Posted on May 23, 2016
I'll be going to JRTC soon for 11B for 3 weeks. What should I bring? Any tips?
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11B: InfantrymanJRTC
11B: InfantrymanJRTC
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 83
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SPC Geoffrey Jenkins
Make sure you are in great shape,there will be plenty of morning runs,another thing to consider you must meet the Army's BMI standards.You might want to bring some canned goods like sardines,beef jerky,crackers and cheese,etc.To fight boredom load up your smartphone with some good tunes.Think about your course training and forget about what's going on at home,they will be there be on your return/lol
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SFC Charles Rice
Just bring your gear. Your going to be provided anything else you may need. Be in shape. Leave your cell phone behind, not there to play games.
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SGT Paul LaBree
Take it slow and not like a joke look left and right these are the men you train with and fight with. no slacking off 110%
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I just went to JRTC in April. Some things that made "the box" a little more bearable:
Baby Wipes! Buy a couple different brands (small packages) before you go-- some brands will leave you feeling sticky. You don't want that. Once you find a brand that you like, buy a large quantity! They will get you through the two weeks without showers.
Power Strip: When you are at the ISB, you will be sleeping in huge tents. If you are lucky enough to get a cot near an outlet, you will want to plug more than one thing into it, and you'll be sharing with others too. If you are not near an outlet, you might want to get an extension cord (12'-15') also. When you are in the box, the same thing will apply, although you will be in a much smaller tent. If your unit provides power to each tent, you will be able to use your power strip.
Phone/electronic device power cords: Obviously to charge your electronics. When you go into "the box" phones are prohibited. But tablets that are not phones are allowed. So load up your tablet (if you have one) with games, Kindle E-Books, etc.
Solar Charger/battery bank: I and others brought solar chargers for phones and other USB devices. I also have a battery bank for when the sun isn't out. Not essential, but helpful if you have the money to get them.
Electric Shaver: If you don't have one already, get one. Try to get one that can either be recharged or runs on batteries (and then bring extra batteries). On rainy days where shaving with a blade and shaving cream isn't possible, the electric will come in handy. Oh, for conventional shaving, bring a cheap mirror (can be bought at the PX or shopette).
Powdered Drink mix: Bring lots. Plain water is, well, plain. Mixes with electrolytes will be an added bonus too. Bring a water bottle that is a known quantity, as powdered drink mix packets are usually for 20 ounce bottles.
Instant coffee and associated coffee stuff: Good coffee will be rare out there. Instant coffee, creamer, and sugar are even more rare unless your company brings it out there, but I doubt it. Bring your own if you're a coffee drinker. Or there are a few coffee brands that now make chocolate squares that contain the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. "Eight O'clock" and "Krispy Kreme" are two brands that I know of.
Dry Snacks: Bring enough dry snacks (ones that won't melt or require refrigeration) that you like. Comfort food will help you get through a month in the field. I brought licorice, ChexMix, etc. Having familiar stuff with you makes a shitty situation a little more bearable.
Mesh laundry bag: put your dirty clothes in it. The mesh will allow airflow, and won't stink as much as a regular "barracks bag."
Cash: Depending on how you are transported to/from JRTC, you may be able to stop at truckstops for bathroom and food breaks.
550 Cord and an extra poncho or tarp: We had to sleep on the ground the first and last nights we were in "the box." One night it rained. Having the ability to construct a hasty shelter meant the difference between wet stuff and dry stuff.
Helpful Hint: Roll your clothes, it takes up less room. What I did was put one set of boxers, socks, and T-Shirt rolled into one Ziploc bag for each "day." (Each wear "day" was actually 2-3 days because there is no laundry out there). That way you can grab a bag and have what you need. That also is an easy way to gauge how much clean clothing you have left.
Baby Wipes! Buy a couple different brands (small packages) before you go-- some brands will leave you feeling sticky. You don't want that. Once you find a brand that you like, buy a large quantity! They will get you through the two weeks without showers.
Power Strip: When you are at the ISB, you will be sleeping in huge tents. If you are lucky enough to get a cot near an outlet, you will want to plug more than one thing into it, and you'll be sharing with others too. If you are not near an outlet, you might want to get an extension cord (12'-15') also. When you are in the box, the same thing will apply, although you will be in a much smaller tent. If your unit provides power to each tent, you will be able to use your power strip.
Phone/electronic device power cords: Obviously to charge your electronics. When you go into "the box" phones are prohibited. But tablets that are not phones are allowed. So load up your tablet (if you have one) with games, Kindle E-Books, etc.
