Posted on Feb 16, 2019
What is actually necessary to bring to Army basic training?
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At RSP they gave us a checklist and this checklist is different from any of the military websites i look at. It is real confusing. Like it says on the checklist to bring brown underwear and a jock strap and online it is white underwear and no jock strap. Like what is actually necessary? Do i really need a jock strap? Laundry detergent? What main stuff do i actually need and what stuff do they list that is not important? I know all the paperwork is relevant and the most important and i have all of that.
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Basic Trainee
Basic Trainee
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 8
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Show up with a briefcase containing one spare ass. The one you now have will get chewed off at basic training.
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Honestly, you can show up in your underwear and they will give you an advanced pay to purchase anything you need.
The jock is for combatives, no one is going to check in your pants to see what's under there. If you're combat arms, you'll probably stop wearing underwear anyway.
I would bring whatever toiletries you need that you would use camping. Basic training isn't the time to break out your sonicare tooth brush, favorite shave balm, and straight razor. Avoid the temptation of becoming a geardo and don't buy all the cool gear you'll see at the store there unless you absolutely need it. Everything you actually need will be provided.
Bring good running shoes. Really good ones. You should probably be spending $100 or more on actual good running shoes.
The jock is for combatives, no one is going to check in your pants to see what's under there. If you're combat arms, you'll probably stop wearing underwear anyway.
I would bring whatever toiletries you need that you would use camping. Basic training isn't the time to break out your sonicare tooth brush, favorite shave balm, and straight razor. Avoid the temptation of becoming a geardo and don't buy all the cool gear you'll see at the store there unless you absolutely need it. Everything you actually need will be provided.
Bring good running shoes. Really good ones. You should probably be spending $100 or more on actual good running shoes.
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Ashley Nicole
I’ve heard both about the shoes. Should we bring our own or do they provide shoes for PT?
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SFC (Join to see)
Ashley Nicole PT shoes are never issued. You can buy them there, or bring your own. Bring a good pair of running shoes, not cross trainers.
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When I went to Basic, everything we brought was taken off of us, put in bags, and put in a storage room until we graduated. The only thing we kept was an empty wallet with our social security card and ID. We were stripped down, hair buzzed off and were shoved into uniforms, head to toe, including underwear and socks. Whatever you need for Basic Training, they will provide.
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Sweet Jesus, that jockstrap is still on the list? Here is all you really need to bring:
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-life-cycle/new-to-the-military/getting-settled/what-to-pack-for-basic-training
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-life-cycle/new-to-the-military/getting-settled/what-to-pack-for-basic-training
You'll need to take only a few basic things when you head off to basic training - everything else will be provided for you. Your recruiter will give you a list of what you must take and what you definitely shouldn't pack.
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Bring a good attitude and understanding that those nine weeks are going to be some of the most painful yet exciting weeks of your life. Embrace the suck!
Don't go out and buy new shoes, you will have to do that again when you get down there. You can take your cell phone and one charger which will be locked up and only handed out when you earn phone time. I wouldn't worry too much about pictures and stuff because your wall locker will be tossed at least once a week. Don't bring any sort of cologne or anything. Bring some letter writing material with you.
Don't go out and buy new shoes, you will have to do that again when you get down there. You can take your cell phone and one charger which will be locked up and only handed out when you earn phone time. I wouldn't worry too much about pictures and stuff because your wall locker will be tossed at least once a week. Don't bring any sort of cologne or anything. Bring some letter writing material with you.
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Bring the nicest comforter set you can find. California King. And really fluffy pillows.
Just kidding. You do want to wear a good pair of running shoes that are broken in but not worn out. 15 - 20 miles on them. You may or may not get to keep them.
Have phone numbers and addresses written down because you will not have immediate access to your cell phone.
When you get there pick out the most badass looking Drill Sergeant and knock him on his butt. Establish dominance.
Again, just kidding.
Just kidding. You do want to wear a good pair of running shoes that are broken in but not worn out. 15 - 20 miles on them. You may or may not get to keep them.
Have phone numbers and addresses written down because you will not have immediate access to your cell phone.
When you get there pick out the most badass looking Drill Sergeant and knock him on his butt. Establish dominance.
Again, just kidding.
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Hygiene equipment. paper work given to you at MEPS. Most of all a thick skin and ability to listen
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Don’t bring anything. Everything will be provided for you. And less for you to carry when you leave
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