I'll be going to JRTC soon for 11B for 3 weeks. What should I bring? Any tips?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 08:43:37 -0400

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 8:52 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 08:52:12 -0400

Is your leadership not putting out a packing list?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 8:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 08:55:52 -0400

Please refrain from shooting helicopters with real bullets.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 9:02 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 09:02:49 -0400

Whatever is on the packing list.

Response by SGT Stephen Gober made May 23 at 2016 9:06 AM

SGT Stephen Gober — Mon, 23 May 2016 09:06:50 -0400

You should have gotten a packing list from your chain of command.

That aside, bring a positive mental attitude so even in the worst situation you'll be ready for whatever gets thrown at you. This alone is your greatest obstacle.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 9:09 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 09:09:14 -0400

A lot of motivation.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 23 at 2016 9:11 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Mon, 23 May 2016 09:11:45 -0400

Well I don't know to many things since I have never been. I am pretty sure you are speaking of NTC? Sand fleas, are they an issue, if so Hartz flea collars! SUNBLOCK, Tinted Eye pro a must, hot sauce, MRE's are going to taste horrible after a few days of them 3 times a day, and pogie bait!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 9:22 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 09:22:53 -0400

Do not speed.
A decade ago, any vehicle caught speeding had to push said vehicle back.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 9:31 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 09:31:21 -0400

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.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made May 23 at 2016 9:50 AM

SGM Billy Herrington — Mon, 23 May 2016 09:50:24 -0400

Are you going to JRTC as a combat training center rotation, or are you going there to receive 11B MOSQ training?

Your question is kind of in the middle of both.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 23 at 2016 10:54 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 23 May 2016 10:54:40 -0400

Bring your grit!

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made May 23 at 2016 11:04 AM

SFC Wayne Theilen — Mon, 23 May 2016 11:04:41 -0400

You obviously haven't been in long. No 11 Bang bang should be without the baby wipes. Powder gator ade, batteries. Oh yeah and today's Army damn phone charger.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 12:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 12:30:01 -0400

DEET

Response by CPL Joseph Rice made May 23 at 2016 12:38 PM

CPL Joseph Rice — Mon, 23 May 2016 12:38:44 -0400

In my opinion ... I would bring as little as possible. The Army will provide everything you need to get through basic. You are about to learn 11B's are the jacks of all and master if none!! (It's a good thing really!!). You will need to make due with minimums. My point is the less you take to basic the less you have to carry. Take your phone take toiletries. All brand new (it makes the contraband inspection easier) take a little bit of cash. (You have to pay the barber whether your hair is cut or not.) take clothes for your trip home unless you are going to wear your uniform. It's a good way to go, I am sure your recruiters can help you too. But the general advice would be as little as possible. Good luck and thank you for serving.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 12:44 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 12:44:23 -0400

Off the subject, but any relationship to my pal, Sal???

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 23 at 2016 3:20 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Mon, 23 May 2016 15:20:15 -0400

Bug spray, diaper wipes, 550 cord, Gerber, and a box of grid squares, electric razor, camo for the face.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 8:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 20:25:14 -0400

A shit load of poggie snacks.

Response by SGT Jonathon Caldwell made May 23 at 2016 9:25 PM

SGT Jonathon Caldwell — Mon, 23 May 2016 21:25:17 -0400

You will ask yourself this many times over. Along with all other parts of your body. But BABY WIPES are a grunts best friend.

Response by SFC Michael Whipple made May 24 at 2016 5:53 AM

SFC Michael Whipple — Tue, 24 May 2016 05:53:54 -0400

Discuss this with your leadership, better yet, have your leadership discuss it with us and they can explain their lackluster performance!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 5:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 05:56:58 -0400

A mosquito net and a space blanket.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made May 24 at 2016 6:16 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 24 May 2016 06:16:04 -0400

Yer not one of the 'boys' anymore, but what they say still have valve - the final decision (and outcome) is owned by you.

