What to bring on an encampment?

[KERALA]

I am a c/am and am going to my first encampment.

[shlebz]

bring what is on the packing list.

[KERALA]

I could not find one for the joint Dakota encampment

[Extremepredjudice]

Ask your flight staff.

[Eclipse]

Contact the staff.  If there isn't one there will be.

[Spartan]

bring what is on the packing list.

Seriously, this is probably the easiest way to have a less stressful first day at encampment.  If it is not on the packing list, don't bring it with unless it is a major necessary item like a prosthetic arm or leg amputee as prescribed by a doctor.

A few ABSTRACT things to bring with to your first encampment that will make life much easier:
-A positive mental attitude.
-A desire to learn from others and your own mistakes
-Excitement
-Self discipline
-A can-do, team oriented attitude
-Respect

[bflynn]

bring extra socks.  Seriously.  I've never been camping anywhere that I didn't run out of socks.  If you're going to be walking a lot, especially in boots through the woods and streams, you will want to change socks more than once a day.

[Spaceman3750]

bring extra socks.  Seriously.  I've never been camping anywhere that I didn't run out of socks.  If you're going to be walking a lot, especially in boots through the woods and streams, you will want to change socks more than once a day.

Encampment, despite its name, usually doesn't have anything to do with camping .

That said, in hot environments your feet will sweat a lot and the effect will be the same as having walked through a stream. Anyone who's been to NESA will tell you that there's no greater luxury in the world than a dry pair of socks.

[bflynn]

Yes, I used the word camping because that's what I do.  Being on your feet in boots is what makes changing socks necessary.

[Eclipse]

Don't bring extra anything.

You will likely be inspected on your locker or rack, and part of the inspection is following simple instructions.

[bflynn]

    Oh good grief...

[Spaceman3750]

  Oh good grief...

You know, the guy commanded an encampment for something on the high side of a decade. He might know of what he speaks in this case.

[bflynn]

Then why do I have so much less respect for him now that he's said that.

There's following directions and attention to detail.  Forcing someone to be unprepared because of your lack of foresight is neither.  It causes resentment which breaks down respect and therefore goes against the core values.

Just because he ran encampments for ten years doesn't make his way good.  See the story of the four monkeys getting sprayed with water.

[Eclipse]

Have you ever been to an encampment?

[cadetesman]

Honestly, I might not agree with everything Eclipse says....but in this case, he's right.

As a basic participant at an encampment, it IS VERY DETAIL ORIENTED....

You WILL get in trouble for bringing too much of one thing, or too little of another....

The list has all the stuff that is needed, it's made using ORM and experience.

I brought what was on it, and was fine.

Really, Eclipse commanded for 10 years, so I'm sure his experience has let him know of the necessities.

That is all

[KERALA]

Have you ever been to an encampment?

No I joined CAP two months ago

[Eclipse]

Roger.  Question not directed at you.

Is this the Joint Dakota Leadership Encampment in July?

The website indicates a packing list was included with the application packet.

http://jdcle2012.eventsbot.com/

If you did not receive a packet, you should contact: Lt. Col B. T. Marking at  cap.rufrider@gmail.com

[bflynn]

Have you ever been to an encampment?

No, I went to boot camp for 12 weeks instead.

[JayT]

Have you ever been to an encampment?

No, I went to boot camp for 12 weeks instead.

Congratulations, that's very impressive. So since you have apparently no idea what you're talking about in regards to this topic, why don't you let the guys who do put their two cents in?

[ol'fido]

Don't bring extra anything.

You will likely be inspected on your locker or rack, and part of the inspection is following simple instructions.

I agree except for one thing...bring some extra pairs of underwear. Please don't be the cadet whose luggage I checked a few years ago that only had one pair of underwear in his bags. I "hope" he was wearing a pair. Two pair of underwear is not cool for a week long summer encampment. 

[Spartan]

Don't bring extra anything.

You will likely be inspected on your locker or rack, and part of the inspection is following simple instructions.

I agree except for one thing...bring some extra pairs of underwear. Please don't be the cadet whose luggage I checked a few years ago that only had one pair of underwear in his bags. I "hope" he was wearing a pair. Two pair of underwear is not cool for a week long summer encampment. 

