DE's and Boot Camp

[mongrull006]

Does anyone know if a DE would fly in boot camp? Specifically Coast Guard? I most likely have to shave 2 times a day or better with a cartridge razor to keep away the 5 o'clock shadow. Plus they REALLY tear up my face, I get ingrown hairs and razor bumps really bad, but still do not get a smooth shave... Realistically I can only comfortably shave with a cartridge about once every 2 days. I currently straight shave with no problems at all, however the straight is time consuming. I suspect the DE could be a little faster and easier on my face while maintaining a smooth shave. I just do not know if it will be allowable or not.

thanks

[SlyGI]

Does anyone know if a DE would fly in boot camp? Specifically Coast Guard? I most likely have to shave 2 times a day or better with a cartridge razor to keep away the 5 o'clock shadow. Plus they REALLY tear up my face, I get ingrown hairs and razor bumps really bad, but still do not get a smooth shave... Realistically I can only comfortably shave with a cartridge about once every 2 days. I currently straight shave with no problems at all, however the straight is time consuming. I suspect the DE could be a little faster and easier on my face while maintaining a smooth shave. I just do not know if it will be allowable or not.

thanks

I don't know nothing about the coast guard, but in the army boot camp, you want to shave with what ever EVERYONE is shaving with. The last thing you want to do is stand out.

In boot camp, the higher you stick your head above the crowd, the more a Drill Sergeant will want to chop it off.

Have fun! :w00t:

[mongrull006]

Yea, I agree with that. I am just trying to choose my evil, jacked up bristle face with the standard, or smooth face, and razor that sticks out....

If I go with the cartridge, they will without a doubt constantly chew on my hind parts because of the nice shadow : )

[bookpile]

In the army we only had 2 minutes to do the three S's. I'd want to go with the method wihch I'd have the least chance at cutting myself with given the quick shaves.(cartridge) Also they even broke off that pointy thing on our nail clipers so we wouldn't cut someone with them. So I'm not sure they'd let you have a DE blade at all.

[SlyGI]

Don't worry, if they didn't chew you out for that, they would find another reason to chew you out.:001_smile

[TorzJohnson]

Well I've been through Coast Guard boot camp, although I went through the real boot camp, Alameda (Bravo 133 1980), instead of Skate May. :wink:

Anyway, when the time comes for the three S's, you will not probably not have the time to do a proper DE shave. Private time in boot camp is severely limited. There is a specific period of time for showering and shaving. Do yourself a favor and bring some multi-blade cartridge and a can of foam, because getting an acceptable shave quickly will be the goal.

After boot camp, you can go back to enjoying the finer things in life, like drinking a coke when you want to, having a smoke when you want to, and walking instead of double-timing.

[dpm802]

Ask your recruiter. He (or she) will know what is and is not allowed in CG Boot Camp.

My educated guess is that a DE blade will be verboten. Even if you wanted to bring in your own M3 and aerosol goop, they won't let you do that, either.

They will issue you disposable razors and a can of goop from whichever company won the lowest bid contract. Same goes for your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other grooming needs, along with a sewing kit to maintain your uniforms, some stationary so you can write home to Mom and Dad, and a few other sundry items. They bag it all together and toss it to you in a draw-string canvas bag, and there you have all the toiletries you'll need. Everybody gets the same thing.

In the Navy, they called this grooming kit a "Ditty Bag." The CG might have a different name, but the principle is the same.

And, btw ... they will dock your paycheck for all the items that get forced on you, too.

Just suck it up and deal with the bumps and the 5 O'Clock shadow for the eight or ten weeks you'll be in Boot Camp. Once you get out into the real world, you can choose your own brands and shave with whatever floats your boat (Yes! Pun Intended.)

[Hawkeye5]

I must be old. DEs were what everyone used when I went through basic.:blush:

[_JP_]

That's what I was thinking! It used to be that the DE was the only way the (almost) everybody shaved!

[Roman414]

Whatever is fastest and easiest. Not a good time to be working on new shaving techniques. I went for 11 weeks (Navy) in 1958. It sucked back then and I am sure it still does. Boot camp is supposed to suck...they are conditioning you to perform effectively under mental and physical stress. The good thing...it doesn't last forever. Then you can shave anyway you like.

