What do I need to bring to basic training?

Jordan Durland — Mon, 08 May 2017 18:15:32 -0400

I was given a list by my recruiter but it was very vague, so I asked him myself and he was little to no more help.

What all do I bring exactly? And do I bring more than one pair of clothes? I don't know how soon we get issued our uniforms. I leave in a month. Any help would be appreciated.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made May 8 at 2017 6:20 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Mon, 08 May 2017 18:20:02 -0400

I'm not sure what branch of service you are going into, but for Air Force basic, I didn't bring a whole lot. We were issued uniforms fairly quickly. I'd recommend extra under clothes and what not. Toiletries too. You can bring your cell phone but be aware, it will be taken away when you get to basic. I can't speak for the other services.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 6:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 18:24:27 -0400

About 2-3 days change of clothes (including underwear). Photo ID, SSN Card. Personal hygiene items. 1 towel and wash cloth (to use while in Reception until you get your initial issue). Flip-flops (aka shower shoes). That's pretty much about all you will need to bring. And try and cram all that into the smallest tote bag you can find.

Response by Jordan Durland made May 8 at 2017 6:25 PM

Jordan Durland — Mon, 08 May 2017 18:25:07 -0400

I should note I am going into the Army

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 8 at 2017 6:25 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 08 May 2017 18:25:12 -0400

Jordan Durland Whatever You take You'll just be shipping it Home. The Only things You'll have in Boot Camp is what is issued to You. Take the Minimum. Have Fun and Remember it Only Gets Better after Boot Camp. Little Bit Better in A School and a whole lot better when You get into Your Chosen Field.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 6:25 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 18:25:39 -0400

Bring nothing but a small backpack with just one pair of clothes if any and a hygiene kit. Only have your cell phone as an electronic and only bring the pair of shoes you would be wearing there. If you are married and need documents to turn in for BAH bring them if not don't worry about it. Once you get to your base (Fort Benning, Fort Jackson, etc.) You will start improcessing and be given your uniforms and from then on you will no longer wear any of your civilian clothes or shoes. You will be given an advance in pay to buy PT shoes that they have (you cannot wear your own until you get done with basic training) and get things like a haircut or any necessities. Once you get to your basic training unit all of the personal stuff you brought besides paperwork will be locked up and you will never see it again until you graduate. So the less you bring the better. Ensure you do have your wallet with bank cards and ID's however but in terms of clothes or anything like that don't worry about it cause you won't need or see it. Your cell phone will also be taken day one after your initial phone call home so don't bring any other electronics.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made May 8 at 2017 6:47 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Mon, 08 May 2017 18:47:08 -0400

In this case less is better,the NCOs on this post have the best advice on what to take,excluding myself of course, since way back when I enlisted three corner hats,horse blankets and flint locks were taken,just kidding young man, congratulations and welcome to the Brotherhood.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 7:31 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 19:31:28 -0400

Jordan Durland The best thing that you can take to Basic training is a good attitude. Listen closely to the instructors and do everything without complaint. You will be facing new challenges but also having new adventures. As mentioned by SGT Philip Roncari, welcome to the Brotherhood.

Response by PFC Roger Goff made May 8 at 2017 7:39 PM

PFC Roger Goff — Mon, 08 May 2017 19:39:13 -0400

Someone can correct me if things have changed so much since the last century when I served. But shaving gear should be on the list.

Response by PO2 Robert Aitchison made May 8 at 2017 7:50 PM

PO2 Robert Aitchison — Mon, 08 May 2017 19:50:08 -0400

As others have said bring the bare minimum, not even a change of clothes will be needed.

One tip, one personal item you can bring that they won't take away and send home is a bible. If you want to keep a list of phone numbers for family/loved ones you can stick that list inside the bible.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 9:11 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 21:11:59 -0400

Bring as little as possible.
Your personal bag should be very easily identifiable to you, you'll find out why.
You should have 1 pair of clothes.
A small hygiene kit.
Bring a Watch you don't care about (it will get scuffed up), bring a couple pens, a small pocket size notebook, and 1 sharpie.
The sharpie because the MOMENT you get your gear and you have the time to do it, usually when you get your bunk in Reception you will want to write your name on the INTERIOR of EVERYTHING. Your OCP's write the name on the tag, your patrol cap same thing. If you have a common last name also include the last 4 of your SSN.

