If you’re headed to Army basic training there are a few things that you’ll want to make sure you bring with you when you leave. Below you’ll find an overview of the items as displayed on GoArmy.com to use as your Army basic training packing list.
What to bring for Army Basic Training
Clothing
You’ll want to pack these items in a small suitcase or gym bag – along with the rest of your belongings. In case your uniform fitting goes awry you’ll have a clean set of civvies to change into while you wait.
- One-day supply of casual, comfortable clothing (no halter-tops or ragged shorts)
- Three sets of underwear (white)
- One pair of white, calf-length athletic socks (no color bands, designs or logos). Additional socks can be purchased at the post exchange (PX)
- A pair of comfortable shoes
- Eyeglasses (no stylish eyewear)
- Luggage should be limited to one small suitcase or gym bag
Lock
During Army basic training you’ll be securing your belongings everyday in a wall or fool locker – if not you’ll suffer the consequences.
- One lock (combination or padlock with two keys). Additional locks can be purchased at the PX.
Toiletries
As you run low on these supplies during Army basic training you’ll be given some opportunities to purchase more at the PX. What’s important is having the basics to get you through the first few weeks.
- Disposable/safety razor with blades
- Shaving cream (optional for women)
- Toothbrush with case
- Hairbrush or 6″ black comb
- One washcloth and towel
Anti-perspirant - Shower shoes
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Shampoo
- Soap and soap case
Money
You’ll get an Eagle Cash Card during reception, which is where your money earned during training will be loaded to. But, depending on when you start training you may not get a paycheck for a few weeks. Having some money beforehand will allow you to get any items you may need in the beginning and hold you over until you get paid.
- $10-$50 in cash
- Traveler’s Checks or Money Orders (Personal checks are not recommended because of limited check-cashing facilities.)
Documents you may need
The below documents are crucial for you to pack before heading to basic training. We recommend placing them all together in a large document envelope. These documents will be needed during reception, so if you want to start training on time make sure you have them all.
- Social Security card
- Valid driver’s license or current state identification card
- A direct deposit form from your checking account signed by a bank official, or the name, address, account number and routing number of your financial institution (if applicable)
- Original or certified copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or separation order (if applicable)
- Original or certified copies of birth certificates of children under 18; affidavit of support from parents; court documents and direct deposit forms if ordered to pay spousal and/or child support (if applicable)
- Proof of citizenship (if you were not born in the United States)
- If you are married to a service member in the military, you need to have the name, Social Security number and military address of your spouse
- Copies of your lease agreement or rental contract for any dependents residing outside of government quarters (if applicable)
- Original or certified ROTC documentation (if applicable)
- Original college transcripts; GED or high school diploma
Your Orders
- Be sure to have all copies of orders and documents issued by your unit recruiter and/or MEPS. These orders must be delivered by you and by hand. Travel and meal tickets will be provided.
Get a printable version of the Army Basic Training Packing List 2019 for when you start packing your bags.
What not to bring to Army basic training
Some of these items may seem like a no-brainer, or not a big deal to bring – but trust us you’ll be better off if you leave these at home.
- Expensive personal items: cellphones, cameras, jewelry and expensive electronics are hard to safeguard during training.
- Family
- Pets
- Privately owned vehicles
- Nonprescription drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Steel hair picks
- Razor blades
- Weapons of any type, including pocket knives
- Obscene or pornographic material
- Alcoholic beverages
- Playing cards/dice/dominoes
- Cigarettes/tobacco products
- Batteries (except size “D”)
Want to know more about preparing for Army basic training? See what you need to know before you ship out.
If you want to get braces while in the military, will they allow it or can you join the military with braces? Are there any protocols on braces? And if they are allowed to get braces in the military, will they pay for them?
You can’t get braces while in service, as far as I remember while I was in service.
Finished MEPS today and they put off a guys ship date so he could have his braces removed.
My fiancé is going to basic in Jackson next month, does anyone know the authorized sports bras the can wear and types of running shoes.
Thank you in advance.
Marc
Sports bras, black or white most preferred. Their will be a store where you can buy some. You do not need running shoes, you have army authorized running shoes that will be provided to you
For pants, are leggings ok for work out gear or during quarantine time? I didn’t plan on bringing much but now I’m worried I won’t have enough
Rather than bringing leggings, I suggest bringing along something that is loose-fitting. Don’t draw attention to yourself by wearing form-fitting clothing.
are you allowd to bring tan or coyote brown undrwear, undershirts, and socks to Basic training
Please BRING YOUR PHONE TO BASIC !!!!
Do not listen to this list when it comes to your cellphone. Bring it as their will be a time when you get to call home or even once your done Basic you will need your phone to get home (call to a ride, let parents or loved ones know your on your way home or if something happens. )
Do you know if let you keep your bag you take with you to basic or do they take it from you until graduation?
They lock your personal bag away untill you graduate.
My son is leaving in a few weeks for Fort Benning. His recruiter sent this
ID
Social security card
ATM Card
Max of $50 cash
An overnight bag with a change of clothes, and enough personal hygiene items to last for 24 hrs.
That is all that is required. Once he arrives at the base they will issue him everything he will need within the first day, boots, uniforms, socks, etc.. He will also have a chance to go to the store on base, and stock up on soap, tooth paste, deodorant, stamps, envelops ,etc. Everyone gets an advance on their first check for $350 so they can stock up on essentials.
All the lists i see mention many other things to bring including documents. I would assume his recruiter would know. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Because of COVID there’s 2 week quarantine so that’s more time where their being held and not really doing anything . Also depending on whose managing them they might not let them go to PX until a day or two before they ship and it’s better to be prepared than sorry. So id advise toiletries to at least last a week, and 3 shirts and 2 pairs of different shades of pants. 3-4 pairs of socks and at least 5 pairs of underwear.
I heard they need to get a haircut before they go because of COVID …Is this true?
I also heard that they don’t get boots right away and to wear running shoes to camp?
What about masks?
That’s where I’m going I leave today
That’s where I’m going I leave today to fort benning as an 11 bravo
Since we’re going to be on a 2 week quarantine in fort sill how many pair of clothes should i bring ??
Sorry if I’m to late but 3 shirts and 2 pants, 1 good pair of running shoes, and all black bathing shoes, Atleast 5 pairs of underwear and 3-5 pairs of socks. Because that can last a week if you alternate properly and can stretch to a week if you clean your clothes 👍🏾
My husband is joining the Army in a few months and I would like to receive anything that will help me understand the Army and as a wife needs to know. I’m super proud of my husband for the decision of his career choice.
Stay on base housing dont buy a new car or any other monthly expenses dig in and hold out for the first year atleast untill he gets some time in service rank and his first year raise. Unless you plan on working but then you need to be prepared to get a new job every so often. But the first year after basic and advanced individual training for his mos classification can be kind of ruff. I would not expect his wages to support you during basic and i myself would move back in with your parents untill his first duty station