[rickw]

I must be old. DEs were what everyone used when I went through basic.:blush:

+1 That and Schick SE. I heard a rumor that the Marines used their Ka-bars.:lol:

[gunner6477]

I don't know nothing about the coast guard, but in the army boot camp, you want to shave with what ever EVERYONE is shaving with. The last thing you want to do is stand out.

In boot camp, the higher you stick your head above the crowd, the more a Drill Sergeant will want to chop it off.

Have fun! :w00t:

+1000

Not sure about Coast guard, but they will find something to yell at you about regrardless of what you do or not do...don't automatically shave twice a day...they will tell you if you need it...I had to also, but usually only on a day that we were being inspected for something. Another word of advice...They will give you plenty of opportunities, but NEVER volunteer for ANYTHING.

[royalcrown]

If it is run anything like Navy boot, and from the stories I have heard from friends in other branches, most likely not. Id expect to be issued everything you need and have everything your brought with you packed up and given back upon pass & review (I had to turn in my boxers). Talk to your Recruiter they will be able to give you the full heads up but I'd expect that unless you can give yourself a damn good shave in a very short amount of time, the answer will prolly be no.

For folks who have a tendency to get ingrown hairs, they usually just issue no-shave chits.

[Kairtane]

I am fairly certain that a DE will NOT fly in boot camp. Your razor and blades will likely get packed away with any other civilian type equipment you bring.

Boot camp is a highly stressful time, your trainers don't want anyone with access to anything as dangerous as a razor blade.

When I went through Army basic in '85, the Drill Sergeants snapped the fingernail cleaner of your clippers with pliers. It was explained to me, loudly, "You can kill a man with that. Now do pushups!"

[cleancut]

After arriving by bus to Ft Jackson SC for Army boot camp in 1970 at 4:30am, I was imeadiately given a shaving kit which had a Gillette Techmatic in it. After being marched to the mess hall at 5:30am and having my first Army meal, :eek: I [I]wished[I] I'd had a DE to slit my throat with:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[FC1Thawk]

Not a chance. You have to shave with cartridges in basic. Anything that can be considered a weapon will be confiscated upon arrival. Sorry bro.


FC1

[ScottieWP09]

Not only will you not want to stand out, but anytime you are in a "basic training" environment time is scarce. You will definitely not have time to do all of the things you want (preshave, warm lather, etc). Just try to make do with a Mach3 and your favorite bottled Goo for a month or so. Itll be nice to go back and get a real shave with a DE.

[Chapel]

Consider the time away from your DE a sacrifice to your new path in life. Reflect on its glory as you scrape your face down with provided mass produced cartridge. When it is done, you can stand tall as you walk out of basic and right into the nearest bathroom DE in hand for a proper shave befitting the new man in the mirror!

[Mr. Gillette]

Maybe it was just the times...but in the early 1980's at Great Lakes, when I showed up with a DE, it was taken away..."Can't have a straight razor here...gotta have a double edge" which to them was a twin blade, a trac II..I think.

Reason? You might get depressed and want to commit suicide.

Also-- practically speaking. It's not just your razor, but your mug, your brush, your soap. They have a spot for EVERYTHING in your locker, and these items are not part of what is planned for. And where would you buy replacement blades for 8 weeks...at the Exchange? Don't think so!

I can just imagine you at a locker inspection: "Yes, sir...these are my boots, this is my rifle, these are my skivvies, these are my utilities, this is my cover, this is my raincoat, and here is my Prorasso, my cream, my soap, my brush, my feathers, my derbies, a couple of razors, because I get bored easily, my mug, my scuttle, a couple of towels to prep my face, my witch hazel and a couple different kinds of aftershave, alcohol and non alcohol, along with my alum block...Sir? Yes...of course, I would be happy to give you 20, but I'm planning to shave and it takes me 30-40 minutes of really good concentration...Yes sir...what? You say I have 3 minutes to sh*t, shower, shave and fall out on the drill deck? But sir...this doesn't fit with my lifestyle."

