Hey everybody,
I'm set to go through the Conus Replacement Center (CRC) at fort benning next week.
Just wanted to know what i can expect as far as medical screening, and equipment issue, training, ect. Also, I'm told im getting issued new uniforms, so should i pack more than 1 uniform or what?
My unit doesnt really have much info and im getting conflicting information on what exactly my itenerary will be when i hit benning.

Any info greatly appreciated, thanks!

have fun at the fenced in Gulag.

quote:

medical screening, and equipment issue, training

Expect to be medically screened (blood taken, shots, looked at by docs), a lot of gear issued, and trained to Army Standard.

not much more than that...but have cash for taxi's.

seriously... what to pack? I am currently on Mob and roll into CRC next week without demobing...I have all the RFI and IBA and all that crap already. I am a DS, so of course I have 900 pairs of ACU's. SHould I just take one or two because I have heard they issue more? I have to put my stuff in storage and want to carry as little as possible with me! Thanks,
DS SSG Merritt

well, having already gone through the CRC since my last post on this topic i can tell you:

a) you will be issued EVERYTHING! and by everything, i mean every last possible bit of gear you can possibly imagine. i was mind-boggled by it all. i left with 3+ duffle bags after shipping two boxes of items home.

if i were you, i'd bring 1 pair of ACU's. you will be issued 4 new pairs of flame retardant ACU's, and since you are only authorized to wear those type in theater any additional pairs you bring will only become a burden.

as for your IBA and ACH - you could bring them, however, im not sure if they will make you take another set or not. since you will be issued an Improved Outer Tactical Vest (you know, the one with the breakaway pull cable) i would suggest leaving your IBA and ACH at home, as you will be turning your IOTV back in when you come back through CRC at the other end of your deployment.

also, visit the CRC website (just google conus replacement center fort benning) and make sure you complete all the required training - its about 10 modules of stuff (SERE100, IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN studies, FORCE PROTECTION, ect.)
depending on your job in theater, and assuming you can get the ear of an 0-5 or higher, i would suggest getting a memorandum stating that you need an M9 instead of an m16 to carry into theater (it will cut down on your burden, trust me).

if i were to do it all again i would make sure i pack :

a few extra acu t-shirts (they only issue 4)
plenty of socks (they issue none)
underwear, toiletries, ect.
a set of civillian clothing (you may be there for up to 2 weeks)
plenty of PT clothes (they issue none)
1 pair boots boots ONLY (they issue you up to 4 pairs depending on your deployment location)
toiletries and all the usual creature comforts

that's all i can really think of, but basically, i would show up there pretty much like your headed off to boot again (packed lightly) as you will be issued 3 duffle bags, an assault pack, a rucksack, riflemans kit, camelback, IOTV, ACH, magazines, chemical gear, cold weather gear, wet weather gear, a weapon, and all your basic infantryman's kit and the gear with which to haul it.

if you can afford it i would suggest renting a car at the airport (the website says the'd prefer you dont) but i would for three reasons:

benning is a BIG post and CRC is far from the px or any of the facilities

they really wont care if you do bring a car

you may be there for up to 2 weeks with nothing to do.

hope this helps, best of luck.

thanks much and it does help tremendously! I just do not want to get there without my kit and them tell me I need it or vice versa! I am only about 4 hours away, so I may just drive my car down and find a storage facility near there... thanks!