What do I need to bring to basic training?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I should note I am going into the Army

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

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