NTC. What to know, what (extra) to pack?

2015-05-14T12:57:48-04:00

Headed to good ol' NTC this is my first NTC rotation, and my first time going away for AT. Any advice on what to bring extra besides my gear? And how to survive?! Thanks

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 14 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-05-14T13:18:39-04:00

Baby wipes, goggles, a portable shower ( I don't know you will pull that off). You will feel like you are in a different country, it's that big.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made May 14 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-05-14T13:27:51-04:00

- Depends upon time of year you are going to NTC but I recommend the following:
- Sunscreen regardless of season. SPF 30-50 depending upon skin tone. 18 day of supply minimum.
- Chapstick regardless of season. 3 sticks minimum. You will use one, lose one, and need one back up.
- Cold weather gear (even in summer). 30+ degree differential between day and night.
- Hot/cold weather gloves. Metal vehicles will burn in the summer. Cold in the winter with a 15+ degree differential between contonement and the field regardless of season.
- Sunglassess/eyepro (dark and clear). Dark for day, clear for night.
- Handkerchief for a variety of uses. Protect neck, protect from dust, etc.
- Water flavoring. Must drink water consistently regardless of season and water gets old quick regardless of season. Easier to drink more if it tastes better.
- Baby wipes. Great for personal hygiene. Won't be close to a shower. 18 day of supply.
- There are other items but above is off top of my head.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-05-14T13:31:11-04:00

We are authorized to bring a carry on and 1 checked bag. Untop of what we already put in the Connex with out gear and sleeping stuff. But I agree, lift packing, but I don't want to NOT have things! Especially since I am on rear det. As well

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-05-14T13:42:40-04:00

Summer's coming?

- Sunscreen! My profile pic is from NTC June 2012, Day 1. I was not happy.
- Chapstick
- Reading material. The RUBA is going to be boring.
- Spare change for the washers and dryers
- Tide pods. Don't buy the shit at the little shoppette. Infact, don't buy anything at that shoppette. But don't worry, you won't be able to get energy drinks there anyways.
- Figure out where the dfac is, and be ready to walk there.
- Crystal lite packets
- Wet wipes
- Something to throw-up into when you see the casualties coming in (incase you have a weak stomach). I say that because we had a guy upchuck and pass out because he thought the IED attack was real and they started unloading the guys without legs. Stupid POG!!
- Something WARM!!!!! When the sun is up, it's hot. When the sun goes down, the barracks get freezing because there is no temp adjustment knob on the AC. It never goes away!!!
- Toilet paper. The TP there sucks!!
- Anything to alleviate sinus infections. You will get one.

- AN ABSOLUTE MUST ----> Trust no one. We had some dipshits lose expensive equipment early on at the RUBA and didn't say anything until we were coming out of the Box.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 1:49 PM

2015-05-14T13:49:50-04:00

Spent three years there and loved the training. I agree with CW4 Gary S.. Go light IF the unit will allow it. I don't know if you will be there for the whole 14, but if so:

MAKE SURE you have something to cover you face while you are driving/jumping. A thin neck gaitor was my number one pick for this. Also, FILL YOU CAMEL BACK, and use it. Bottled water should be stored for just in case you get stuck up north or west.

Pogey Bait will only fill space for nothing- you will probably hit up the RUEBA before you roll; leave it at home.

Clothing as follows:
ACU tops, bottoms, and brown shirts 5-7 EA.
14 undies if you pack good, but if not, 7 EA.
Green Socks 10 EA
PT (Short) and shower shoes 1EA

Entertainment:
Kindle or MP3 player
(if you value your mobile devices, get a solar charger. DO NOT HOOK UP INVERTERS TO MIL. VEHICLES; THEM BOYS CAN GET YOU IF YOU SCREW UP THIER VEHICLES)

If you have any more questions feel free to connect.

P.S, BABY WIPES BABY WIPES BABY WIPES!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 2:32 PM

2015-05-14T14:32:06-04:00

Other than the pack list that COL Smallfield stated, here is the wildlife situation. Stay away from all snakes. There are rattlesnakes present. Also the Green Mojave. If if see a green snake, be careful. It will chase you. Large coyote population. If memory serves, this is the timeframe in which the tarantula mating season starts. No matter when you take off your boots, always check them before putting them back on, especially in the morning (scorpions and other spiders like to nest there some times). If you happen to see what looks like a turtle/tortoise....STOP YOUR VEHICLE and get on the radio right away. That is the Desert Tortoise, and highly endangered. Dont touch it. Call Range Control so they can come move it. If it is hurt or killed, MASSIVE MASSIVE fine. But to be honest, in my 3 yrs stationed there, I had never seen one.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 14 at 2015 2:58 PM

2015-05-14T14:58:38-04:00

- Extra underwear/t-shirts
- Camera
- Good noise blocking headphones for night
- Books/eReader
- Facewipes

Enjoy!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 6:03 PM

2015-05-14T18:03:49-04:00

Just so you know the Food Trucks are awesome out there. We ate from them as much as we could. I would say just to make sure to have cash on you. It depends where you are at but you may not be able to get to a cash point out there. And always have multiple head lamps.

Response by Christine Pongratz made May 14 at 2015 6:56 PM

2015-05-14T18:56:54-04:00

Im stationed here at NTC. Depending where your unit is at for the rotation you will not have access to showers. Bring LOTS of babywipes/hygiene wipes and a change of undergarments and socks for each day are key. Bug repellent (avon skin so soft is best). Also, its monsoon season here, bring wet weather gear. Don't over pack on uniforms, make one last 3-4 days so you can focus on it units packing list. Lastly, follow the COL list too, he nailed it. Hope this helps!!

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made May 14 at 2015 7:46 PM

2015-05-14T19:46:16-04:00

NTC bring your head it is a good rotation maybe some,baby wipes water, a bottle of,nevrves. I went 3 times

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 11 at 2016 5:27 PM

2016-03-11T17:27:07-05:00

Treat it like a deployment.
Bring a camp chair.
Lots of baby wipes.
I brought a small basin which doubled as a bird bath and washing clothes in.
extra t-shirts and underwear.
head lamp works much better than hand held flashlight for times you are not under blackout.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 11 at 2016 9:11 PM

2016-03-11T21:11:24-05:00

'Visene' or equal eye drops, as always-bring at least 1 spare! They help to keep your eyes moist and to rinse the crud from your eyes.

Did anyone else mention a huge; colored - so the dirt will not show - handkerchief. It can be used to filter some of the dust from your nose.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 11 at 2016 9:14 PM

2016-03-11T21:14:31-05:00

Are packets of 'instant tea' used in camel backs? They made a refreshing in the old canteens!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2018 10:34 AM

2018-03-09T10:34:08-05:00

Rotations Lately have submitted an ETP to shut down the nice things in the RUBA during Rotations. Thanks 1-2 SBCT. So, that means that if you want to bring it, you must bring it from HOME STATION.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2019 9:49 AM

2019-05-10T09:49:02-04:00

Good advice already here, but I'd throw in a couple things.
Make sure you pack female hygiene items - way more than you normally need. Showers won't be a thing, and you will be active.
550 cord for a clothesline to hang/dry clothing items.
A power strip.
A good book (no electronic devices allowed)