Why US Military Recruit Training Guide Was Created
I recently went military recruit camp for basic combat training, and I was frantically searching the web for what items I need to pack. There was no definitive list to help me do so.
During my recruit training at South Carolina, in consultation with my peers, we created this website to help future recruits of the US Military.
Your recruiter will give you a list for what to pack for your designated Training. I would recommend taking everything on that list. Basic training is your first chance to follow orders, so read your recruit packet carefully and pack only what’s listed.
Some of the most common items are as follows.Common items to take to US Military Recruit Training
- Government issued identification (such as a driver’s license or passport)
- Original copy of enlistment contract
- Social security card
- Birth certificate
- Shot / Immunization records
- Personal hygiene items
- Appropriate clothing for physical training
- Appropriate clothing for the climate
- Comfortable shoes
- Prescription medications (if applicable)
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
Items that need more description and additional items to the list are detailed below.
US Military Basic Recruit Training locations
Army: Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Knox, Kentucky
Navy: Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois
Air Force: Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
Marine Corps: Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina; Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California
Coast Guard: Training Center Cape May, New Jersey
Items to Pack from the Official Bootcamp List
100% necessary to take to Basic Combat Training.
Coat Hangers
You are required to iron and neatly hang all cams and clothing. Sturdy wooden coat hangers aid in keeping things neat. Ensure they have a crossbar for hanging pants.
Iron
As mentioned, you need to iron all items of clothing. Ensure you have a reliable iron that heats up quickly. A good iron will be necessary for your military career.
Running Shoes
Most PT sessions you will wear your own shoes, you will also get to wear them at periods to relieve your feet from military boots. So get a good comfortable pair that you are familiar with.
Watch
A durable watch is a must. The Army must meet timings so getting a decent durable watch will be vital for your career. Any watch that will receive text messages will be confiscated, but I got away with my Garmin as it looked like a gshock.
Padlock’s with keys
You will need to lock your cupboards, they WILL inspect them and lord help you if you forget to lock it. You need 3 padlocks. For your cupboards (2) and your trunk (1).It is recommended that all locks have the same key. One key will be given to staff incase you lose your key. Losing keys does happen and its embarrassing, so give a spare key to a roommate.
Toiletries
All of your toiletries will be rolled up in a towel that you carry to the bathroom, you cannot use a toiletry bag. So pack simple toiletries. Soap dispensers are supplied in the showers.
– Normal toothbrush and paste
– One razor for each week is recommended as they get blunt quickly with everyday shaving.
– Shaving cream
– Small shampoo & conditioner bottle (you won’t get much time to shower 2-5min max). And with the short hair you will have, supplied soap will be adequate.
Bobby Pins & Hair Nets (for females)
You must maintain your hair in a neat bun.Bring dozens of bobby pins and several hairnets as you and your friends will often lose them.
Buy Cheap Hair Nets and Bobby Pins
Stamped Envelopes
You can bring your envelopes stamped and addressed already, or you can buy them from the on-base post office. Each accommodation lines have a mailbox so snail mail is ideal.
Mobile Phone Necessities
You do not get much phone time, your phone is locked away in the staff offices. However, the below items make phone time a bit easier.
Battery Pack – Your phone is locked away most of the time, therefore it’s not on charge. Having a battery pack ready for when you do get your phone will ensure there is always power to call your loved ones.
Charging Cables and Wall Adaptor – Don’t forget these!
Headphones – Phone time is done outside standing at attention only! Therefore it’s recommended to use headphones so that your hands are free.
Other
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Items to Pack from the Official Bootcamp List
100% necessary to take to Basic Combat Training.
Waterproof Bags
I would get 2. They will be very helpful to organise your pack in the field components of military training. The training grounds are notorious for rain and you want to keep your socks and undies dry!
10x Black Pens
You will need a black pen for everything you do. You are always in class and writing. You will forever be losing pens or they will go through the wash. Buy a bulk pack and always carry 2. Help a mate out if they forget theirs.
Other Stationary
Pocket Notebooks – You will be given some but they fill up quickly. I would recommend bringing a few spare.
Marker Pen – You need to write your name or initials on everything. Clothes, books, equipment.
Small Pencil Case – I found it easier to grab a small pencil case every time we left the lines then putting individual items into my pockets. In my pencil case i had pens, spare paper, lip balm, etc.
