Your recruiter will probably leave you with a checklist to follow.
You need to read all of the material that they will give you and be sure to follow important instructions thoroughly.
When you arrive at basic training, you will have an opportunity to purchase whatever you need to get through the next ten weeks at the Post Exchange (PX) store.
You will receive a pay advancement of $350, and your drill sergeants will tell you everything that you'll need to buy.
I recommend that everything you have is of neutral color such as black, tan or white and no brand name.
Items to bring: Clothing It is advised that you wear the clothes on your back and pack no additional sets of clothes.
You'll get issued new uniforms when you arrive to the reception battalion on the first day.
The civilian's clothes you brought with you will not be used anyway till graduation day.
Additional personal supplies can be bought at the troop store at the reception battalion.
Nothing is free in basic training.
You will have to pay out-of-pocket for personal hygiene supplies, haircut and graduation photos.
You need to read all of the material that they will give you and be sure to follow important instructions thoroughly.
When you arrive at basic training, you will have an opportunity to purchase whatever you need to get through the next ten weeks at the Post Exchange (PX) store.
You will receive a pay advancement of $350, and your drill sergeants will tell you everything that you'll need to buy.
I recommend that everything you have is of neutral color such as black, tan or white and no brand name.
Items to bring: Clothing It is advised that you wear the clothes on your back and pack no additional sets of clothes.
You'll get issued new uniforms when you arrive to the reception battalion on the first day.
The civilian's clothes you brought with you will not be used anyway till graduation day.
- Wear jeans and a casual t-shirt.
(no obscene graphics, no halter tops, cut-off t-shirts and no shorts) - Pair of comfortable casual tennis shoes suitable for walking and extended standing.
- Optional: light jacket (seasonal)
Additional personal supplies can be bought at the troop store at the reception battalion.
- Soap with a soap case (preferably liquid soap)
- Deodorant (non-aerosol)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste with case
- Disposable razor and shaving cream (non-electric)
- Comb or brush
- For women: prescribed birth control pills, tampons, pads, sports bras, and light cosmetic make-up.
No bikinis or thongs or anything resembling sexy and get embarrassed later.
- Childhood and adolescent immunization records if available
- Government-issued photo id card (driver's license, state id or resident alien card)
- Marriage certificates, family birth certificates, and their SSN (if married or legally supporting)
- Birth certificates, social security card, and civilian certificates.
- Your Orders
Nothing is free in basic training.
You will have to pay out-of-pocket for personal hygiene supplies, haircut and graduation photos.
- $10.
00 but not to exceed $50.
00 in cash, traveler's checks or money orders. - Checkbook and/or ATM card with access to direct deposit account for military pay you'll receive while in basic training.
- two locks (combination not key locks)
- stationery supplies (notebook, pencils, pen, envelopes, postal stamps and post cards)
- pocket sized bible
- an address book
- inexpensive waterproof wristwatch
- a regular sized backpack to fit all your items on the packing list
- black sharpie marker (you want to write your name on all your things)
- Cellphones.
(they allow you to bring your cell phones but they'll be taken up before you start training.
You will be able to get to use your cell phone on Sundays, but it's up to your drill sergeants or the company you have for training)
- Wedding ring (it is advised that you leave it at home for several reasons as supposed to losing it during training)
- Earrings.
You may wear quarter-inch or less pearl, gold, silver or diamond spherical earrings with Army uniforms, except for the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and Physical Fitness Uniform (PFU).
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