<p>It's about that time to start thinking about what to pack. What are you guys and girls bringing? Current cadets and parents, what might be helpful? 17 days! GO ARMY!!!</p>
<p>extra socks and underwear!!! (girls bring sports bras because the ones that give you don't offer too much...) the laundry will undoubtedly be late, not sent out, or come up missing. There is nothing worse than having to put on nasty socks that got wet during PT the morning before....If you are worried about having too much stuff to bring on Rday then just put it in a box and have it sent to your PO box...they will make sure you get to check your mail. (They'll search it to make sure you didn't include M&Ms, but I think its worth it.) Also, make sure the socks are all white (when wearing shoes) and go up your calf...don't worry, everyone will have to wear their socks like that if you don't think its your style...you'll get used to it.</p>
<p>I'd also recommend:
spandex (saved my legs on the march back and the runs...)
baby powder (will help to alleviate prickley heat)
leatherman
lighter
bandaids/blister stuff
toenail clipper (very useful...trust me)
feminine supplies (the S4 for your company will have plenty, but that can be intimidating to ask and they may not have "your" kind..)</p>
<p>Another thing, especially for females i wish I had known....when they are giving you shower shoes, tell them your shoe size in the male size. Honestly, i ended up with shower shoes that are 2 sizes too big...small thing, but during beast you look for comfort in the smallest of things. Along the same lines, they will issue you underwear as well (because they have to be all white...) Remember the difference between your jean size and your underwear size...my roommate forgot and needless to say, they were a little larger than was comfortable.</p>
<p>Sizing is a very important thing. They will measure you and then put you in a category for everything....make sure it sounds right. I ended up with smalll short BDUs...I'm 5'8" and not small...so yeah. just pay attention (as much as you can)</p>
<p>I hope that helps a bit. I found that having my parents send labels for me to just stick on letters helped a lot too...But seriously, bring extra socks, underwear and bras...you won't regret it.</p>
<p>Above all though, I think the most important thing during beast is a good attitude. It will suck--especially if it keeps raining. :) but, if you have a good attitude it will get you a lot farther than you can imagine. Don't even allow yourself the opportunity to quit either. I saw that happen to some of my good friends and all of them are now gone. As soon as you open that door, you see how much life does suck at that moment and its hard to move past it--so don't even open that door.</p>
<p>Good luck to everyone! Hope to see you when you march through Washington gate!!</p>
<p>CHAPSTICK. That one creature comfort was a lifesaver to me. And my roommate still remembers the time one of my friends sent me a stick of apple flavored gum in the mail... Do what you can get away with.</p>