Can we use our debit cards at the Exchange?

The type of socks you want are the long white tube socks and long black tube socks, try to find some with heavy padding. They will issue them but things seem to disappear or get misplaced. I wouldn't pack alot because you have very little space in your rack. As for underwear white undwear, you can get them there but just bring your own. I wouldn't bring more than 10 or less than 7 pairs. You don't get to go to the echange alot, maybe about three times your whole time there. But you can use your debit card, in fact they want you to bring your debit card with you. In case your CC's (company commanders) don't tell you buy a pair of shirt stays at the exchange. Some tips I would suggest is know your 11 general oders WORD BY WORD now. You have to repeat it exactly how it is in your handbook. Also learn the gardian ethos, semper paratus. If you can ask your recuiter if they can tell you what your chain of command is and memorize it. Write your name on all of your clothes before you get there. Always keep your eyes in the boat which is straight ahead, don't touch your face/head, move as fast as you can expecially in the galley, and most important is to sound off as loud as you can. I hope this will help, I graduated last month so the info is recent. As long as you try your hardest and don't give up you will make it. They really do want to see you graduate.

Thanks a lot mdh! I know I edited the thread, I thought nobody was going to reply. But you successfully answered my questions. thanks again.

One more quick question. Where on the socks, v-necks, and underwear do i write my name? and is it full name? sorry, just want to do it right.

It really doesnt matter for the stuff you bring. I wrote mine on the collar, try to write it on the tag so it doesn't bleed. I would try to write full name in case some one could have the same initials, but on somethings there isn't enough room. There going to have you stencile some shirts there but they will teach you how.

When are you tested on the 11 general orders? And how is it done.....Does everyone say it aloud together? individually?

Thanks.
Jen

Know them by heart, by number, and word for word. you will be asked frequently.

yep, best advice to survive the first part of BC. Know your general orders front and back. they put so much stress on you that it can be really hard to yell out something you thought you knew really well. and if you just learned them then nothing will come out of your mouth when you get someone yelling "STOP!!!......whats your 5th general order"

Sure thing, Im doin my best at putting them to heart, but thats true, its a different ballgame when the pressure is on.

What I did with Colin was just that... he would be helping himself to dinner and I would yell at him... "Colin what is number 9?" Sometimes he would have no clue because I would catch him so off guard but he said it helped a little. Also do push ups and have your mom, dad, little sister, boyfriend whatever just ask y ou random stupid questions... general order, creed, motto, chain of command and see if you can do it while concentrating on the prefect push up.

I did the same with Sammy T during the pre academy workouts before he shipped out...had them all doing jumping jacks and would not let them stop until he yelled them out loud enough all could hear...fun times had by me!

Now he could have said anything...I did not know them but he tried and yelled with all he had.