[Johnny Dale]

Whatever is fastest and easiest. Not a good time to be working on new shaving techniques. I went for 11 weeks (Navy) in 1958. It sucked back then and I am sure it still does. Boot camp is supposed to suck...they are conditioning you to perform effectively under mental and physical stress. The good thing...it doesn't last forever. Then you can shave anyway you like.

I have to agree also. You don't have much time for the 3S's and they will issue you your gear. Boot Camp is only a short amount of time compared to your active duty. Go back to the DE after boot camp. Have fun and let us know how it was when you get back.

JD

[netsurfr]

I'm afraid you will have to go with a cartridge of some sort in basic. However, usually there is more free time in the evenings. You could take that time to do a 3-4 pass shave in the evening and have much less to do in the morning. With a 3-4 pass shave, you should be able to get BBS shave that lasts rather nicely. Then with a touchup in the morning you will be ready to rock.

[Suzuki]

Nix the DE - no time, not worth being singled out.

What I would do is try to get some of the best goo in a can or brushless cream you can to get as good a shave as possible.

As for a razor, I suggest the Sensor as one of the best cartridge razors out there - but you'll likely want to try a couple of brands/styles first.

I think its funny that the military would say no to DE blades and then go out and issue you a big ol' bayonet!

[Mr. Gillette]

Nix the DE - no time, not worth being singled out.

What I would do is try to get some of the best goo in a can or brushless cream you can to get as good a shave as possible.

As for a razor, I suggest the Sensor as one of the best cartridge razors out there - but you'll likely want to try a couple of brands/styles first.

I think its funny that the military would say no to DE blades and then go out and issue you a big ol' bayonet!

I completely agree with that assessment of bayonet vs. DE...BUT Boot Camp is completely a head game, and it's about taking people (young men and women primarily) who are learning to be independent and making them completely and unquestioningly subject to authority/ideas/someone else's mindset, etc.

I doubt very seriously if you have any choice in what razor you'll have. You'll be given a bucket or some similar container, and you'll walk through a line where someone will toss in soap, toothbrush, toothpaste (whatever they choose), a comb-- (oh wait, you won't NEED the comb:lol:) a razor, some shaving cream or Edge Gel, and that's about all they'll think you need.

Do you think they'll give you any choice on clothing? "I wear a 32 waist, and I have a 30 inch inseam." "No...now you wear a 36/42." "I wear size 10D shoes." "No...I think today you'll be wearing 12 EEE."

Welcome to the cruel world of boot camp, Ricky Recruit. You are wholly owned by your Uncle Sam. You signed the paper.

If you showed up with a 150.00 pocket knife, it would be confiscated, and you will NEVER see it again. Same with your razor. Don't take it. Don't even take a Bible, because they'll take that-- (although they'll give you a nice little regulation size mini-New Testament!)

Finally-- ASK your recruiter what you can take to boot camp. Fair winds and following seas!:001_rolle

[TX Shane]

It won't be quite as bad as Mr. Gillette's version of boot camp, but there won't be any DE shaving, or two shaves a day. They will most likely inspect your gear (or otherwise make people 'fess up to any items they brought) and take anything they don't want you to have: meds, knives, mouthwash, etc. I'm pretty sure you'd lose your DE if you tried to take it. I recall them taking anything that wasn't issued to you, even things like dog tag silencers.

For the first few weeks, you and all your shipmates will all be trying desperately to get your three S's in 5 minutes all at the same time and you'll likely be standing around one sink with 7 other guys trying to get your shaves in.

They'll let up on your schedule at some point and you may actually have a little free time in the evenings -- Once that happens, it's easier to try to get your shower and shave in at night rather than fight the crowd in the mornings.

I don't think I ever learned to get my hosptial corners right. Do lots of push ups and running before you go so that part won't be a big deal when you get there.

[Mr. Gillette]

It won't be quite as bad as Mr. Gillette's version of boot camp, but there won't be any DE shaving, or two shaves a day. They will most likely inspect your gear (or otherwise make people 'fess up to any items they brought) and take anything they don't want you to have: meds, knives, mouthwash, etc. I'm pretty sure you'd lose your DE if you tried to take it. I recall them taking anything that wasn't issued to you, even things like dog tag silencers.

