<p>well put. some people place the regiment before academics, and most of them get kicked out or setback. grades are what enable you to graduate, not how well you can spin around a fake rifle</p>
<p>As far as packing goes, pack light. I fit everything into a duffel bag. You really don't need much. Just make sure you have lots of socks.</p>
<p>Gold bond or the like is a good thing to bring as well. Just go by the list and you should be fine.</p>
<p>Also, pack the right clipboard! It is not the same size as a standard one.</p>
<p>VACUUM storage bags ! ! !
This was discussed last year, and it was the most useful advice in getting everything to fit in the Duffel/Sea Bag that my son took.</p>
<p>(Vacuum bags are the ones that look like giant zip-loc bags for clothing.. Pack all your clothing in one, zip it closed, hook up the vacuum cleaner and suck the air out). REALLY compacts things [thanks jamzmom and is2day]. We got ours at Target, but they are lots of places. Now, it doesn't make anything LIGHTER, but you can get pretty much twice the stuff in the same space. -- careful about airline checked luggage restrictions and additional charges this year. Son looked like a turtle carrying his house on his back while he was standing in line :D</p>
<p>And regular zip-loc bags are great for extra little loose items that might get separated or take time to organize. It worked great.</p>
<p>Here's the thread from last year that talks about it, and other useful things... [thread=343528]packing-indoc-2[/thread].<br>
If that doesn't work, here's the url: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/merchant-marine-academy-kings-point/343528-packing-indoc-2.html?highlight=vacuum%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/merchant-marine-academy-kings-point/343528-packing-indoc-2.html?highlight=vacuum</a></p>
<p>Also, regarding overweight luggage, most airlines will make an exception and wave the excess weight fee if you are traveling under orders. The problem is many of the ticket agents don't know their own rules. (they change daily I'm not sure I blame them.) My wife was able to save a KP mid a few bucks when he was going on sea year because she was able to intervene for him. She first identified him because of hi "KP" hat:) These fees have gotten pretty hefty as fuel costs rise so, call your airline and check.</p>
<p>Pack what is on the list in the logging in. Also, your parent's should have gotten a copy of the Plebe Parent's Tips (new edition for 2012). It has some good advice about packing for indoc. If they did not you can get a copy here</p>
<p>You may want to use a sea bag or a big rolling duffel, which you can use again when you leave for sea.</p>
<p>I see that there are many mentions of a Sea Bag. What exactly is a Sea Bag? Is it a duffel bag the academy gives you or is it just a bag you take with to go on Sea Year?</p>
<p>A sea bag is what the Navy issues Sailors. It's a great bag that has lots of room in it. No KP does not issue you a sea bag. You can buy them at Navy surplus stores. Here is a link to a "sea bag."
Navy</a> Sea Bag</p>
<p>are white underarmor boxers allowed? any boxers?</p>
<p>White Underarmour (or less expensive facsimile) underwear is definitely allowed. It is worth the extra cost. We found both boxers and t-shirts (no UA logo) online. This forum tipped off my son that this was a very good idea. Given the heat and sweat it is more comfortable than cotton because it wicks away moisture and helps prevent chafing.<br>
Speaking of chafing, Body Glide works much better than talcum powder. When you're running, chafing can occur almost anywhere, so put it on liberally and be more comfortable. You can order Body Glide online also.</p>
<p>Gold Bond saved my life at band camp four years in a row and I certainly won't be leaving for USCGA without it. I would recommend it (or some other brand) to everyone.</p>
<p>In addition to UnderArmour (or similar) boxers and t-shirts, you can also buy socks of similar moisture wicking quality that also meet KP specs. This helps avoid soggy shoes when running. Easy to buy all online rather than going from store to store. You can Google it for several choices.<br>
After Indoc when the plebes want other stuff sent to them, you can probably have it sent directly to their PO Box from one of the online sources you Googled. Many products are available through Staples and Amazon with very quick, inexpensive delivery.</p>
<p>"boxer-brief" underwear is good if you don't want to spend all the money on under-armor. I'll say that the regular white boxers are a bad idea. All that matters is that it's white.</p>
<p>As for bags...it really doesn't matter because you only hold on to it long enough to dump out the few things you packed and then it gets thrown in a closet.</p>
<p>When packing for Indoc..... if you're having to vaccum-pack and worry about going over the FIFTY POUND airline limit, then you have way too much stuff. I can't imagine how anyone would need that much. The only clothes you need are the one's you'll be wearing the day you report. You need socks, underwear, and white-tshirts. toiletries. Everything else is given to you.</p>
<p>the vacuum bags are great though... i fit all 15 white shirts, towels, boxers, socks, etc... in a single backpack. thats all i brought.</p>
<p>i know i should bring a razor, shaving cream, soap bar, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, but how much should i bring with me? Should i bring the cheap stuff such as ones you get from hotels and wait till acceptance day for my parents to bring me a bulk pack from costco or something?</p>
<p>I just ask my son and he said to buy the combination hair and body wash (remember if you are a male you won't have any hair to wash) in the large bottle. Don't get travel size of anything, because you can use it after indoc too. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>My son always asked for liquid soap - there was never enough time to lather up given 2 minute shower time.</p>
<p>Ah yes, suzannegra/MMAmom2011... the body wash stuff... Rinses away cleanly, without leaving soap scum residue (on the walls). remember.. they have to clean... so it makes that job easier.</p>
<p>Also, for parents:
Bring your camera with the biggest zoom lens, or some binoculars. You'll be looking at them from afar a number of times.</p>
<p>It occurred to me that a prearranged signal might be useful. When they emerge from O'Hara Hall they could surreptitiously display the number of fingers corresponding to to the company they are assigned to. Knowing what company they are in would help you find them during the day and would prove invaluable later when you are perusing the web site looking for photos of your candidates.
When they line up for lunch I believe they line up right to left as you face Delano Hall 1st, 2nd, Band, 3rd, and 4th</p>
<p>The parents and families will gather behind the regiment facing Delano; their backs will be to you - very difficult to pick yours out. 4th co will be on your far left and moving to the right it will be 3rd, band 2nd and 1st on the far right. Good luck 2012!</p>