Once you have commissioned it can feel a little daunting. Here are some tips provided by Catherine Pozniak
Pre-BA
- Oath
- DA 71 – Sign two originals
- The date on your DA71 is your official start date
- Common Access Card (CAC)
- CAC reader
First BA To Do List
- Bring:
- Multiple copies of DA 71
- Multiple copies orders
- Other documents advised by command
- CAC, if possible to obtain beforehand
- Identify:
- S1 (HR)
- S3 (training)
- Sponsor
- OIC (“Officer in Charge” aka your supervisor)
- Other: BA Travel
- Lodging-in-Kind Program (LIK)
- Inactive Duty Training (IDT) reimbursement
Uniform
OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern)
- Patrol Cap (with rank and nameplate)
- Regular and Summer Uniform
- Patches
- Front: nameplate (right), rank (middle), U.S. Army (left)
- Right shoulder: U.S. Flag
- Left shoulder: USACAPOC
- Undershirt and socks (coyote brown)
- Belt
- Boots
- Optional:
- ID tags
- Tactical wedding ring
- blousers
APFU (Army Physical Fitness Uniform)
- Short-sleeve t-shirt *
- Long-sleeve t-shirt
- Shorts *
- Long pants
- Jacket
- Ankle socks (preferably black) *
- Any athletic shoe *
- Reflective belt (DCC, BOLC B)
* = purchase multiple
Pay, Benefits, Perks
- Military Pay
- Retirement (TSP) (50 pts = a “good year”)
- Servicemember Group Life Insurance (SGLI): FY24 $31/month
- Eligible for Tricare Reserve Select
- Member only: $51.95/month
- Member + Family: $256.87/month
- Eligible for Tricare Dental
- Eligible for FEDVIP Vision
Military Discounts (qualify via ID.me)
DCC Nice-To-Haves
- Headlamp
- Weapon sling (black)
- Pace counter
- Pocket knife
- Cord
- Gloves
- S-biners
- Duct tape, black electrical tape
- Non-GPS watch
- Bedding: blanket and pillow