I kid you not people WILL STEAL YOUR STUFF in Reception and maybe even in BCT/AIT/OSUT. For your boots only your initials on the interior of the Boot should be fine.

EDIT

If there is something you want like a laptop for AIT, have your family bring it to you on Family Day. DO NOT bring it with you to BCT.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 8 at 2017 10:53 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 08 May 2017 22:53:29 -0400

Yourself, a good attitude, a close mouth, and physically fit body. Listen to what your recruiter tells you. Jordan Durland. Thanks for stepping up.

Response by Jerry Rivas made May 9 at 2017 7:41 AM

Jerry Rivas — Tue, 09 May 2017 07:41:33 -0400

Bring your A game.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 9:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 May 2017 09:40:53 -0400

That list is all you need. No don't bring more than a pair of civilian clothes - you won't see them again until you're done with basic. You are going to get issued your uniforms and stuff within that first week of reception. Don't worry about it. You're going to get everything you need. I don't know if they still do this but when I went in 2004 you got a card with $250 to buy basic necessities - you had to use it to buy a pair of running shoes at the least.

They're going to take every civilian thing you have and lock it up until you're done. Well I hear they let you have your cell phones on Sundays in most basic training bases. I don't know for sure. All I had was a small bag with what was on the packing list my recruiter gave me and that was it. I had the clothes on my back and I got them back when I graduated.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 9 at 2017 9:42 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Tue, 09 May 2017 09:42:17 -0400

It might be easier to tell you what NOT to bring:
Any type of video gaming system.
Any weapons.
Anything sharp.
Candy.
Energy Drinks.
Tobacco.

And lastly, don't bring:
A bad attitude.
A big ego.

Good luck.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 9 at 2017 3:45 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 09 May 2017 15:45:24 -0400

Every Army Future Soldier is provided with a BCT packing list, which is is the Guide for New Soldiers that is issued by MEPS on the day you DEP'ed In. You should have also been set up with an AKO account and access to futuresoldiers.com, which has a link for a BCT packing list and a printable pdf. You should use the packing list in the Guide for New Soldiers and on futuresoldiers.com. They are the same. That is the official packing list for Army BCT, so go to futuresoldiers.com and print it. I don't understand the disconnect with your recruiter over something as simple as this.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made May 9 at 2017 6:27 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 09 May 2017 18:27:27 -0400

Your body and a positive attitude! The rest will happen.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 10 at 2017 12:20 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Wed, 10 May 2017 00:20:20 -0400

Bring a can-do-attitude, motivation, perseverance and determination so that you can successfully graduate BCT/AIT. The DS will provide the training for you so that you can be assigned to your next assignment with the basics going forward as a new soldier.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 5:39 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 17:39:57 -0400

If I was able to go back in time and do it again, one thing I would have done is to set up a savings account that requires a second owner to access and withdraw from (like parents). I would then set up an automatic payment from my paycheck to that account for some percentage (25-30%).

You will be provided with a place to live and food to eat. (Even if you hate the food and eat on your own dime somewhere else, you will still avoid paying rent). There is no reason why you should miss a small portion of your pay that is sent to a savings account. When you decide to leave the service, you will have a nice savings in place.

Obviously check with your bank on particulars such as how to get to the money if one of the co-signers is incapacitated, and any other legal matters. But eventually this will become out-of-sight, out-of-mind.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2017 6:21 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 May 2017 18:21:54 -0400

In the Air Force I would say only bring the clothes you want to wear on the day you leave basic training. Because they on day 1 you will be issued everything you are allowed to have. Everything else goes into your suit case or bag and is locked up until you leave. That was 1980, so who knows by now you can probably keep your silky underwear and pacifier with you.

