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.
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I’m In the Air Guard , my sister get shipped to fort leonard wood for BCT . Is it possible to take my mom on Sunday to a church service on base and meet have my mom see my sister. Or do Recruits have there own church services ?
Thank you.
Our son will arrive tomorrow to fort Leonard wood how long will it be before he can actually write home
My boyfriend is going into the Basic Tarring. I want to give him a gift what should I get him before he goes?. I was thinking about a dog tag . Are they a loud to have that?
He will be issued a set of dog tags in basic training. If you want to give him something it’s better to wait until after graduation and possible AIT. There are a lot of things including the dog tag your referencing as a gift that will not be allowed in Basic. They are only allowed issued items in Basic training and many AIT locations. The Army’s motto is if they wanted you to have it, they would have issued it to you.
three sets of underwear, white.
Got it!
But… boxers or briefs?
How is laundry done during basic training.
It has been a long time for me, (1976!), but when I was in basic training you wrote your name in your clothes and all laundry was put in togehter, with recruits taking turns on laundry detail. There was no individual laundry until you went on to your next duty assignment. In fact, there is no individual anything in basic training.
My son joined in 2018 Air Force each recruit is responsible for doing their own laundry. I went to Army BTC in the early 90’s I was responsible for my own laundry. It may depend on the post your BCT is at.
Are we allowed to take books? I bought few books, but don’t I know if I’m allowed to take them with me to basic training…
Yes, you could bring a book, but just like your cell phone… if you do bring them they will be confiscated. Wishing you the best of luck.
No unless it the bible or some-type of religious book.
The quick and direct answer is no in BTC.
White conservatives are asked to denounced their white supremacist and extremist ways in advance
white people not racist! black people are
Bro that’s racist? I’m black and I’m not racist?
Not true
So, it’s a political thing and not all White people are racist in your view. It’s only politics. Ok. You’re obviously ignorant. Perhaps you should be more concerned about those white liberals that go around telling black people that they’re victims and the only way they’ll be victorious is for them to join a white leftist and preach racism. I hope you have nothing to do with the military. You need to work on your ignorance, hate, and racist ways. You may want to start by stop being a troll and pretending to be someone you’re not! Hush child and go play.
Nobody tells black people that. Thats anti left PROPAGANDA! Your ignorance is staggering but typical and expected. Im very liberal, so is my family and all my friends, none if us EVER have even suggested that or thought it. The only people thinking that are right wing simpletons. Stop watching Fox “News”! Then you can join the ranks of normal society. Youve been fed such gloriously outrageous lies about the left and you believe it, you cant even figure out that youve been manipulated by misinformation campaigns mostly brought forth by Russia. Their goal is to divide and conquer and its working. Old KGB lesson #1 , if you break apart the family and break down unity in a society you can ruin it and then take over eventually. Trump and the right have played into Putins hands so perfectly and his plans have worked. Fight the communists! Fight right wing misinformation! Fight to keep America a Democracy!!
show some respect on a military page. This comment has nothing to do with anything intended here. You are an idiot!
My what to bring list said if I take a shampoo it has to be 1 oz if I take one with 3 oz will I have a problem I getting shop this may 4th please answer me
You have to meet airport requirements, so I would go w 1oz. You can buy more later, so don’t worry!
I am also getting shop May 4
are they allowed cell phones and personal items for the quarantine period? and can someone explain what all goes on during this 2 weeks?
Last time I heard, no
Oh my god I meant yes. My boyfriend took his but he’s not allowed to use it.
My son is at basic he ask me to send him a care package and some money I’m not going to send cash and I was reading the comments about the gift cards through Sandbox and people didn’t get them is there another way
Can i bring a watch at army basic training? Thank you.
All black non-smart watch’s are allowed
Thank you for your response. One more question, and i know everyone is also going to be asking this, do we need to get a haircut before going to basic training? Thank you.