I have seen cadets like that.  It makes me want to have a long sit down kind of chat with their squadron commander and their parents.  Hopefully the person who wrote the packing list will have enough foresight to place an appropriate number of required items to the tune of "Underwear, appropriate 7-10 pair"  Even then, some people don't think the packing list applies to them and that it is a polite suggestion.  Please don't be one of those people.

[Sapper168]

From what i experienced as a TAC officer at encampment i don't think cadets bringing extra stuff is a problem, its the more common problem of cadets not bringing enough of what is on the packing lists.  Two pairs of socks, one set of bdu's and two pairs of underwear for a week or more isnt as uncommon as you would think.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Then why do I have so much less respect for him now that he's said that.

The four core values of CAP are respect, integrity, volunteerism and excellence. 

It's not a huge deal...but I think everyone would be happier with CAP if these are practiced more not just up and down the COC, but between each other.

It's something I've learned is true in life too.

That didn't take long at all!

[bflynn]

Congratulations, that's very impressive. So since you have apparently no idea what you're talking about in regards to this topic, why don't you let the guys who do put their two cents in?

Actually, I do have an idea what I'm talking about.  Encampment is a slimed down version of boot camp with similar techniques and purposes.

How about I say what I want to say when I want to say it?

Additionally, Encampment varies from state to state.  It's different everywhere.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Actually, I do have an idea what I'm talking about.  Encampment is a slimed down version of boot camp with similar techniques and purposes.

And I HOPE you don't end up a TAC anytime soon right off the bat!

How about I say what I want to say when I want to say it?

It's a free internet. But don't complain when you get called out on it.

Additionally, Encampment varies from state to state.  It's different everywhere.

That is true! But we have this thing...CAPR52-16...

[davidsinn]

By saying this:

Encampment is a slimed down version of boot camp with similar techniques and purposes.

You proved that this:

Actually, I do have an idea what I'm talking about.

Is wrong.

[bflynn]

And I HOPE you don't end up a TAC anytime soon right off the bat!

LOL - unlikely.  I'd have to volunteer for that and it isn't why I joined CAP.

I'm a little amused that you all are putting so much stress on compliance with military discipline, of packing exactly what the list says, nothing more and nothing less...and then wonder why nobody wants to play with you.

[Майор Хаткевич]

LOL - unlikely.  I'd have to volunteer for that and it isn't why I joined CAP.

Why ARE you here then? Besides CAPTalk trolling? If you have no interest in Encampments, nor any experience, why even open the topic? Insert foot in mouth?

I'm a little amused that you all are putting so much stress on compliance with military discipline, of packing exactly what the list says, nothing more and nothing less...and then wonder why nobody wants to play with you.

Nobody? You mean nobody actually shows up to encampment? Because I've seen cadets with silver attachments on their encampment ribbons...something must be keeping them there.

[bflynn]

You proved that this:

Actually, I do have an idea what I'm talking about.

Is wrong.

Yeah?  Have you been to boot camp in the real military yet?  Because I have talked with a few people about encampment, read about it and watched a couple of videos.  No, I don't know what it is exactly, I really have no interest in learning more.  I'm not against it, I actually think it's a fair program if done right.

What I roll my eyes at are people who think that packing extra socks because you might need them is a breach of discipline and ought to cause trouble for a cadet at encampment.  It's kind of a recruiting poster for what I see is wrong with the cadet program and what bleeds over to the senior program.

But what do I care, I don't have to deal with you guys.  CAP is a past time for me, I'll wear the golf shirt and wear the gray pants and try to get out of it what I can.

If anyone wants to call me out for it, please us PM and don't go bugging everyone else here.

[bflynn]

Why ARE you here then?

Well, with this thread, it was a suggestion to take some extra socks because I've always needed more socks than I had.

The rest of it has just been everyone busting on my on why I don't understand that taking extra socks is a huge breech of discipline.

Relax guys. 

[davidsinn]

You proved that this:

Actually, I do have an idea what I'm talking about.

Is wrong.

Because I have talked with a few people about encampment, read about it and watched a couple of videos.  No, I don't know what it is exactly, I really have no interest in learning more.