Response by SGT Rick Toole made May 13 at 2017 6:28 PM

SGT Rick Toole — Sat, 13 May 2017 18:28:28 -0400

I brought a grocery bag with 2 pair of clean underwear. Done...

Response by PO3 Andrew Kelly made May 13 at 2017 7:12 PM

PO3 Andrew Kelly — Sat, 13 May 2017 19:12:46 -0400

I will tell you what I was told by my recruiter, who was a fairly good source of advice so i may have been lucky on that score.
Pack a small shaving kit, just the basics. A change of underwear and perhaps something to read in transit. Once you get there you will be too busy to worry about much of anything else. In processing is fairly intense and fast paced. (BTW if you do not have your SS# number memorized prior to in-processing you will have done so by the time it is over)
Like others have said once your first day is over everything you bring will be gathered and locked away until you leave. If you plan to write home a lot a good move is to buy some prepostaged envelopes and have your folks or a friend send them to you as soon as you have an address, by the time they get to you you will have your locker set up and have a place to store them.
Another thing to remember is that when you finish and they hand you back your belongings you will have pretty well packed your seabag/dufflebag and you will have to find room for those items. Things may have changed since my day but we went directly from boot to our next station so whatever we took to boot went with us to school and as such had to fit in our bag.
As a side note packing your bag is an art form and experience will teach you all the tricks to maximizing your storage potential but you will only have learned the basics of that art in boot.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 13 at 2017 8:13 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sat, 13 May 2017 20:13:07 -0400

Maybe two pairs of clothes is all you need. Travel sizes of basic hygiene items. When I went to OSUT at Knox they actually gave you a card with a part of your first months pay on it when you arrived and took you to the shoppette to make sure you had everything else that you needed. You get issued your uniforms on the spot. And if it is anything like it was when I went through, don't bother cutting your hair, you still have to pay for a haircut just like everyone else.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2017 9:06 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 May 2017 21:06:22 -0400

Stamps, paper, pen, and a Sharpie. Don't bring anything else extra. Somebody else mentioned a black watch you don't mind scuffing up and that's a good idea as well. But bring as little as possible. It will all be locked up until the end of basic.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2017 9:50 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 May 2017 21:50:18 -0400

Nothing, my recruiter told me to pack light. 1 small duffle bag. I did what he said and was grateful. Watched Privates carrying 2 and 3 suitcases while lugging the big green Army issue duffle bag getting kicked over a bunch of shrubs for falling behind.

Response by Joseph Cota made May 14 at 2017 2:12 AM

Joseph Cota — Sun, 14 May 2017 02:12:07 -0400

When i went to MCRD San Diego, I only left with the clothes on my back and my wallet with my id, SS card and my debit card. We were issued our PT gear in the first few hours, haircut, and fitted with uniforms by the second or third day (the first week was a blur between lack of sleep and the constant activity). It might seem difficult, but a piece of advice from my recruiter that I still remember, if you're tall just volunteer.. You can't hide in the group, don't try. And also remember they want to see what you are made of and show you that you are stronger than you ever thought possible.

Response by PO3 Christopher Jonah Nelson made May 14 at 2017 4:01 AM

PO3 Christopher Jonah Nelson — Sun, 14 May 2017 04:01:19 -0400

Take your orders and legal documents. Don't show up naked. Everything else you need you'll get there.

Response by SGT Marc Riordan made May 14 at 2017 10:46 AM

SGT Marc Riordan — Sun, 14 May 2017 10:46:40 -0400

Don't bring anything! You can get everything you need once you get there.

Response by MSgt Dollar Bill Rutledge made Oct 9 at 2018 4:37 PM

MSgt Dollar Bill Rutledge — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 16:37:33 -0400

When I left for basic way back in 1974, I took the clothes I was wearing and tooth paste and brush and a bar of soap. I don’t remember my recruiter giving me a list.

