How to Pack for Basic Training | Boot Camp

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"A lot of recruits ask me what to pack for basic training, so let's make that packing checklist right now. First, you're going to want a plane and a bus ticket. You're going to want several copies of your orders. You're also going to want form 1199, which is your direct deposit form. You're also going to want meal tickets and MEPS, which is your military entrance processing station; all those documents. You're going to want a copy of your birth certificate - not the original. You're also going to want 6 pair of underwear, white only, no crazy colors. You're going to want comfortable running shoes. Two locks, make sure they're combination - no padlocks, you're not going to want to carry keys around with you. Eyeglass band, but only if you wear eyeglasses of course. You're also going to want to pack 6 pair of calf-length white socks. A black marker, Sharpie medium point works best. Toiletries and a small black bag to hold all your toiletries in. Toothbrush with a case. Shaving cream. Disposable razors - not your electric razors, you can't use electric razors at basic training. Two washcloths and a towel. Don't forget that deodorant, please don't forget that deodorant. Shower shoes, all black again, no colors and no logos on those shower shoes. Shampoo and conditioner - one bottle to save space. Soap with case, please don't forget that soap. For women, you're going to want your undergarments; cotton panties and bras. And don't forget, one full slip in case you're ever in a military suit, which you will be. Flesh-tone nylon pantyhose. And quarter inch or less in diameter earrings - they can be gold, silver, pearl, or spherical diamond; which can also be worn with what they call your Class A military suit. Let's go over some miscellaneous items as well. You're going to want a long-distance calling card to call home, because you won't have access to a cell phone most likely. Small box of laundry detergent in a zip lock bag. Stamps, which will be your best friend at basic training, they're like currency. Insect repellent. Cough drops. Small notebook to take notes of course - when your drill sergeant yells at you, you want to write that down so you don't make the same mistake again. And that's pretty much your entire list. I wouldn't recommend bringing anything else because it's probably going to get confiscated for contraband.

[RodesLaw]

From what I have heard, you don't need any of this anymore, especially the birth cert, shoes, and underwear. They give you everything and they make you buy the shoes with your own money for PT.

[TheSunIsMyDestroyer]

you need TWO black markers, to put your name on the other marker using your marker 

[Fhorn]

Yeah, don't buy any of that. All you'll need is one or two days worth of clothes (for your hotel stays before your travels to basic training) and your toiletries. You'll probably have to carry around whatever you pack, so pack lightly. You WILL need all of the above things at basic, but they'll send you to a PX with a pre-paid government credit card with about $300 to buy all of that stuff. They send you all to the same place so you all have the same shit. Don't arrive at basic with anything you don't need. You'll end up regretting it.

[TheThefresh]

My brother enlisted about a year ago and he said all he brought was the clothes on his back and earphones

[Richtellj]

You don't need any of this, you get everything you need in reception when you get there. When I left for basic in 2012, I brought stuff with me and it all got stuffed in a bag and locked up in a closet along with everyone else's stuff. I got it all back when I finished basic.

[rampage]

a bottle of shampoo-conditioner so you can wash all that hair you're gonna have xD

[retrogamer_]

this is b.s, do not take anything to boot camp....all you need is your personal documents(birth certificate, etc.) unless you want to get your bag and stuff dumped all over.

[JS-whnw]

"Please dont forget that deodorant"

I almost died

[sambracken]

Just kind of an FYI if you're planning on joining the Navy, the Navy will provide everything down to the undergarments! Bring as little as you can because everything except for important documents, files and photos, will be sent back home!! 

[jaredbrown]

lol Army. My Marine recruiters told us to only take our ID, $20, birth cert, and social security card lmao. i may be missing a little bit more but doubt it. Army having you pack for a vacation😂

[gthxy]

I brought my new uniforms & patches from my drill (reserve) unit, couldn't use ANY of them. They issue you - or MAKE YOU BUY- EVERYTHING at reception. No choice, no exception.

[sternbergzookie]

So basically an excellent packing list if you're going pretty much anywhere and don't want to end up lugging everything you've ever owned. Shiny.

[twoeightythreez]

Dont bring anything that wont fit in a folder, and your wallet. Wear as few clothes as you can get away with, depending on weather. I recommend wearing sweat pants and sweat shirt with a t shirt underneath. You will be buying everything you need at the NEX/PX and any clothes you came in wearing will be placed in a vacuum sealed bag.

[minhvisual]

All you need is State ID, social security card and a good running shoe and a cellphone for your first call.

[freddybgbg]

They issue you everything when you get there. They also give you a chance to buy all of these things once you arrive with an advance-of-pay. The best thing to do is to show up with the least you can. Just bring all the paperwork and documents.

[AFlyingMayMay]

Don't you get a $250 smart card to buy all these materials at the PX?

[nagantm]

you don't need to bring anything but the clothes on your back basically and the packet they give you at MEPS.

[emryslemon]

I got more info from the comments. Thanks. I am ready for Monday.

[MrClenzer]

Most of the stuff he listed off that you need for basic, the Reception Battalion will issue you and you will go to the PX to get whatever you need for personal hygiene.

[huntermiller]

USMC gives you mostly everything, ask your recruiter what few things to bring