So you've never been, don't know exactly what it is, get all your info third hand, but feel qualified to opine on it? Are you for real?

I have not been to boot camp, but I have been to encampment and it is stressed all the time that encampment is not and should not be "like boot camp."

[Майор Хаткевич]

Why ARE you here then?

Well, with this thread, it was a suggestion to take some extra socks because I've always needed more socks than I had.

The rest of it has just been everyone busting on my on why I don't understand that taking extra socks is a huge breech of discipline.

Relax guys.

Nobody said it was a huge anything. But the point stands: cadets are expected to bring what is on the list and ONLY what is on the list.

Redbull under the bunk with some Doritos? Nope, just a Canteen/camelbak if allowed.
Gameboy and your whole game collection? Nope, just the OI which will be issued to you.
A pair of socks for XXXX days? Means a pair of socks for XXXX days.  Not YYY days, not ZZZZZ days. Just XXXX days.

No one is going to wall to wall a cadet for a small breach like an extra pair of socks, but there is no need to tell a cadet to bring MORE than specified. For all you and I know, the list specifies TEN pairs for a SIX/SEVEN day activity. Why would the cadet need more then?

[bflynn]

PMs please, unless you're just interested in hearing yourself talk.

[Extremepredjudice]

LOL - unlikely.  I'd have to volunteer for that and it isn't why I joined CAP.

Why ARE you here then? Besides CAPTalk trolling? If you have no interest in Encampments, nor any experience, why even open the topic? Insert foot in mouth?

I'm a little amused that you all are putting so much stress on compliance with military discipline, of packing exactly what the list says, nothing more and nothing less...and then wonder why nobody wants to play with you.

Nobody? You mean nobody actually shows up to encampment? Because I've seen cadets with silver attachments on their encampment ribbons...something must be keeping them there.

Sir, cadets are like magpies. They'll do anything for something shiny.

[Майор Хаткевич]

PMs please, unless you're just interested in hearing yourself talk.

I'm interested in getting cadets information that isn't contradictory.

I'm done with this discussion as it pertains to you. I believe the cadet has the answer much higher in the topic. If KERALA has anymore, the cadet can ask them freely.

[titanII]

[Sir, cadets are like magpies. They'll do anything for something shiny.

You speak of cadets as if you weren't one 


(unless of course I have my information wrong, and you aren't a cadet, in which case I'm very sorry, Sir!  )

[Extremepredjudice]

[Sir, cadets are like magpies. They'll do anything for something shiny.

You speak of cadets as if you weren't one 


(unless of course I have my information wrong, and you aren't a cadet, in which case I'm very sorry, Sir!  )

Yeah, I am a cadet. I was distracted because I was adding ribbons to my rack.

[Cap'n]

I was reading previous posts-curious because I myself will be attending as a basic this June- and saw someone had mentioned bringing an extra set of BDU's...Do we need to acquire extra BDU's and Blues uniforms to attend? Or from your experience do they generally have that on the packing list/are suggested to bring?
Thank you in advance.

-Pomegranate

[Майор Хаткевич]

I was reading previous posts-curious because I myself will be attending as a basic this June- and saw someone had mentioned bringing an extra set of BDU's...Do we need to acquire extra BDU's and Blues uniforms to attend? Or from your experience do they generally have that on the packing list/are suggested to bring?
Thank you in advance.

-Pomegranate

It depends on the specific activity. SOME encampments have access to laundry rooms, so you can be in PT gear while your BDUs go through the cycle.

Others suggest 2-3 sets of BDUs.

Others say just BDUs, and you come with just your ONE set (and it's manageable, but again, depends on climate, location, etc).

If you HAVE an extra set, and it's a week long event, I'd side with bringing it. But if the list from the specific activity specifies 1 set, chances are they have laundry access.

[Eclipse]

^ Yep.

Teaching cadets laundry or other seemingly basic hygiene "stuff" might be part of the plan.

Depending on where the activity is hosted, there may be very limited storage for personal items, with no option for "extra".  This is especially true for
activities that take place where they do BMT.  Further to that, there is usually a structured configuration for your "stuff", which will be inspected, and
you might lose points for the "extra".

