Does Anybody have any good tips about M.P. basic training and AIT before I leave October 8, 2008?

Question

Also What to Bring, and if I should even bring my cell phone at all?

Answer 1

I can't really help you with the Ft Leonardwood part because my boyfriend in is basic at Fort Sill but I can tell you a little bit.

First, take your cellphone.  You will be allowed to use it until you are processed in and your mom/girlfriend/wife will appreciate every second that she gets to talk to you.  Plus my boyfriend was given his back last Sunday to use all day with the exception on chow time (he still has 2 weeks until his graduation).

Don't worry about bringing anything except the personal items you are going to be needing for a few days (shaving cream, razors, etc) you will be allowed to purchase anything else you may need and everything else will be taken away and put into a personal items locker for you and you won't get it back until graduation.

Take pictures of everyone that you are going to miss.  My Dave has asked for several pictures and I have always sent them because I know how hard it is on him being away.  If you can, take a calling card too.  We mailed one to Dave after he was given an address but it would be useful to use when you are allowed to call home (he's allowed to call on Sundays as long as their platoon hasn't gotten into trouble).

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I will hope those who know more will reply.   I have always heard that you do not volunteer for specific duties. Doing so will only bring more duties your way.  It is easier to select one who is openly willing than to compel one who appears to not want the duty.  Of course once you have some experience behind you, you can then accurately evaluate the duty. You might then begin to volunteer for the more desirable duties.

I would suspect that the military would not allow cell phones when in the field, for a variety of reasons. 1. You would not want the enemy having the ability to talk with or gain information on your family. 2. The signals may interfere with the military equipment. 3 A phone ringing in the battle field becomes a target. 4. I am sure there are many more reasons.

I suggest taking an inexpensive prepaid cell phone. Should a restriction require you to surrender the phone you would not lose as much as you would with those newer fancy do-everything phones.

Here are some bits of information I found concerning Cell Phones:

“Cell Phones and Pagers.

One electronic device is authorized for wear on the uniform in the performance of official duties. The device may be either a cell phone or pager - not both. The device must be black in color and may not exceed 4x2x1 inches. Devices that do not comply with these criteria may not be worn on the uniform and must be carried in the hand, in a bag, or in some other carrying container.”  - see links below.

“The new regulation, published in the Federal Register in April 2005, states that anyone driving a motor vehicle on a DoD installation cannot use a cell phone unless the vehicle is safely parked or the driver is using a hands-free device.”  - see links below.

“The Defense Department changed regulations Dec. 1 and now requires anyone driving on a military installation to use a hands-free cell phone device.”  - see links below.