Baby Wipes / Wet Wipes
You will have occasions where you need to clean something, including yourself and baby wipes are the only savior. Especially good for removing cam cream.
Zip Lock Bags
Great for organizing your desk draws and keeping things dry. I used zip lock bags to store phone cables in, badges, spare stationary. Especially handy when it’s a rainy day or your field component.
Books
Often there are times where you are sitting around waiting, or not doing much. It’s good to have a book to read and pass time. My roommates also read my book, we were often fighting over it.
Nice to have items for Basic Combat Training
Nice to have items for basic military training – Not 100% necessary
General Admin Items
Lighter, very useful for burning threads off your clothing.
Electrical Tape (black) is good for tidying up straps on your webbing and pack. Also good for adhoc repairs or identifying kit that you cannot mark permanently.
Field Items
Occy Straps (x4) are very useful to pitch your hoochie up quickly, and down quickly too!
Tent Pegs (x4) will assist in holding your hoochie down.
Coffee Cup
Coffee is a luxury! You will get the opportunity to grab a coffee at meal times. Make it in your keep cup and enjoy it throughout the day.
Laundry/Washing Mesh Bags
Laundry with 50 people and only 5 machines can make things tricky. It is very handy to have a few mesh laundry bags to keep your items separate.
Large Suitcase
You will leave combat training with some more items than you arrived with. So it’s good to have extra room. You may also want to buy souvenirs including framed action photos of your training, they are kickass photos!
Headtorch with Red Light
Perfect for when you need to get something at night and the lights are off. Also good for field phase, especially midnight toilet adventures.
Do NOT Bring to Military Training
- Medicine inc. Panadol
- Knives inc pocket knives
- Lollies or gum
- Electronic devices such as Laptop, tablets, gaming devices, cameras
- Water bottles
- Singlets
- Alcohol or Drugs
- Jewelry
Additional Info About US Military Training Bases
Shops at Military Training Locations
Most US Military Basic Recruit Training locations have a barbershop, a Post Exchange (PX) for basic necessities and snacks, a uniform shop, and a laundry facility. Some may also have a gym, a library and a chapel.
Don’t overpack on civilian clothing
Shortly upon arriving at basic recruit training, your civilian bag will be unloaded and searched for contraband. From there, any necessary items will be emptied out into your dorm cupboards. All unnecessary gear and civilian clothing (bar sleeping, bathroom, socks, shoes, and underwear) will be returned to your luggage and locked away in an adjacent building. For your duration at military training, you wear military issued clothing.
If you are going to IET’s straight after basic recruit training, (full-time soldiers) you may wish to pack a few neat civilian outfits. Ask your family to bring extra clothing to your march-out parade if you don’t have enough room in your bag.
Put your name on everything
It’s very easy to get things mixed up in the rooms, laundry, bathroom etc. Put your name or initials on everything!
Enjoy your time at Basic Recruit Training you will meet some great friends for life!
Additional Reading List –
https://mybaseguide.com/army-basic-training
www.gocoastguard.com
armypubs.army.mil
www.bootcamp.navy.mil
www.marines.mil
Best Selling Items
Here is the most ordered items for people going to military recruit boot camp.
Iron
Headtorch
Padlocks
Contact Us
If you have been to basic combat training and feel like there is something that we should have added or any of the above information needs correcting, please let us know! We want to make sure everyone is well prepared for their adventure.
Best Army Field Gear to Buy
Military field gear worth buying after basic training is complete. Do not take these to basic training.
Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller
No cords, batteries or spray necessary. Thermacell keeps mosquitoes away in a 15-foot zone for up to 12 hours of protection.
Outdoor Emergency SOS Survival Kit
This small kit is actually pretty mighty. It includes a compass, wire saw, water bottle clip, emergency blanket, knife, flashlight, whistle and more. If they’re new to the field, this is a great pick to get you started.
Waterproof Clear Playing Cards
Made from durable plastic. Easy shuffling and dealing in any environment. Ideal for quiet downtime enjoyment.
LEATHERMAN Multitool
Fits in your pocket, durable (made from stainless steel) and it serves 18 functions (ruler, can opener, knife, pliers … you get the gist).
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
There’s a reason this unique product has more than 91,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. This alternative to iodine tablets means you can filter up to 1,000 liters of water without chemicals.
Australian Army – What to take to Kapooka