Response by SGM Robert King made May 24 at 2016 8:54 AM

SGM Robert King — Tue, 24 May 2016 08:54:16 -0400

Great place to visit for Hell. Been to that place 5 times, it was an experience and learned a lot every time . Your patience and brain, mosquito net, anything to keep you dry. Your junk and feet will rotting off in a day or two if you don't.

Response by SGT James Puff made May 24 at 2016 9:11 AM

SGT James Puff — Tue, 24 May 2016 09:11:17 -0400

Baby wipes, bug spray, extra socks, sunscreen and tobacco products. Get them even if you don't use them. They are good for trade.

Response by SSG Gordon Hill made May 24 at 2016 10:16 AM

SSG Gordon Hill — Tue, 24 May 2016 10:16:22 -0400

I have never been to jrtc and also what is your unit doing to help deploy to jrtc

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 10:26 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 10:26:00 -0400

Bring something to prevent or deal with poison ivy.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 10:45 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 10:45:33 -0400

Haven't been there since 97 but I'm sure it hasn't changed much. Take lots of bug spray. Watch for poison ivy, half my platoon got it and they were miserable the whole time there. Change of socks you are going to louisiana so pretty sure you might do some water crossings and watch for cotton mouths. Had a Cpl that jumped into a foxhole and found one he got out just as fast as he got in.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 11:13 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 11:13:38 -0400

You should have received a packing list for your trip. What you are supposed to bring is mission dependant. TA-50, sleep system, hydration set, ballistic eye wear, ear plugs, pen, note pad, compass and protractor, skivvies- upper and lower halves, uniforms x 4, socks x 6, hygiene items!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 11:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 11:49:04 -0400

Instead of assuming that you are asking because your unit didn't provide a packing list but instead you are asking if there is anything you should bring in addition to it, the answer is "no". Only bring what your unit tells you too. You don't know what you will be going through there and the more stuff you bring the more stuff you have to carry. As a new Soldier you might have focused on Counter-Insurgency Operations in OSUT, but you will most likely be executing Direct Action in JRTC (unless your unit is there for another reason). This means no sleeping at the FOB and going on patrols in HMMWVs for a couple of hours.

As for tips, just listen to your NCOs and do everything you can to learn. JRTC (and the other CTCs) are unlike anything you have experienced. The Army goes to great lengths to make them as hard as possible in order to make real combat "easier" (not so much easy as it feels easier because you are better prepared). Also keep in mind, the Army has been doing Iraq and Afghanistan COIN since 2004 (2003 and before was still mostly DA). Even your Senior NCOs and Officers are learning or re-learning how to do Direct Action again so it may look like things are all screwed up and no one knows how to do anything right. It's a transition period for the whole Army, all MOSs so understand where everyone is coming from.

Also, participate in the AARs. It might not always feel like it, but the Army takes them seriously and passes out lessons learned to the rest of the force.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 12:39 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 12:39:17 -0400

The more shit you bring the more you need to keep track of. Bring as little as possible. Hygiene stuff paper, pen, pencil, watch, lock, running shoes. They will give you a ton of clothing

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made May 24 at 2016 2:55 PM

SGT Robert Cupp — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:55:27 -0400

Bring a ranger handbook, that or fm 3-21.8 the infantry rifle platoon. Oh and plenty of socks.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 8:08 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 20:08:33 -0400

You're fucked. I am stationed at Polk. 1 week after getting here I was in the box. It's gunna suck. No 2 ways around it. It will rain daily. Bring extra socks and foot powder. buy and extra poncho so if you are able to build a hootch, you won't have to decide between keeping you or your gear dry. Make a hootch for you and then just wrap your gear in the spare. Tent stakes and bungee chords too. A pack of 4 each should do.
Bring some lickies and chewies cause it's gunna be lots of MREs.
Listen to your team leader and try not to fuck up.

Response by CPL Scott Martin made May 25 at 2016 6:33 AM

CPL Scott Martin — Wed, 25 May 2016 06:33:46 -0400

Bring a good attitude, Keep your ears open and your mouth shut.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made May 25 at 2016 6:34 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Wed, 25 May 2016 06:34:24 -0400

Insect repellent

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 7:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 07:03:17 -0400

Hot & cold will be your worse enemy! You'll be in the field all the time. Stay fit & be proactive!