Response by SSG Shoyn Jones made Oct 10 at 2018 12:56 AM

SSG Shoyn Jones — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 00:56:07 -0400

Make sure you have at least three pairs of clothes with you

Response by Cpl Ernest Thom made Oct 10 at 2018 8:54 AM

Cpl Ernest Thom — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 08:54:19 -0400

Before I answer I must ask the others. Cell phones? Watches? Wallets? WTF!?!? It's backs training, NOT summer camp!

That said, take yourself, the clothes on your back, your will to train and fight! Ears open, mouth shut!!!! DON'T DO ANYTHING until you are told to do it! Good
Luck to you! BTW, it' ARMY basic, so if you've been to band camp you'll do fine! Oh and the sharpie is a good idea! In Marine Corps Boot Camp we don't and won't have a thieving problem. That gets weeded out on day 1!!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2018 11:49 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 11:49:14 -0400

They will give you some sort of Ziploc bag to put your phone in when they confinscate it. Bring a portable battery pack charge and cable with you and put it in that bag with your phone. You will be given your phone generally every Sunday after the first 3 weeks and charging ports are hard to come by and always fought over so just bring the battery pack so you won't have to worry about that. Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and shaving cream. They didn't let us go to the PX the buy hygiene items and PT shoes until the last day of reception (day 7 Fort Sill). Make sure your bag is large enough to hold the clothes you are wearing and your shoes, don't bring to small a bag like I did and have to throw your shoes out because they didn't fit. For reference I graduated BCT November 2017.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2018 12:13 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 12:13:57 -0400

Ignore the list given by recruiters you will be made to repurchase most of not all of it anyway it's a waste of your time and money bring the clothes you wear on your way there your cell phone (if they ever give you a chance to call home) and maybe some stationery type items ie pen note pad marker

Response by SGT Michael Hartman made Oct 10 at 2018 12:38 PM

SGT Michael Hartman — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 12:38:59 -0400

Seems like my predecessors on this post have got you covered. Good luck and kick ass!

Response by SGT Thomas Harkins made Oct 10 at 2018 1:16 PM

SGT Thomas Harkins — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 13:16:52 -0400

Very little bring paper work. Shower shoes hygiene kit and one days of cloths. The first 48 hours your have your uniforms. Mark all uniforms with your last name and last 4 of SSN.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2018 1:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 13:47:35 -0400

Here's the deal, you're going to be issued a couple duffle bags worth of clothing and gear. You are going to have to carry all of that, together, at the same time along with whatever you bring. Bring the absolute bare minimum. What you're wearing and maybe another pair of socks and underwear, you won't see that stuff again until graduation. Anything you need, you'll be issued or be able to buy. Your documents are a necessity, cell phone for the rare 10 minute call home, they are issued out for the calls, then taken back up. Put some sort of identifying mark on it.
The time goes by quick. Pay attention, put the effort in, and help your buddies if they need it.

Response by SSgt Gerald Davis Jr made Oct 10 at 2018 3:11 PM

SSgt Gerald Davis Jr — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:11:49 -0400

I was told to bring nothing. I had a pack of Marlboros and matches. Which were taken immediatly.

Response by MSgt Eric Roseberry made Oct 10 at 2018 3:40 PM

MSgt Eric Roseberry — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:40:30 -0400

Nothing really, if you need it they will issue it.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Oct 10 at 2018 3:52 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:52:14 -0400

I was told to take nothing to Parris Island. Anything I needed would be provided, and if it wasn't provided, I didn't need it.

Response by LCpl Darrell J. Farley Jr. made Oct 10 at 2018 4:17 PM

LCpl Darrell J. Farley Jr. — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 16:17:09 -0400

What is all this lust of crap to take with you? Again, old Marine here, not used to the luxuries of Army life! All we took was the clothes on our backs, the shoes on our feet. No rings (unless married) a cheap Timex, and we were discouraged from any necklaces except religious (Star Of David or Crucifix).
Bring your addresses on a single sheet of paper folded in your pocket! Phones were in a booth outside the squad bays or on theDrill Instructors desk. We bought those funky Red running shoes with gold racing stripes or we could keep the ones we wore to Boot Camp. Mostly we ran in “Boots and Utes”!

