Shopping List/Packing List for COT

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Specializes in OR, Clinic, Med-Surg.

I've seen things posted on the site somewhere about specific items to bring to COT and now I can't seem to find it. Many were speaking of bringing printers, paper and other items (I think it was Ms. Pooh). I can't seem to find this info at the moment. (can someone send me a link to any threads related to this?) What I thought of doing is compiling a shopping list of sorts for things one must/should have prior to arriving to COT.

"It's a good idea to purchase your military footwear (i.e. combat boots/low quarters) in advance and start to break them in early, as you will be doing a lot of marching." -OTS website. Ok, so where do I get these combat boots/low quarters? And what are the rules/requirements of them?

What clothing items and quantities do I need in order to only have to wash clothes 1x/wk? My COT is 10-06 (hottest & most humid time of year) so are there any suggestions for clothing?

The following is a list that I found on the OTS website (it is said that these can be bought in the shoppette?):

- Shower shoes (recommended)

- Pens/Pencils

- Small scissors

- Bath towels (recommended)

- Eyeglass strap (black)

- Sunscreen (Seasonal - recommended)

- Toiletry kit

- Ruler

- Razor

- Black Briefcase/Backpack (beneficial)

- Alarm clock

- Hangers

- Shoeshine kit

- Notebook

- Laundry bag (recommended)

- Highlighters

- Laundry marker

- Lint roller/Brush

I was going to ask if anyone had traveled by plane to COT (it seems that there were a lot more people on here that drove)? If so what items did you bring? Did you leave the night before and stay in a hotel? Were you able to make it to a store of sorts prior to reporting to buy items that you were unable to pack? Did you feel at a major disadvantage being that you were unable to pack a carload of items? On other threads it suggests to leave almost everything in your car. Well I'm not going to have a car, so how hellish is it going to be lugging around 3 suitcases a large laptop backpack and a large purse while the instructors are screaming at me as I manage my way through the crowds??? Any suggestions for that situation? I'm going to stick out like a fat kid at an anorexia convention which isn't good if the ultimate goal is to blend. lol but uh oh!

For me, I will be packing for not only COT but also NTP, which will be directly afterward. 15 weeks and 3 suitcases sounds like typical nursing. Prioritization Prioritization Prioritization!!! (ACK!!) Any tips are greatly appreciated.

Sorry this post is so long and disorganized. Thank You in advance for any help!

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Specializes in pediatrics.

I flew to COT. When I called the number on the orders, the lady said because the way my orders were written, I couldn't leave any earlier than TD-0 (the same day I had to arrive at Maxwell and check-in). So I had a 0600 flight, and still made it to Maxwell in time. What a long day!

I just took COT stuff to COT, and was lucky enough to have a super sweet dad to drive my car down with my NTP stuff/more civilian clothes. That way I had my own wheels to drive myself to NTP... I drove from AL to AZ, and caravan-ed there with a fellow NTP-er I met about a week before COT ended.

I don't know what you were planning about transportation, but if you drive yourself, WEIGH your car empty, and full- and keep receipts. Ask about a "partial dity" either at Maxwell or at Luke... I found the Luke TMO guys MUCH more nice and helpful. :)

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Specializes in OR, Clinic, Med-Surg.
I flew to COT. When I called the number on the orders, the lady said because the way my orders were written, I couldn't leave any earlier than TD-0 (the same day I had to arrive at Maxwell and check-in). So I had a 0600 flight, and still made it to Maxwell in time. What a long day!

I just took COT stuff to COT, and was lucky enough to have a super sweet dad to drive my car down with my NTP stuff/more civilian clothes. That way I had my own wheels to drive myself to NTP... I drove from AL to AZ, and caravan-ed there with a fellow NTP-er I met about a week before COT ended.

I don't know what you were planning about transportation, but if you drive yourself, WEIGH your car empty, and full- and keep receipts. Ask about a "partial dity" either at Maxwell or at Luke... I found the Luke TMO guys MUCH more nice and helpful. :)

Thanks but there will be no way my car will make it that far. It is almost junkyard status right now at 12 years old. lol

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