What will I be able to take with me when I go to the Marines boot camp?

Don't bring anything with you to boot camp except your important papers (such as driver's license, social security card, and banking information), and the clothes on your back. NO MONEY. The clothes you wear will end up in storage while you train. You recruiter should be able to tell you all of this. Talk to them, they are there to help and will hold you hand right up until they day you leave.

Thomas OReilly The links below list the items that you can take to Marine Corps Boot Camp. I have stood in the Yellow Footprints that you will be standing on. I was in Platoon 1028, MCRD San Diego, June 20, 1968.

Boot Camp will be a culture shock. Arrive with a good attitude. Listen closely and be observant. Be squared away at all times, and never quit. Help your fellow recruits when you can. Let me know if you have questions that I can help you with. Enjoy new challenges and adventures.

http://www.militaryspot.com/marines/what-to-bring-to-bootcamp


https://marinesbootcamphq.com/preparation/what-can-i-bring-to-marine-boot-camp/

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/surviving-marine-corps-basic-training-3354327

You should take your honor, character to choose the hard right over the easy wrong, and a never quit attitude!

Thomas OReilly Your body must be covered! A table cloth or sheet will suffice.

The Corps will provide for your needs.

When I went to Parris Island in June,July & August of 1959, The Recruiter said to take the bare necessities because we would send every thing we brought from civilian life home. If the Marine corp wanted us to have it they would issue it to us. Their was a standard PX issue ( toilet articles , Writing material, stamps ETC,) issued to us. The money would be deducted from our pay of $78.00 a month. I know things are different today. I wanted you to know how it was in another time. Semper Fi.

Good honest question, but one day you will think of it and laugh; probably sooner than later.

Be prepared for the marine version of the shark attack. Is meant to scare the crap out of you and it may last for a few hours or for a few days.

https://youtu.be/4irFJ7q96ns

Good running shoes that you have worn already and broken in. You may be able to bring a couple pairs of white socks with no name brand on them for those running shoes. Make sure they are not bootie socks & make sure they are normal in length.
I'm sure you can have a cell phone, charger, laptop and MP3 player, headphones, etc. I am almost certain that the drill instructors will force you to put it away and you may not be able to get to it until you are almost graduated or if they give you a pass. Make sure to bring all your financial banking routing information so they could set you up for direct deposit. You may not be able to get to use your cell phone off the bat so bring Pen, paper, envelopes and stamps so you can write home. I went to Army basic training in 1994 and they always want you to write home to family. Not sure if you will have an internet cafe in bootcamp ..
So writing to your family the old-fashioned way may be the norm for a while.
Hopefully, we will get more input from other Marines who have gone through boot camp recently. I am sure you will get a packing list from your Marine Corps recruiter. Remember, it's all a mind game. Make sure you are already doing your push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and running at least three miles every other day before you go to boot camp. Be prepared to get harassed like this or worse.
I survived it and you will too. Semper Fi oorah!

https://youtu.be/4irFJ7q96ns~305380:CSM Charles Hayden] LTC Stephan Porter Sgt (Join to see) Thomas OReilly
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025

Bring nothing but the clothes on your back and ID (DL,SS card, bank info). Leave anything of value at home. Anything else is contraband. You will not be using your cellphone, pillow or blankie. There are no internet cafes, nothing. Once you leave "receiving", you will meet your DI's. Be ready to wake early, hit the rack late. Keep your eyes and ears open and be ready to respond in your loudest voice. If not, you will be introduced to the quarterdeck early. Follow instructions quickly. The DI's are not there to hurt you. They are there to train you to become a Marine.

Yourself and stamina!