<p>Part of the prep stuff prior to getting to the academy is to bring a recent prescription for glasses and/or contact lenses. (Contacts not allowed in BCT; understood). Upon arrival, within a day or two I assume; they will have made and issued the BCG’s.</p>
<p>Here’s the question; does anyone know if it’s permissible to go ahead and get the BCG’s ahead of time? I’m military, and my son goes to the base optometry clinic for his prescription anyway; they could easily have a set of BCG made up for him. It would make “Fitting” and “getting use to” a lot easier. Granted; as soon as BCT is over, the BCG will probably wind up in a drawer or duffel bag and the contacts will go back in. Just wondering if it would break a link in the chain of the well oiled in-processing. Granted; most cadets/recruits don’t have access to a base and the BCG, but just wondering if anyone knew of this being done. If not, I can ask in a few weeks when we go down for orientation. Thx… Mike…</p>
<p>Christcorp,
The Academy clinic is going to have them made. No sense having FEW do it. Have FEW complete the eaxm template and his BCG's will be waiting for him on arrival. That won't always mean much though becuase sometimes they still require adjustment. Never quite fit potterfan, and she ended up wearing her own presciption a lot.</p>
<p>Oh yeah take him to the immunization clinic too. They will make sure he has all the shots, and won't need to worry on I-day. Potter got about 4 shots her at Nellis before leaving. Would have been a pin cushion in colorado.</p>
<p>What do you mean by "waiting for him on arrival". I may have to read the packet again, but I thought he was to bring the prescription with him as part of the hand carried items. I will look again to see if it's mailed ahead of time. If it's hand carried, then the glasses are just 1 more thing he wouldn't have to deal with on that day. Just like getting boots early to break them in has some advantages, so do the glasses. Especially for someone who pretty much has never worn glasses. He's had contacts probably since needing any type of glasses/contacts. </p>
<p>Anyway; I know it's not a big deal. But in the packet, it mentioned getting your immunizations ahead of time. (if you don't, no big deal, they will do them all for you in one day at the academy). Same with wisdom teeth ahead of time. There are quite a few things they recommend doing ahead of time. I just thought this could be one more thing to make in-processing a little smoother. Not a big deal either way. Especially when we live a whole 7 minutes from the base and we are on there at least a couple times a week. It doesn't cost anything. Oh well, either way is fine. Just another bad habit the military did teach me. Being organized. LOL!!!</p>
<p>Your in the TRIWest region just like us, so when he has the eye clinic complete the info it is in the computer for them. They can process the prescription faster. Just talked to potter. They were there for her on day one.</p>
<p>i don't remember exactly what was all mailed in, but i do remember that they were issued on the first day, and picking them up took less than 5 minutes, so it really wouldn't matter. the biggest thing though is that they usually don't fit very well, i think everyone's in my squad were a bit small including mine, it took a while to get used to them and for them to stretch.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info DS. It didn't say any of that in the package. It said to bring a recent prescription and a pair of glasses. Can I assume that the academy automatically goes in to see if there are any prescriptions and makes them up? Do you have to let them know some how? Thanks again for the info.</p>
<p>We still filled out the card ( I think it was a mail in item not sure), but I do know the optometry clinic at Nellis let the Academy know her specifics, and she tried on the display BCG's before hand to get the right frame size.
The shots were much more automatic. Because she is in DEERS, and we use TriCare Prime with Nellis being the PCM. They had her records. Made life much easier not getting a bunch of shots on arrival.</p>
<p>Ok sorry to b so dumb but what are BCG's> and my question follows along do I get to keep my own glasses or am I issued AF glasses?</p>
<p>I didn't wear my own during basic but they did make me another pair because the 1st pair cut into my nose. Just remind him to get the straps (in the C-store, or before) that keep them on your face, BCG's tend to slip off your face while staring at your eagle for meals.</p>
<p>Sorry for speaking in military acronyms. Hard habit to break after 20+ years. Quite rude of me for not considering the majority of my audience.</p>
<p>Anyway; BCG stands for "Birth-Control-Glasses". Funny name for glasses with very thick plastic frames. The joke is; "If you wear these, you will NEVER get a date".</p>
<p>To answer your concern; for the 6 weeks that you are in BCT; you can NOT have your own glasses and you can NOT wear contact lenses. You must wear the issued military "BCG" glasses. However, once the 6 weeks is over and you become a "REAL STUDENT", you are free to wear your regular glasses, contacts, or whatever it is you have. "Of course, there are actual standards for glasses". I think it's still under the jewelry section. Basically; no blazing colors, mirror lenses indoors, etc... But you can wear any "normal" glasses once you are out of basic training. </p>
<p>Hope this helps, and sorry again for the acronyms.</p>
<p>Thanks I am very non military and trying to get the lingo...:o)</p>
<p>BCG's are the very ugly brown glasses they issue you for Basic. You should bring your own pair to wear on I-day because when basic ends you don't want to be stuck wearing your BCG's.</p>