Response by GySgt Robert McDaniels made Oct 10 at 2018 4:45 PM

GySgt Robert McDaniels — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 16:45:13 -0400

When I went to boot camp in 1990, it did not matter one bit what I took to boot camp. By the time I left the first room in the receiving process, I had only the clothes on my back. Everything else was in a bag that I would not see again until graduation. By the time time I left the second room, all I had on was PT gear that they had issued me, and the only item that I had left that I started with was my go-fasters (running shoes).

Response by PO3 Kenneth Mckinnon made Oct 10 at 2018 6:19 PM

PO3 Kenneth Mckinnon — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 18:19:41 -0400

Yup, yup. Less is best. You will find down time occasionally, I used to draw chess pieces and a board...but your schedule will be FULL. If you wear contacts you might even opt for the BC's because of the time you will save in the morning.
Oh, yeah...bring your appetite.

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Oct 10 at 2018 6:37 PM

CPT Jeff Robinette — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 18:37:44 -0400

You need to bring very little civilian gear, after that first day you'll be. In uniform.
The most important thing that you can and should bring is a positive mental attitude.

Response by CPL Paul Gannaway made Oct 10 at 2018 6:48 PM

CPL Paul Gannaway — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 18:48:57 -0400

You will get issued a uniform and fatigues within the first couple of days. Don’t bring a lot of civilian clothing during basic as you will be to busy playing soldier

Response by SrA Robert Hubbard made Oct 10 at 2018 7:39 PM

SrA Robert Hubbard — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 19:39:35 -0400

You know they all say the same shit, but when i went to basic, we went 4 days before getting our uniforms. Only take your cell phone and wall charger, also if you dont know them by heart, take a list of addresses and phone numbers of people important to you (mom, dad, brother, sister, and maybe a friend or two.) Also a pre-paid calling card of at least 500 minutes(if they still exist). The MEPS station will give you a food voucher for the airport but its only like $16. So make sure you have actual cash on you as well. Nothing over $50, but have at least $20 on ya. Make sure your shoes are comfortable. You will be doing alot of walking before you get your uniform. As far as your bag is concerned, a normal book bag will be fine, just dont pack it full. When you leave basic, you will be given everything you should need but just in case you need extra room you have it. Depending on where your basic is, dress for the weather your gonna be in. (I was in texas in april so shorts and tshirts) and a cheap clear poncho. ( .97 cents at walmart)

Response by CPL Jason Mclees made Oct 10 at 2018 7:55 PM

CPL Jason Mclees — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 19:55:18 -0400

Small hygiene kit, shower shoes, 1 change of clothes.

Response by TSgt James Hadley made Oct 10 at 2018 7:58 PM

TSgt James Hadley — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 19:58:47 -0400

We were told to bring a small suitcase, two changes of clothes, toiletries, shoes (running) and a Bible (optional). Underwear, socks, uniforms, pt gear. Boots and shoes will be issued no more than two days of getting there.

Response by SGT Timothy Strashinsky made Oct 10 at 2018 8:01 PM

SGT Timothy Strashinsky — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 20:01:03 -0400

Whatever you can carry in your pockets and literally nothing else. I brought a backpack or undershirts and underwear cuz thats what was in the list i was given and instead, it was inventoried and tossed in a locker til graduation. Thanks fort knox. But then again that was 09

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 10 at 2018 9:41 PM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 21:41:59 -0400

remember mama telling you to put on your listening ears??? make sure you take them.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2018 9:58 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 21:58:07 -0400

Take as little as possible. What I tell people is to pack like your going to be back the next day. Go ahead get a decent haircut, DON’T get a high and tight unless you want to stand out.

Response by SPC Kyle Williams made Oct 10 at 2018 10:21 PM

SPC Kyle Williams — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 22:21:49 -0400

There is a whole list of stuff your allowed to have in basic. Bring what you think you need or want. Not alot though. On your first day they will sit you all down and have you go through your stuff. They will tell you if u can keep it or not. If not then it will be locked up till the day before graduation.

