Money needed prior to going to COT

[AFFam]

Ok, so I've read the website explaining how much money you need for what, but I was wondering if you truly spent that much. We have a pretty aggressive debt reduction plan, and we are trying to save the money needed for COT while paying off our debt before we move, since I will be unemployed for at least two months. I want to avoid adding to the credit card debt if possible.

Thanks!

[jentrump29]

I went to COT in October, so there were some extra winter things I had to buy. I also had to buy mess dress. Overall, I probably spent close to $1800, give or take, on uniforms. Then I got nickelled and dimed to death while I was there for pictures, class gift, etc. Some things are optional, some aren't. I think I spent about $300 on that stuff (and I got alot of the optional stuff). Initially, he'll have to give $40-50 when he checks in. That pays for his water source, flashlight, and MRE for the first training day. Other than that, it just depends on what he needs for extras (snacks or toiletries from the shoppette, going out on the one weekend he has privileges). You guys also have to account for travel expenses for him and the rest of your family to get to the base. He'll get a huge check once he fills out his travel voucher, buy he won't be able to fill that out until he inprocesses at his base.

Another thing to consider is that his pay will be screwed up while he's at COT. I don't think anyone got paid until the 3rd or 4th week. Some people didn't get paid at all at COT. They don't want anyone or their families to be out on the streets, so they'll work with him the best they can if he really needs the money right away, but things are a bit slow when it comes to the AF...hurry up and wait (I'm sure you guys have already gotten a taste of that)! His pay will get worked out (he might get a $1500 check, then two weeks later get a $4000 check), but it takes time. The only reason I mention this is that if you guys are able to put away some money to pay any bills that come up while he's gone, it would be beneficial. Hope that helps! :)

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I pestered (professionally, but pestered nonetheless) the finance people at COT and managed to get a month's pay out of them. It was still all wrong when I got to my base (they were paying me as a 2LT with no prior service and I should have been paid for eight years) and it took two months to fix, but I DID get paid at COT - but only because I all but forced them.

Everything Jen has said is right on. Unis were insanely expensive and you will get nickeled and dimed to death for five weeks of your life. And the travel voucher IS huge, but it took forever for me to get it (I got my travel voucher in April and I got here in November - PCSing over a holiday didn't help me).

Be sure he puts in for every single dime he's entitled to. There's money out there that you have to ask for, but it's yours for the asking. And it will take a while to get.