Response by SPC Eric Herring made May 25 at 2016 7:51 AM

SPC Eric Herring — Wed, 25 May 2016 07:51:05 -0400

Cheese whiz, green tobasco, extra dip and or smokes ( if you don't do either, its good for bartering ), extra unit patches ( for when OPFOR captures or KIA's you ... we like trophies. Also for bartering) Non scented baby wipes ( for washing without washing), non scented dryer sheets ( they seem to work well against the LA skeeters). Make sure your MILES is zeroed properly or you will just be wasting shots. Good luck....

Response by SFC Julie McCrum made May 25 at 2016 7:56 AM

SFC Julie McCrum — Wed, 25 May 2016 07:56:42 -0400

Read your packing list PFC

Response by SPC Jonathan Lee made May 25 at 2016 8:22 AM

SPC Jonathan Lee — Wed, 25 May 2016 08:22:43 -0400

Bug juice, Bug juice, Bug juice.

Response by SGT Ian Ian made May 25 at 2016 8:24 AM

SGT Ian Ian — Wed, 25 May 2016 08:24:32 -0400

What your team leader tells you to. Seriously it's gonna be hot as balls socks socks socks keep those feet dry.and t shirts minimal 4 uniforms they will be destroyed anyways don't change everyday. Fuck your wet weather gear bring a poncho that's in. No sleep system Bivy cover woobie. Team gear comes before your gear rememeber that. Tie your shit down the swamps of Jrtc will de clothe you. Drink water and pull secruity

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made May 25 at 2016 9:33 AM

SFC Michael Peterson — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:33:35 -0400

Go to the pharmacy and ask for a bottle of "Chigger-Rid". It's about the size of a chap-stick and it's like a mixture of clear nail polish, menthol, and camphor. When, not if, you get ticks or chiggers on you, just dab some of this stuff on and, it will smother those little bastards causing them to let go and die. The last thing you want to do is pull a tick off and leave his head in your skin.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made May 25 at 2016 9:50 AM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:50:30 -0400

at least one set of warm clothes even if it's projected to be in the 80s while U R there. I remember one AT I was at where I had to lend a soldier my field jacket as he didn't think to bring his and it got cooler than projected. Also even if told not to bring civilian clothes pack at least one set in case U do get down time.

Response by SGM Nathan Thomas made May 25 at 2016 10:02 AM

SGM Nathan Thomas — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:02:34 -0400

First you should be provided a list of what to bring (packing list). Other than that what should you bring? You should bring the right attitude! Be motivated! Learn all that you can learn. Have a questioning mind when you do not understand something and be sure to verbalize the question to get clarification. There may be some that may laugh, but that is okay, the question you have that get answered may be the very thing that saves your life and the lives of others in training or on the battlefield. Push yourself when your mind tells you to quit. Bring a spirit of team as your individual task supports the combined team task.

Response by SFC John Fourquet made May 25 at 2016 10:03 AM

SFC John Fourquet — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:03:31 -0400

Talk to your squad leader and platoon sgt. There will get you squared away.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 10:05 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:05:01 -0400

hydrate well before you get there. no soda, sugar drinks, alcohol. poison oak is everywhere. gloves and sleeves down, pants in boots. the water will give you the shits. OPFOR will fuck with you for the first 3-4 days until your leadership is fried and then roll your ass up. react quickly and violently to ambush. they love the baited ambush. If you go to ground you're done. move through the bottoms. the thicker the better. thats how they move and they have rat lines all through the thick shit. don't laser friendly helos, they will fire you up. they think everything that crawls on the ground should be killed.

Response by SPC Roland Flynn made May 25 at 2016 10:05 AM

SPC Roland Flynn — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:05:05 -0400

BUG REPELLENT!!, Extra Towels!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 10:05 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:05:19 -0400

Go to your commissary and px before and don't buy anything at Ft. Polk, they hike up the prices at the troop store/shoppette cause they know you're coming.

