limited and I have people sending me all this stuff! Well thank you again.</p>
<p>Both parents and soon to be swabs are feeling the tension build.</p>
<p>Let's all take Boss' advice and take a deep breath....all together now....in...out...in...out.</p>
<p>Much better. Let's keep doing it at least for the next 6 days. Then, i think, for the swabs it'll be like an athletic contest...once the game starts and you settle into the flow, all will be well!</p>
<p>We're all in this together!</p>
<p>Good job on both posts. Please don't take anything I say as a criticism but rather advice.</p>
<p>Anyway, don't feel that you're NOT going to do anything wrong...you'll probably do several things wrong THE FIRST DAY. That's part of the learning and integration process...even when you're SURE you did the right thing, the cadre will find something wrong. </p>
<p>My son told me that the one time he nearly lost it was when he was yelled at for buttoning his shirt wrong. It wasn't that he was being yelled at, or what he did...I bet it was just his particular feeling at the time. Nobody is expected to be perfect.</p>
<p>As usual, my advice is, go with the flow, listen to your cadre, don't try to be perfect and try not to STAND OUT in any way in which will get you picked on more than usual.</p>
<p>I'm not gonna say enjoy it because you won't...EXPERIENCE IT to the fullest and remember the old maxim,: " (the cadre) can't stop time and they can't kill you." :D</p>
<p>How about wallet, cash, drivers license, etc. Does that get locked up? It is not on the 'list' but it says to bring $100 cash. It makes sense (to me) for cadet to bring their wallet too but just want to double check..</p>
<p>yah bring your wallet</p>
<p>br2011... I have a very important question for you. I am bringing a backpacking pack to reporting in day. This is so I can run around and go up and down stairs without too much worry. However I was looking at the Parents Association FAQ. It said not to pack items in a "good" suitcase. Cause it may never be seen again. My backpack cost me $200, so I wanted to know if you got your suitcase back? And when did you get it back? I would hate to lose my pack, cause I hope to use it in the future, but I know it will making traveling around on R-DAY much easier for me. Thank you for all your help!</p>
<p>I think the "never seen again" comment is more for the parents. If they send an expensive suitcase with the swab, THEY may never get it back, but the swab will not have it taken away permanently by the cadre or anything. I understand that it just goes in the trunk room.</p>