Response by SPC Jason Hamilton made Oct 10 at 2018 11:07 PM

SPC Jason Hamilton — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 23:07:21 -0400

I am not sure if things have changed, when i was in BCT the only personal item i had has running shoes. We could and were supposed to bring them with us. ID, a way to call home, a few dollars... mostly a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2018 11:48 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 23:48:44 -0400

Lol i would bring a couple of outfits just in case you dont get leave in AIT that way when you get to your unit you dont have one outfit.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Oct 11 at 2018 12:48 AM

PVT Mark Zehner — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 00:48:43 -0400

Anything I brought to basic was taken and locked up.

Response by SSG Thomas Hosfelt made Oct 11 at 2018 12:52 AM

SSG Thomas Hosfelt — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 00:52:58 -0400

Bring your favorite flesh light, a gallon of lube, and shave all your body hair.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 2:24 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 02:24:15 -0400

Wallet to hold your ID , a few family pictures, bank card or cash to get yourself a killer meal at the airport.
Start an address book and bring it. I use mine from 2007 to this day.
Clothes on your back.
If you're family is going to be at family day don't even bring your Cell phone say your good byes before getting picked up by your recruiter.

Everything else is a waste.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 8:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 08:58:05 -0400

Don’t bring anymore than what’s on the list. You won’t need it! More than one pair of clothes? Haha. Won’t need that either.

Response by PFC Lacey Burke made Oct 11 at 2018 9:38 AM

PFC Lacey Burke — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 09:38:36 -0400

Bring 1 set of clothes and a change of undergarments, banking documents, atm card, $20 cash, a bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and shaving cream, any family documents and your orders. If RSP leave your NG issue at home. The smallest backpack you can find, your cellphone and your address book, that's it.

Response by SPC Allan Bryan made Oct 11 at 2018 9:53 AM

SPC Allan Bryan — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 09:53:00 -0400

A really good pair of running shoes. Not the cheapest but the best for one’s feet. You’ll do a lot of running and we must learn to take care of our feet.

Response by SGT Tony Spencer made Oct 11 at 2018 11:34 AM

SGT Tony Spencer — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 11:34:52 -0400

Take only the cloths you wear, shower shoes, a good attitude, dont forget your motivation, and try not to volunteer for anything while in BCT lol, joking here, but youll see! And remember the Army isnt what your about to experience in BCT. It was the best choice I ever made. Id do it 100 times over if I could. Best friends you'll ever make are on your horizon my future brother.. Good luck, be positive at all times

Response by Sgt Daniel J. Daly made Oct 11 at 2018 12:25 PM

Sgt Daniel J. Daly — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 12:25:57 -0400

Don’t take a thing. You will be provided everything. I took a small bag with my shaving gear and we had to throw everything on to the center of the Squad bay. Lost a good razor that way.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 6:07 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 18:07:31 -0400

The most helpful thing I brought was a set of locks with a key instead of the turn dial. Then I put the keys around my dog tags. It made life a little easier. Specially when they want to play games with changing uniform every 2 minutes

Response by PFC Richard Walker made Oct 11 at 2018 6:57 PM

PFC Richard Walker — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 18:57:26 -0400

Don’t shave your head before you go.

Response by SGT Paula Kounse made Oct 11 at 2018 7:51 PM

SGT Paula Kounse — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 19:51:01 -0400

Do not bring an electric razor....that will get stored. One set of underwear and toothbrush with toothpaste....that would be it. You may see people bring a lot of stuff..
.you will see them quickly regret it. Also your clothing size more than likely will change by the end of basic!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 9:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 21:21:30 -0400

Cell phones are somewhat allowed now apparently, but I don't advise it. Hygiene kit which includes razor, shave cream, soap, toothbrush, and tooth paste. Cheap pos watch is a good idea, it will probably get broken, scratched, etc., one pair of civilian clothes, no more. When you get your uniforms, that is all you will wear till you get to your actual unit, name on everything. 19K all the way!