Instant coffee and Gatorade packets, just add water. Power bars for when in the field. Baby wipes will be your shower out there, get some quality wipes. Extra eye pro, some good gloves, bring more than enough socks, shirts and underwear. Foot powder! Boot laces, gerber or mulit-tool for tightening down bfas. A laptop, tablet with movies, a book and a good lock.

Don't forget some playing cards, also an extension cord and power strip when charging electronics in your living quarters. Please don't be that guy spending $100 at the shoppette or pizza hut, Uncle Sam is taking your bas if married. If you're single, treat yourself to eat out once a week. Either way they are taking, save your money and you'll have something to spend when you rotate back home.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made May 25 at 2016 10:10 AM

SSG Richard Reilly — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:10:47 -0400

Watch out for Tigers....and horses.

Response by SSG Jeff Beltran made May 25 at 2016 10:27 AM

SSG Jeff Beltran — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:27:13 -0400

Stick to the packing list and make modifications to it. Any essentials that can make life a little bit more bearable is always good. From reading the other post, there are a lot of great advise and information to use. Take what you learn from JRTC on this cycle and keep notes on what will work or what doesn't work and when the next cycle comes up you will be able to share your experiences and know what to take and not to take. Best of all enjoy your training and learn as much as you can from it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 10:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:30:12 -0400

Bring a sewing kit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 11:59 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 11:59:55 -0400

Bring all feild gear, wet weather is a most in La. Bug spray will help but not long. Try and put things in ziplock bags. Just do your job and stay off the phones home life brings JOEs down.

Response by SPC Michael Dugan made May 25 at 2016 12:13 PM

SPC Michael Dugan — Wed, 25 May 2016 12:13:34 -0400

A number of fellas have mentioned being in shape. Sure, that's a no-brainer, but that's one I'd definitely take to heart myself were I 30 years younger.

Response by PFC Tiffany Gillispie made May 25 at 2016 12:42 PM

PFC Tiffany Gillispie — Wed, 25 May 2016 12:42:51 -0400

bug repellent, sunscreen, and baby wipes. also any kind or peanuts, and dehydrated fruit will help keep your energy levels up

Response by SGM Harvey Boone made May 25 at 2016 3:42 PM

SGM Harvey Boone — Wed, 25 May 2016 15:42:48 -0400

Be sure to carry something to keep the jet bugs off if they hit you its almost like a bullet itself. Keep an open mind and your head about you they get real stupid down there while your there ask what happened to the gator in gator lake back in the eighties hahaha.

Response by SGM Harvey Boone made May 25 at 2016 3:47 PM

SGM Harvey Boone — Wed, 25 May 2016 15:47:26 -0400

Don't cry about rain little Vietnam is nothing like the real one just be prepared to get hot and wet it sucks but not as bad as the real one or the sand box.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 5:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:49:30 -0400

Bring more than enough socks and t shirts, it gets hot over there, also pack some toilet paper and baby wipes. Hopefully you have a good squad leader that can show you how to pack your ruck and never ever need a flashlight during dark hours!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 5:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:52:21 -0400

More than anything, bring a good attitude, the field sucks especially as a pfc, but you will learn a lot. If you let yourself hate everything you do just because you are away from your comfort zone, the field will suck even more.......embrace the suck!!

Response by SP6 Christian Buxeda made May 25 at 2016 6:05 PM

SP6 Christian Buxeda — Wed, 25 May 2016 18:05:16 -0400

Take m many food powder for feet and socks

Response by MSG Don Burt made May 25 at 2016 6:16 PM

MSG Don Burt — Wed, 25 May 2016 18:16:59 -0400

Try to find someone who has already gone and get tips from them...otherwise, learn to focus on your time there and be the best you can in all phases!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 7:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 19:04:24 -0400

Bring Mio or some other type of water flavorer. You'll be so sick of water you'll go bat shit crazy. If you're going May - Aug, don't bring a single shred of cold weather gear or a sleeping bag. Can the wet weather gear as well, you'll be so sweaty it won't matter. If you got room, fill up snacks, you won't get a meal while in the box that doesn't blow (or all MREs). Finally, of you got a little space left over, bring a battery powered mini fan. Trust me, it'll save your fucking life when you get to sleep.