[MIKE]

Even if they have laundry facilities... 1 set seems light to me.  What if you rip a pair of trousers on the obstacle course or LRC?  Particularly if you are wearing those cheap 100% cotton BDUs that you put too much starch in and weakened the fabric.  I used to being 3 sets for MAWG encampment to include like 8 t-shirts and 8 pairs of boot socks so I didn't have to do laundry.

[Eclipse]

I wouldn't disagree, however part of the issue is that we can't actually require cadets to have anything but the FCU, and 3-sets of BDU's for a growing kid is going to be expensive.

If the activity allows for it, by all means, on the flipside, we've told cadets "stick to the list" and they bring full 24, a sleeping bag, and service jackets.

[Eagle]

I bring 2 complete sets of BDU's when I attend personally. Three pair is just expensive, and difficult to pack with your blues and PT uniform.

[abdsp51]

A couple extra pairs of socks, underwear, and shirts shouldn't be a huge deal.  An over abundance is overkill.

[MSG Mac]

Bottom line is follow the packing list! With a particular emphasis on not bringing any banned items (Electronics, food, games, etc).  If you have a question contact the encampment staff. I'm sure that extra socks, skivvies, or an additional set of BDU's won't be a problem, but ask anyways.

[bflynn]

A couple extra pairs of socks, underwear, and shirts shouldn't be a huge deal.  An over abundance is overkill.

Apparently it is.  What I was told is that part of encampment is about following directions.  My earlier suggestion was to pack extra socks and I was lamblasted for leading cadets astray.

Of course that's a lot of people who don't take the time to stop and say "what do you mean".  So maybe you're right and I was wrong early.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I thought you were done here?

[bflynn]

So did I - but just trying to help out someone else...

[Майор Хаткевич]

bring extra socks.  Seriously.  I've never been camping anywhere that I didn't run out of socks.  If you're going to be walking a lot, especially in boots through the woods and streams, you will want to change socks more than once a day.

In case you are STILL wondering, THIS is the post that had people coming down on you. You clearly had no idea what the cadet was talking about, and brought up something that was completely unrelated.

The advice of NOT bringing extra items is sound. The advice to bring extra socks to encampment because of walking through woods and streams...not so much.

[CamoMan]

When I went to my doolie encampment I was also there for the staff training & I had to bring extra underwear & socks.

[bflynn]

bring extra socks.  Seriously.  I've never been camping anywhere that I didn't run out of socks.  If you're going to be walking a lot, especially in boots through the woods and streams, you will want to change socks more than once a day.

In case you are STILL wondering, THIS is the post that had people coming down on you. You clearly had no idea what the cadet was talking about, and brought up something that was completely unrelated.

The advice of NOT bringing extra items is sound. The advice to bring extra socks to encampment because of walking through woods and streams...not so much.

No, not wondering at all.  I know what it was.  Yes, I was thinking of my camping at the time, which is not what encampment is about.

I found it surprising that people would give me grief for suggesting extra socks because I've always needed them - I like dry feet.  Eclipse even went so far as to say - bring exactly what is on the packing list because following instructions is part of the exercise.

So I'm surprised not nobody commented to the poster above suggesting bringing more than what is on the packing list.

I also see that nobody understood my comparison to boot camp - there's more yelling and more strenous and constant PT in military boot camp.  Nevertheless boot and encampment, especially indoc, are surprisingly similar despite everyone's exhortion that it isn't.  Later in boot camp, there's even mostly instruction and just morning PT, so that's almost just like encampment.  But nobody bothered to stop and ask, they just reacted and jumped.

It's ok, I'm a big boy.  I know that I don't always come across clearly in first-pass writing, but I've got a lot going on so first pass is all you get.

[titanII]

Yeah, I am a cadet. I was distracted because I was adding ribbons to my rack.

What? I'm sorry, I was too busy filling out a CAPF 2A 

Even if they have laundry facilities... 1 set seems light to me.  What if you rip a pair of trousers on the obstacle course or LRC?  Particularly if you are wearing those cheap 100% cotton BDUs that you put too much starch in and weakened the fabric.  I used to being 3 sets for MAWG encampment to include like 8 t-shirts and 8 pairs of boot socks so I didn't have to do laundry.