For the first few weeks, you and all your shipmates will all be trying desperately to get your three S's in 5 minutes all at the same time and you'll likely be standing around one sink with 7 other guys trying to get your shaves in.

They'll let up on your schedule at some point and you may actually have a little free time in the evenings -- Once that happens, it's easier to try to get your shower and shave in at night rather than fight the crowd in the mornings.

I don't think I ever learned to get my hosptial corners right. Do lots of push ups and running before you go so that part won't be a big deal when you get there.

Candy Asses! :lol::lol::lol::lol:

In my day, any shower over 30 seconds was considered a "Hollywood" shower. It will get better, and GOOD job for joining the Coast Guard. It's a good unit, even if it is part of the Department of Transportation!

[El Yanqui]

I went through navy boot camp in 1991 and razors weren't allowed. You won't even be allowed to keep your own underwear, so don't bother packing anything you want to keep. You'll get issued a lot of gear you will promptly get rid of after boot camp.

[Mr. Gillette]

I went through navy boot camp in 1991 and razors weren't allowed. You won't even be allowed to keep your own underwear, so don't bother packing anything you want to keep. You'll get issued a lot of gear you will promptly get rid of after boot camp.

What are you THINKING? I have itchy wool socks left over from 1981--and probably a few t-shirts and some stenciled Hane's Whitey-Tighteys. HEY...maybe I should put them on Ebay!!:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[mongrull006]

Yea, this thread about sums up my thoughts to this issue. But I still had to ask. I live about 3 miles from the largest USCG Air Station. So I know a lot of Coasties and know pretty much how the deal goes down at boot camp. I know my original question may have seemed fairly juvenile, but it was just one of those things i knew was a stretch and had to ask.

Thanks for everyones replies!

[justpursuit]

I hate to say it, but i would probably go with electric. I havent used one for a good number of years now, but i'd imagine there has to be something decent out there. the other option, what about good old bics?

[Jimbo]

If you needed a gold Aristocrat, I would have issued you one!
I guess that just about covers what's allowed.
On a serious note, I'm sure everyone joins me (at least us Americans) in saying thank you for your commitment to keeping our country safe and best of luck in your new career.
One of my best friend's father graduated from the Coast Guard Academy and he looks back on his time in the Coast Guard as some of the best times and most rewarding times of his life.
The thing is, once boot camp's over, you'll appreciate being able to take a nice long shower and have a proper shave that much more.

[Mr. Gillette]

All kidding aside...(if that's possible for me!) One of the disciplines that is going to be pounded into those entering the Sea Services (Navy, Marines, CG) is that water just plain isn't readily available onboard ship out at sea.

"Water water everywhere, and not a drop to drink."

You can't simply plug in a Coast Guard Cutter or a Navy Frigate or Crusier to a municipal water supply, turn on the faucet and enjoy a long shower and a 40 minute shave. Fresh water comes at a cost, and unless you want to shave in cold sea water, (and how are you going to dip it?), any time aboard ship will be spend monitoring water usage. The guys who labor over desalination equipment, etc...will probably be very happy that you don't spend your time filling and re-filling the bowl to keep your razor clean and your lather hot.

Boot camp is the transition period where this, and many other realities are introduced and begin to become a part of the fabric of your life.

Having said that-- I spent very little time aboard ship, so being on dry land, living in my own apartment, etc...I could do what I pleased, but when Uncle Sam's Canoe Club sent me out haze-grey-and-underway my showers got shorter and I opted for less water than I'd ever used in my shaving regimen.

Good luck! When do you report?

[TorzJohnson]

It's a good unit, even if it is part of the Department of Transportation!
Just a minor correction, the Coast Guard was moved to the Dept of Homeland Security in 2003.

[Tommy1980]

Don't try it man. The blades will be considered weapons that some guy that loses it might use to hurt themselves. On top of that you don't want anything to make you stand out from the crowd.

Just remember what everyones said here. No matter what you do..NO matter what! Your are going to be wrong the first couple of weeks. I had a hard time in basic due to my attitude. Looking back on it I laught now. Just learn the "game" and play ball till its over.