Response by PFC Keith Lowe made May 25 at 2016 8:01 PM

PFC Keith Lowe — Wed, 25 May 2016 20:01:29 -0400

As little as possible...But bring the basics, I didn't bring civilian clothes. I didn't need them turns out. You'll definitely need basic issues. Above all bring an open tentative mind, a closed mouth, a willingness to put others before yourself. Leave the humor at home. This is a great experience!!!

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made May 25 at 2016 10:27 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Wed, 25 May 2016 22:27:46 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner..What is JTRC a preschool for BCT or something… What happened to "if your not issued it, you don't need it, attitude?…It sound like from the responses that this is like Boy Scout Camp but not as demanding.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 10:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 22:40:41 -0400

I agree with the baby wipes. Don't do what I did in Kuwait (18 years ago) and try to hygiene your ass with hand sanitizer! I thought I was dying!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 1:07 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 01:07:28 -0400

Beware of the poison sumac

Response by SFC Sean Rabbitt made May 26 at 2016 7:27 AM

SFC Sean Rabbitt — Thu, 26 May 2016 07:27:39 -0400

Get in shape. Lots of hills to walk up caring a weapon system never to be fired because you will be killed when you reach the top.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 6:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 18:33:37 -0400

Look for some non scented baby wipes. Use them. Daily.
Take some sun flower seeds or other licky and chewy that you like but remember you're going to have to hump it.
Some type of electrolyte mix to help replenish what you lose. It'll help with drinking all the water you should be consuming. Nuun tablets come in bottles that don't weigh a lot and don't take up a lot of space. Cerasport. Something like that will help you in the summer months.
Bug spray.
Good socks.
Deck of cards or other card game for the down time. Cheap. Doesn't take up a lot of space and doesn't weigh a ton.
Ziplock/ waterproof bags.

Response by PFC Joseph . Sheffield made May 26 at 2016 8:06 PM

PFC Joseph . Sheffield — Thu, 26 May 2016 20:06:15 -0400

Don't shoot down any helicopters and be very careful so as to not hit anyone good training and be careful thank you for your service

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made May 26 at 2016 8:25 PM

CPL Richard Flagg — Thu, 26 May 2016 20:25:15 -0400

Having been assigned to JRTC 26 years ago besides the bug repellent, TP, and other essentials you might want to bring a book since as BLUFOR you will probably be "dead" and at a casualty collection point.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 11:36 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 23:36:41 -0400

Just bring yourself haha

Response by 1SG Frank Girona made May 27 at 2016 9:17 AM

1SG Frank Girona — Fri, 27 May 2016 09:17:11 -0400

Take your pride with you.
Remember you are an American fighter soldier

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 10:42 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 10:42:33 -0400

Went to JRTC in January this year. My advice; follow any packing lists, and prepare for the weather. It rains down there a lot! Ziploc bags, and all your rain gear is a must. If you smoke, the grab between 1-3 cartons of cigarettes (people will bum from you, and even offer to pay you money for a pack of smokes. One soldier paid over 30.00 for just one pack from one of my buddies); and about 5 logs of your favorite dip(there will be times when you can't smoke). For example, when you are moving at night, etc. JRTC in January sucked, mostly because of the freezing cold, and it was wet, but other than that, I had a great time, shooting op4, and pulling security. Best of luck to you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 8:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 20:52:43 -0400

Got back from the box in Feb. had a blast. Embrace the suck. The training is only as good as the effort you put into it. Lots of bug spray, baby wipes, and the normal stuff for the field. And bring some money if you can get out the back gate of the box there is a mom and pop food trailer that makes great food. I think it's on route 29. Now to be fair my unit was OP4 so we had a lot of freedom and no rules of war. If you are OP4 refrain from killing role players they like you get kicked out of the box for 24hrs. And they don't get payed for the day so they will get really mad lol. We found this out cause our fisters "shot" the city mayor for selling info to the SF unit we were fighting.