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Oct 11 at 2018 10:04 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 22:04:07 -0400

The clothes on your back and $5 in your pocket. Everything else you need you'll be issued. Nothing vague there, everything's payed for, all transportation taken care of.

Make it easy on yourself, clean jeans a clean t shirt, no AC/DC shirts, and get a haircut. Don't show up looking like Jesus.

Response by PO1 Chuck Downs made Oct 11 at 2018 10:52 PM

PO1 Chuck Downs — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 22:52:45 -0400

Nothing, all you need should be provided for you

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2018 7:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 07:25:23 -0400

Shave your head,

Response by Mark Dellacamera made Oct 12 at 2018 9:54 AM

Mark Dellacamera — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 09:54:56 -0400

I went through in 91 I took on the advice of others
White socks at least 6 pair I don't know if they still wear them for pt
Running sneakers that were broken in
A black or green watch, any jewelery except a wedding band or religious medal was taken away
Toiletries , no cologne or medicines like advil, cold meds
You can bring a towel but youll have to buy a brown towel and face cloth ps the brown handkerchiefeifs they had in the px are good to buy you can blow your nose or wipe your face and make good emergency tp when your on bivouac.
Lamisol spray for athletes foot , every one gets it and the px used to sell out
Stamps and envelopes pre stamped post cards are good to have you can write a quick note home and just drop it in any mailbox
Pocket notebooks (you will need to write stuff down we were required to have one at all times)the"write in the rain" type of notepads are a good idea cause they will get wet or sweaty
Black or blue pens only anything you sign must be black or blue ink get the kind without a cap that will fit in a shirt pocket and not stick out
Showershoes if you bring anything get shower shoes
Prepaid calling card just in case anyone you might want to call can't get collect calls
Although they may have a call center or let you use your cell phone

Response by SFC Glenn Kozak made Oct 12 at 2018 6:28 PM

SFC Glenn Kozak — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 18:28:31 -0400

Locks

Response by CPO Mark Robinson made Oct 12 at 2018 10:34 PM

CPO Mark Robinson — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 22:34:46 -0400

When I went to bootcamp in '79 they had us put all our personal effects in a box at this warehouse where we would pick it back up after we graduate. I simply threw all my clothes in the trash.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2018 12:24 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 00:24:34 -0500

What kind of shoes should we wear to basic? Should we just wear our running shoes to basic to save room or can we just pack our running shoes? Why being running shoes if they make us get new running shoes when we get there?

Response by SPC James Tallakson made Mar 2 at 2019 6:19 PM

SPC James Tallakson — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 18:19:36 -0500

Literally only take the paperwork they gave you. You'll have to carry everything you bring plus everything you get issued and it's a pain in the ass. Save yourself the trouble

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 2 at 2019 7:56 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 19:56:33 -0500

All you need is your paperwork and you. Everything you need they give you, so don’t bring more than a few bucks, no possessions at all, get a fresh haircut, clean shirt and jeans, that’s it. Nothing more required.

Response by Shane Harnett made Mar 3 at 2019 2:25 PM

Shane Harnett — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 14:25:50 -0500

The crazy thing to me with the US Military is they don’t give a dedicated list to new recruits. In the Australian Military you are given a list of required gear and paperwork to bring and told do not bring anything not on that list. Recruiting here seems very disorganized in comparison.

Response by SPC Mr E made Dec 13 at 2019 7:08 PM

SPC Mr E — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 19:08:58 -0500

Shower shoes, towel, tooth brush & tooth paste would be #1. If you floss bring floss. Pack super light, your gonna get issued all the gear you need. Leave all your civilian possessions secured at home. If u bring phone it'll get taken and locked until your done. Don't bring anything you care about pretty much. Pictures etc leave it at home, you'll see it again.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2021 5:51 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:51:09 -0400

You can bring what you want.but it will be taken if not needed while in basic training.kind of like going to jail,but you volunteered for the military.they will issue what you need. And I'm not saying the military is like jail,or am I lol. Just kidding. They will give you what you bring at the end of boot camp.