Purchasing equip for the Academy?

[nsiops]

I am starting the Police Academy in Texas here rather soon. I have sat down with the head instructor and went over uniform requirements. The Academy provides a basic belt and pouches for training if you go through independently (as I am doing). Already hired recruits use equipment provided by their respective departments. When spoke with the instructor he told me that it was totally up to me if I wanted to use the Academy's issued belt or go and invest in my own equipment. There are a few pro's and cons to having each and I wanted everyones opinion.

Pros.
-Train the way you fight; and fight the way you train: I will be able to use my own gear.
-I will be breaking my own gear in, so I will have it broken in after the Academy and ready to use when hired.
-I will be able to take my own gear home and practice with it.
-I can go and purchase top of the line gear.

Cons.
-Since I am going through independently, I will have to purchase this gear on my own.
-Although I used it in the Academy; whatever agency that I eventually get hired onto may not use that style of belt (nylon, basketweave etc)
-Most departments around here provide you with a basic duty belt setup. So I will might have to sell all my used Academy equipment.

What is everyone's opinion on what I should do? The instructor said it was up to me ?

Thanks

[DARE_SUPPORTER]

Just use their stuff and worry about buying it when you get on with a dept, if they dont issue.