Response by SPC John Coleman made May 28 at 2016 1:09 PM

SPC John Coleman — Sat, 28 May 2016 13:09:41 -0400

Mosquito bar!

Response by SPC John Coleman made May 28 at 2016 1:10 PM

SPC John Coleman — Sat, 28 May 2016 13:10:22 -0400

Mosquito bar!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 4:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 May 2016 16:09:05 -0400

I went there a few times back in my day. What I can tell you is every trip is different. Your brigade commander typically specifies what sort of training and goals he has. The OPFOR conforms to these desires. These goals dictate what occurs, and the core training objectives. My guess is you've been doing a lot of training preparing for your deployment to JRTC, you'll likely be doing more of the same, just on a larger scale. By larger scale I mean complete with Chinook medivacs, and visits to mortuary affairs. This is training for not just the 11BangBangs but everyone in a support role as well. Good luck and stay safe.

Response by SSG George Holtje made May 29 at 2016 7:30 AM

SSG George Holtje — Sun, 29 May 2016 07:30:47 -0400

Well, the packing list should be comprehensive. I would say bug juice, sanitizer, foot powder, Gatorade or other sport drink powder, Motrin, batteries, cord, tape, gum and probably books, books, books. Hurry up and wait is going to be a big part of it, heading to, during and coming back. Drink water starting now.

Response by SSG George Holtje made May 29 at 2016 7:30 AM

SSG George Holtje — Sun, 29 May 2016 07:30:48 -0400

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 11:25 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 11:25:54 -0400

Bring your tourniquet, and blood pressure equipment. It will save your sanity.

Response by CPL David Dixon made Jun 2 at 2016 10:21 AM

CPL David Dixon — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 10:21:11 -0400

Everything on you packing list. Duh! Soldiers these days.. who goes to JRTC for 11th training? You get that shit at Benning.

Response by SSG Adam Wyatt made Jun 3 at 2016 12:57 PM

SSG Adam Wyatt — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 12:57:28 -0400

Haven't been there in quite some time (2006) but it is but a shadow of what it use to be (02 and before time frame)... I'm sure by now you can bring your POV, take nights and weekends off, etc. Should be a fun time.

Response by SPC Thomas Carroll made Jun 6 at 2016 6:35 PM

SPC Thomas Carroll — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 18:35:34 -0400

Brooke in Boots. Don't try to break them at JROTC

Response by SP6 Christian Buxeda made Jun 10 at 2016 9:54 PM

SP6 Christian Buxeda — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 21:54:28 -0400

This is SSG.Buxeda sending you this text message to let you know make sure bring with you plenty of green pairs of sock plenty of gold bond foot with Also please let me know where are you goingredients for basic training and AIT training ok keep in touch and let me know if you got this text so I can seed y

Response by PFC Jason Jackson made Nov 18 at 2016 12:46 AM

PFC Jason Jackson — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 00:46:49 -0500

You'll need repellent from the scum leesville too

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Nov 25 at 2016 4:39 AM

SPC Geoffrey Jenkins — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 04:39:22 -0500

I went to Camp Shelby and it was no picnic during the summer,bring insect repellent,canned food like tuna fish,sardines,crackers,Gatorade(you must stay hydrated)baby wipes to stay fresh during the in between showers out in the field,bring a field quality watch to keep time,at one point you might have to pull radio guard(don't deprive your ranger buddies of sleep/lol
Lastly get in the best physical shape you can ever get in,you are guaranteed to do PT in the wee hours of the morning!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 15 at 2019 5:38 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 17:38:24 -0400

Mosquito repellant, baby wipes, 550 cord, 100 mph tape, flashlight.

Response by SPC John Coleman made Feb 6 at 2020 9:19 PM

SPC John Coleman — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 21:19:48 -0500

A Mosquito bar and a lot of Skeeter repellent