[Roman414]

I don't think I would take a razor at all. Use whatever they issue you or sell you.
Spot on about "hollywood showers" at sea. A serious offense, I saw someone lose his stripes for it. I have spent weeks on "water hours". They turn the water on for thirty minutes in the morning and another thirty minutes in the evening. That is when you drink, shower, and shave.
Used to be you had to be six feet tall to get into the Coast Guard, so you could wade ashore if your ship sank. (Just kidding...that is an old Navy joke. I respect and admire the Coasties.)

[Mr. Gillette]

Just a minor correction, the Coast Guard was moved to the Dept of Homeland Security in 2003.

Thanks...I'd forgotten. You're absolutely right.

[Mr. Gillette]

Don't try it man. The blades will be considered weapons that some guy that loses it might use to hurt themselves. On top of that you don't want anything to make you stand out from the crowd.

Just remember what everyones said here. No matter what you do..NO matter what! Your are going to be wrong the first couple of weeks. I had a hard time in basic due to my attitude. Looking back on it I laught now. Just learn the "game" and play ball till its over.


A really good point. Our perspective changes a bit as we age. Twelve weeks can seem like an eternity, but take a mental trip-- pick out (on last year's calendar) a period of similar length. Put it into your head just how quickly that time can go by.

Learn these two facts:

1) Someone is going to say something outlandish, stupid, "wrong", illogical, inflammatory, degrading, disgusting, tantalizing, or all (or more) of the above.

2) Keep your eyes straight ahead, keep your mouth shut, hate the SOB, but keep your mouth shut. Stay out of the "thick" of things and aim to finish somewhere in the top 20% of the pack, but not too close to the top.

That's just my sage advice. Bootcamp is a place to endure, and if you can keep yourself on A- or B+ performance, you won't make any enemies on either side of that thin blue line.

YOU HAVE TWO EARS and ONE MOUTH...as the saying goes....

[Tommy1980]

A really good point. Our perspective changes a bit as we age. Twelve weeks can seem like an eternity, but take a mental trip-- pick out (on last year's calendar) a period of similar length. Put it into your head just how quickly that time can go by.

Learn these two facts:

1) Someone is going to say something outlandish, stupid, "wrong", illogical, inflammatory, degrading, disgusting, tantalizing, or all (or more) of the above.

2) Keep your eyes straight ahead, keep your mouth shut, hate the SOB, but keep your mouth shut. Stay out of the "thick" of things and aim to finish somewhere in the top 20% of the pack, but not too close to the top.

That's just my sage advice. Bootcamp is a place to endure, and if you can keep yourself on A- or B+ performance, you won't make any enemies on either side of that thin blue line.

YOU HAVE TWO EARS and ONE MOUTH...as the saying goes....

I going to have to steal that "Two Ears one mouth" saying if you don't mind Mr. Gillette.

Another piece of advice. Don't volunteer for anything. The TI/DIs might ask something like "Who here is a boyscout" or some other innocent sounding question. Next thing you know your in charge of some other knucklehead recruits that get you in trouble everytime they screw up.


Good luck man. Your going to mostly likely look back and have no regrets about your time in the service.

[TorzJohnson]

The guys who are saying don't volunteer for anything... that's good advice. Read that part again. Don't volunteer for anything.

I remember once volunteering to be first in rotation for a sh** job. The next time it came up it got assigned to me again. "But Chief, I was the one that had to do that last time." "Good. You already know how to do it then. Go." That sh** job was mine for the duration. :biggrin:

[Roman414]

Boot camp has several purposes and a big one is to condition you to deal with mental and physical stress. So they are going to stress you, count on it. Like the man said, you are going to be wrong no matter what you do! They are going to tromp all over your dignity and sense of justice...just remember, none of it is personal, and every GI before you went through it too..

[Mr. Gillette]

The guys who are saying don't volunteer for anything... that's good advice. Read that part again. Don't volunteer for anything.

I remember once volunteering to be first in rotation for a sh** job. The next time it came up it got assigned to me again. "But Chief, I was the one that had to do that last time." "Good. You already know how to do it then. Go." That sh** job was mine for the duration. :biggrin:

The letters N-A-V-Y actually stand for "Never Again Volunteer Yourself.":001_rolle