What if I have a prescription for Finasteride (for hair loss) that I take daily, but it’s not a “necessary” prescription? Can I take that to Basic at Ft Jackson, or will they take it away from me?
You are allowed to bring PRESCIBED medication, not store bought.
I should be going to basic in a few month and I was curious about a couple things. Would I be able to bring a notebook(small) just to write things down, that would most likely include a writing utensil. And I’m currently in a relationship and would want to send letters back and fourth so I was wondering if I could do that.
Hey, the names Xavier, I’m also going into basic in a few months (after graduation), I also had this question and turned to Quora(basically a refined version of reddit).Quoras answer was “The only personal belingings you are allowed during basic training are a few personal photos, letter writing materials, small religious items and hygiene items (i.e. soap, deodorant, comb/brush) a quick side note, if you are Male you won’t be needing that comb very long once you hit training.”
I know it says no gum. I am 29 with a B.S. degree and am going for Officer I smoke cigarettes or E cigarettes. I can stop and go cold turkey for 10 weeks but when it comes to nicotine gum I know Doctors prescribe that and not that over the counter stuff. Does anyone know if that would be allowed if prescription by doctor is included in documents?
Under Documents: For the National Guard you should include:
– copies of prescriptions for any medications by you doctor.
This is important if you are required or want to take any medication you need.
If you don’t want to take and are not required to take them then don’t include the extra documents. However I am not 100% sure on that it may depend on which branch.
Thank you to all current and formal service men and woman for your service.
My son will be leaving for Basic soon. Two questions: 1) He’s supposed to wear plastic retainers at night during sleep (post braces several years ago). Will he be permitted to bring and wear them? 2) I wanted to send along a large envelope with cards for him to read while he’s there (plus he’ll turn 18 while there, so birthday cards too). Will these be permitted or will they be confiscated on arrival? Thanks!
Leaving for basic soon this summer! and i had the same questions for my recruiter almost, when it comes to letters they will really only allow blank writing material but you are free to send them to him as much as you’d like rather than taking with. you could send all the cards in one package early on so he has them the whole time. also i was warned not to let others know of my upcoming birthday as that can cause unwanted attention haha. And finally the retainer should be fine if it is medically necessary.
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.
Did his recruiter not answer this for him? I would think he would be permitted to wear a retainer during sleep. Have his orthodontist print you a copy of it not sure if that is filed with doctor prescription documents but either way include it in the document section.
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
Again I’m confused on why these aren’t being answered by peoples recruiter. Mine is very helpful to me and keeps it one hundred. He doesn’t believe in wasting time by feeding me bs information.
Which branch of armed forces or reserve components is she joining?
Right! The person going in to the army should be routinely talking to their recruiter with these questions! I cant imagine not asking them, you cannot rely on answers you are getting on a website from people who are not in charge. They give you paperwork and lists etc.. but when in doubt, even a little call the army recruiting office!
Any sports bra or running shoes that are average in both looks and price are perfect, it’s not advised that they have any eccentric colors, designs, or logos that are super noticeable.An extra piece of advice that brushes, scrunchies, and or hair ties should match her hair color
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
It differs with each branch. I assume Army because of the tan and coyote brown which I didn’t know that was name for that color but good to know.
I’ll cut to the point, can I wear grey/black/navy blue boxer briefs and socks during army basic training, I’m going into the reserve, but that still means I get the same training period(s) as full-time soldiers.
Black everything according to army recruiter. My son goes in August 16 Fort benning, GA
Black everything according to army recruiter. My son goes in August 16 Fort benning, GA
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
Timarie I hear what you are saying. You can see my post about documents as well as having an informing recruiter. His recruiter I would think does know but if he doesn’t. Call the help line for whichever branch he is serving.
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 👍🏾
I know im late to this but Grace do you know what we do during quarantine. Is it like basically being at basics? I will ask my recruiter when we meet next but thought to ask you also.
Hello goodevening my name is glory about joining d army,pls i will like to be among d group so that i can know on what to do
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