Agreed. At the most recent MAWG Encampment, the packing list was two sets of BDU's, 8 t-shirts for BDU's, and 8 pairs of boot socks. Worked out fine for me.

[ol'fido]

OK, going to jump in again here....

First off, let me give my encampment credentials. 17 total encampments both as a cadet and a senior. I have been a basic, OTS, squadron XO, and cadet commander. As a senior, I have been a TAC, OTS TAC, OTS Commandant, RCLS Commandant, Transportation Officer, COMM/SECURITY commander, and for the last few years Operations and Planning Section Chief.

As for my "boot" camp credentials, I have attended ROTC basic at Ft. Knox, Infantry OSUT at Ft. Benning, and for the last 19 years, I have worked at Illinois DOC prison boot camp for adult offenders.

Every encampment is different. One year you have 150 people and the next you have over 200 with seniors thrown in. Summer encampments are different than weekend encampments. Each has a different ops tempo. Each has different logistical challenges.  Each location is different from wing to wing. Within the same wing, we are now at the third location for our summer encampment in the last nine years. Every site has different capacities for laundry, storage, replacement of lost/damaged items, transportation. The only thing that they have in common is that they must provide the 40 hours of training as specified by 52-16.

The command staff at each encampment HAS to give a good deal of thought as to what they put on their packing lists based on all the things I have mentioned above. They try to balance the needs of the cadets with the realities of the experience. By and large, they usually do a pretty good job. Eclipse has commanded the spring weekend encampment here in IL and I work the summer encampment in the middle of July. He was at a Navy Basic Training Base and we are at the ILARNG OCS training school in Springfield. Our needs are much the same but in some cases very different. When we were at Volk Field in WI, the cadets did a LOT of marching during the week. Now we are mostly in one building with few exceptions all week.

Cadets will probably not need more than what's on the packing list. I say bring extra underwear because I know that if I say bring 10-12 pair, a cadet is more likely to make it there with the 7-10 pairs he needs. I have also seen cadets show up with items that BOG THE MIND. Flares, tennis raquets, survival kits, etc. Another factor for cadets to remember is that they are going to have to carry this stuff for a certain distance(No, we are not taking the cadets on a forced march for 10 miles with all their gear)and if you are a 13 or 14 year old cadet who is 4' something and weighs less than 100 lbs. toting around an 80 lbs. duffel bag with a bunch of crap you don't really need is a pain.

Bottom line...BRING WHAT'S ON THE PACKING LIST. A FEW EXTRA SOCKS OR UNDIES WILL NOT CAUSE A BIG PROBLEM BUT CERTAINLY DON'T BRING ANYTHING LESS THAN WHAT'S ON THE LIST. WE DON'T MAKE THEM UP JUST FOR GIGGLES.

[MilitaryGirlClair]

Make sure you have a shoe shining kit! When the flight commander comes, he/she will get you on your boots. Bring deoderant, not just for you but for the whole flight

[Extremepredjudice]

Sharing deoderant isn't sanitary. Don't do it!

If anything, bring perfume to share. My flight commander at encampment brought cologne. We were the best smelling flight at encampment

[SarDragon]

Folks, that's what showers are for. Using stinky stuff is being unacceptably lazy.

[CAPC/officer125]

Roger.  Question not directed at you.

Is this the Joint Dakota Leadership Encampment in July?

The website indicates a packing list was included with the application packet.

http://jdcle2012.eventsbot.com/

If you did not receive a packet, you should contact: Lt. Col B. T. Marking at  cap.rufrider@gmail.com

Yes, it is. I am the C/CC. 5-15 July to be exact (GAs report the 6th).
If you have not received the full application packet talk to your squadron commander. I was talk by Lt Col Marking that they have been sent out. Remember all forms need filled out and submitted by the deadline (which I don't remember off the top of my head). The packing list was included with the packet. Bring everything on the list that is mandatory and then everything else on the list based on money, space, and your opinion after talking to others who have been to encampment.
Look forward to meeting you and hope you enjoy yourself. It will be a stressful week, but you will do just fine.

C/LtCol Pat Temaat
2012 JDCLE Cadet Commander