Solar Charger/battery bank: I and others brought solar chargers for phones and other USB devices. I also have a battery bank for when the sun isn't out. Not essential, but helpful if you have the money to get them.
Electric Shaver: If you don't have one already, get one. Try to get one that can either be recharged or runs on batteries (and then bring extra batteries). On rainy days where shaving with a blade and shaving cream isn't possible, the electric will come in handy. Oh, for conventional shaving, bring a cheap mirror (can be bought at the PX or shopette).
Powdered Drink mix: Bring lots. Plain water is, well, plain. Mixes with electrolytes will be an added bonus too. Bring a water bottle that is a known quantity, as powdered drink mix packets are usually for 20 ounce bottles.
Instant coffee and associated coffee stuff: Good coffee will be rare out there. Instant coffee, creamer, and sugar are even more rare unless your company brings it out there, but I doubt it. Bring your own if you're a coffee drinker. Or there are a few coffee brands that now make chocolate squares that contain the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. "Eight O'clock" and "Krispy Kreme" are two brands that I know of.
Dry Snacks: Bring enough dry snacks (ones that won't melt or require refrigeration) that you like. Comfort food will help you get through a month in the field. I brought licorice, ChexMix, etc. Having familiar stuff with you makes a shitty situation a little more bearable.
Mesh laundry bag: put your dirty clothes in it. The mesh will allow airflow, and won't stink as much as a regular "barracks bag."
Cash: Depending on how you are transported to/from JRTC, you may be able to stop at truckstops for bathroom and food breaks.
550 Cord and an extra poncho or tarp: We had to sleep on the ground the first and last nights we were in "the box." One night it rained. Having the ability to construct a hasty shelter meant the difference between wet stuff and dry stuff.
Helpful Hint: Roll your clothes, it takes up less room. What I did was put one set of boxers, socks, and T-Shirt rolled into one Ziploc bag for each "day." (Each wear "day" was actually 2-3 days because there is no laundry out there). That way you can grab a bag and have what you need. That also is an easy way to gauge how much clean clothing you have left.
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SGT Andrew Register
That's a pog packing list.
Bring plenty of dip, baby wipes, licky's and chewy's, and instant coffee.
Leave your electronic devices elsewhere. Communicate with your peers instead of shoving your face in a device.
That along with your unit's packing list is all you need.
Bring plenty of dip, baby wipes, licky's and chewy's, and instant coffee.
Leave your electronic devices elsewhere. Communicate with your peers instead of shoving your face in a device.
That along with your unit's packing list is all you need.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
SGT Andrew Register - Well Sergeant, not everyone can be as "Hooah" as you, nor wants to be. I am a huge proponent of limiting electronic devices because this younger generation (I am 46) can't seem to part with their phones and always have their faces attached to them. But I am all for making field problems as comfortable as possible, seeing as the only basic necessities we are given is food and shelter. Is that "wimpy?" Possibly. But for the record, I have hiked and camped all throughout the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire carrying everything I needed on my back, all before the age of 15. I have no problems sleeping on the ground out in the open. I'm just getting to be too old for this Hooah stuff, and will be ETSing in under 2 years, after almost 11 years of service, 2 deployed and 1 year in Korea. Best of luck being "Hooah" and maybe when you get to be as old and broken-down as I am (if you do) you might see things from a different perspective and appreciate that not everyone is born to kick doors.
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SFC Kenneth Hunnell
SSG(P) (Join to see) - I hope all of your Soldiers are as capable as you on how to pack all of the things you mentioned.
For me I only allow Soldiers bring there four sets, hygiene equipment and field gear.
Common sense first aide equipment
If they leave their electronic toys at home, zero chance of getting lost
If you have a pillow, I would call that luxury
For me I only allow Soldiers bring there four sets, hygiene equipment and field gear.
Common sense first aide equipment
If they leave their electronic toys at home, zero chance of getting lost
If you have a pillow, I would call that luxury
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SSG (Join to see)
He did mention he was 11B. All he needs is what his chain of command puts out. And sometimes even that is too much. Pack light, baby wipes. Anything else will slow you down. And for the record, I will probably see you there.
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MSG (Join to see)
Well in that case PFC Joseph Gouna, rucksack, ww bag, 4 sets acu, 2pr boots, 5 undershirts, 7 prs socks, ach, eye pro, flk, body armor, combat gloves, ww top and bottom, poncho, poncho liner, sleep shirt, bivy sack with patrol bag, hygiene kit, wpn cleaning kit is a pretty good start. As for tips I usually tell lower enlisted to do what they are told, but you haven't been told anything so just keep drinking water and pulling security till someone else does their God damn job. Have fun in the box!
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