<p>Do cadets have to buy their books at West Point?</p>
<p>Yes, but it's deducted from your cadet pay. As I understand it, cadets are paid some $400 a month, but about half (during plebe year, at any rate) gets deducted for things like uniforms, books, school supplies, lodging. As you get older (move up in rank), you get to keep more of your pay. At no point, besides an initial deposit before Beast Barracks, do you have to fork over additional money for school supplies, I don't think.</p>
<p>A USMA cadet's gross monthly pay is about $800 plus certain food allowances. As a plebe, your monthly "spending money" is $200 with the remainder going into the cadet's account to pay book, uniforms, haircut and a myriad of items. The cadet's monthly net pay increases by about $100 each year so that firsties have about $500 for spending. The expenses for uniforms and books will differ by cadet depending on whether the cadet requests new or used uniform items and books. Also, items lost or damaged that need replacement will also reduce funds in the account. At the end of the 4 years, any surplus in the cadet's account is paid to the cadet.</p>
<p>Hm, I stand corrected. Forget everything I just said up above. Thanks aspen, I was actually wondering about losing things as well.</p>
<p>thanks for the info all, i have another question. Is having a leatherman multi tool helpful during beast? some people said it wouldn't be a bad investment.</p>
<p>Yes. Our yuk son said his mini-leatherman was great to have during beast. Some prefer full size leatherman.</p>
<p>OK i guess I'll have to ask the stupid question. What is a leatherman?</p>
<p>A multi-purpose tool. See: <a href="http://www.leatherman.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.leatherman.com/</a></p>
<p>Just to clarify, you do have to buy your own school supplies - binders, note paper, printer paper, pens/pencils, sticky pads, brown bombers (a special type of folder you put your assignments in for turn-in) and things like that.</p>
<p>bzzt,</p>
<p>you can also have your family and friends back home to send in those school supplies right? i'm very particular to a certain type of pen lol.</p>
<p>are we even allowed to bring a knife in with us? I though plebes really aren't meant to show up with anything</p>
<p>Take a knife, you'll find it handy. Make sure it's not some huge K-bar and over three inches though, that's a regs violation anywhere. </p>
<p>Yes, if you really want a particular thing, your family can send it to you. I'd take an adequate supply to Beast, though. You'll be issued pens and pencils, as well as note pads, but if you want a particular kind, go for it.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the information. However, I have one more question. Is there anything that you would take to beast if you had to do it all over again?</p>
<p>Not really. Take the packing list. Maybe take inserts if you have feet problems. Make sure your running shoes are broken in. Bring a small pair of scissors. You're going to be amazed at what they GIVE you on RDay. It is, seriously, a layout over an entire twin bed and part of a desk of things you're going to need. Remember that you will go to the CStore to buy cleaning supplies and you'll have an opportunity to buy whatever else you need, so don't forget your credit card. </p>
<p>Bring your sense of perserverence, and an extra sense of humor. Those are ESSENTIAL to getting through, getting by, and doing well. Remember, it's only a few weeks and everyone else is sucking as much if not more than you. Even if you're not religious, read the daily message in the prayer book you'll get from Father Wood. It's more inspirational than anything else and the positive message will truly help.</p>