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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Posted in these groups: 
11B: InfantrymanJRTC
11B: InfantrymanJRTC
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 82
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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.
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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!
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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.
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.
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SGT (Join to see)
I have never met any Soldier, of any MOS or rank, who doesn't bring some kind of light personal gear or food to make life more bearable. From CSM to PVT, everybody brings something. Hell, a grunt in the field without dip, pogey bait, monster or baby wipes? I literally can not imagine such a thing coming to pass, pigs would be flying and Polk would be frozen over.
I mean kudos on the general idea SFC, (he's there to train, not play Xbox, no argument there) but isn't that more than slightly unrealistic?
I mean kudos on the general idea SFC, (he's there to train, not play Xbox, no argument there) but isn't that more than slightly unrealistic?
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SFC (Join to see)
No. First of all, I have been in plenty of units that don't allow pogey bait for various reasons. There is a big difference between a Signal Support Systems Specialist that rides in a vehicle and a 11B that has to carry everything on his back. If I ever caught one of my Soldiers bringing Monster or similar drink to JRTC, especially in the summer, I would make sure he sweat it all out before we got in the box. If you have room for energy drinks, you have room for more water.
Second, as for things like baby wipes, his unit will most likely include that on the packing list or he will be advised to bring it by his NCOs. If not, RallyPoint forums are not the place for people not in his unit to be telling a new PFC what to carry.
Second, as for things like baby wipes, his unit will most likely include that on the packing list or he will be advised to bring it by his NCOs. If not, RallyPoint forums are not the place for people not in his unit to be telling a new PFC what to carry.
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SGT (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) - I specifically said "Grunts", and I mean just 11Bs. I was not using my own (more comfortable) experience or assumptions, only those of my AD Infantry brethren. I'm also a little confused by your concrete assertions - you're a TOC monkey just like me. We're POG and proud right, eh Hooah? *wink*
I've got through JRTC, NTC, etc. myself and the dismounted combat arms guys there at the same time always had personal items too. Perhaps your mileage may vary, as it were.
And respectfully SFC, I think this post shows that dozens of other Soldiers disagree with you that the RP forums are not the place for these questions. Nobody is "telling" him what to bring, (what are we, his command?) and I think we're mostly assuming that sure, he'll get a packing list. In that vein, all anyone is doing is giving him suggestions. Which is explicitly what the RP forums are for. Continuing that idea, I'm sure they'll also tell him what NOT to bring, so again no harm no foul by any more experienced Soldiers suggesting baby wipes or whatever.
Unrelated sidebar story: As a Commo POG, I try and make friends/contacts with nearby units whenever possible. I figure "One Team, One Fight", and that's been of benefit both down range and in training. I'll always remember a five-unit "drug deal" I had a part in orchestrating that involved about a hundred hand receipts floating around as we all loaned gear to each other. Apparently some Olympian Weather God A-hole decided that some freak lightning storms and flooding would be awesome and "aid training" as it destroyed thousands of dollars of equipment across all of Fort Dix's back 40. (Thanks for the warning, S2! Grrr, lol) I mean I had to borrow some radio power supplies and cables, loaned out an antenna and parts to a VSAT, I had the commo contacts to help coordinate similar deals for other units, and everybody traded crap like dip and stuff for random odds and ends. The life of a low-ranking acting NCOIC can be pretty chill; as long as I got the mission accomplished and maintained accountability, nobody screamed much about the HOW like they might have with a higher ranked individual.
I've got through JRTC, NTC, etc. myself and the dismounted combat arms guys there at the same time always had personal items too. Perhaps your mileage may vary, as it were.
And respectfully SFC, I think this post shows that dozens of other Soldiers disagree with you that the RP forums are not the place for these questions. Nobody is "telling" him what to bring, (what are we, his command?) and I think we're mostly assuming that sure, he'll get a packing list. In that vein, all anyone is doing is giving him suggestions. Which is explicitly what the RP forums are for. Continuing that idea, I'm sure they'll also tell him what NOT to bring, so again no harm no foul by any more experienced Soldiers suggesting baby wipes or whatever.
Unrelated sidebar story: As a Commo POG, I try and make friends/contacts with nearby units whenever possible. I figure "One Team, One Fight", and that's been of benefit both down range and in training. I'll always remember a five-unit "drug deal" I had a part in orchestrating that involved about a hundred hand receipts floating around as we all loaned gear to each other. Apparently some Olympian Weather God A-hole decided that some freak lightning storms and flooding would be awesome and "aid training" as it destroyed thousands of dollars of equipment across all of Fort Dix's back 40. (Thanks for the warning, S2! Grrr, lol) I mean I had to borrow some radio power supplies and cables, loaned out an antenna and parts to a VSAT, I had the commo contacts to help coordinate similar deals for other units, and everybody traded crap like dip and stuff for random odds and ends. The life of a low-ranking acting NCOIC can be pretty chill; as long as I got the mission accomplished and maintained accountability, nobody screamed much about the HOW like they might have with a higher ranked individual.
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SPC (Join to see)
Also get a hold of your commanding officer and security officer to get on board with an education SARS form. List your tasks and get points for rank. This will make a big difference in the end.
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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.
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SPC Casey Ashfield
This question is about what to bring to JRTC at FT Polk for training. Has nothing to do with what to bring to BCT/AIT.
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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!
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!
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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
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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.
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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.
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