What do I need to bring to basic training?

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.

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

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)

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

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.

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.

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).

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”!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.