Preparing for Navy boot camp is a busy time and it can be unclear as to what recruits should bring. In our Navy boot camp checklist we outline what you must bring, what you cannot bring and what you can bring to make the packing process easier.
To start with, all luggage must fit in a sports bag / small travel case.
What must I bring to Navy Boot Camp?
The following list is all of the essentials you must bring to Navy boot camp and the most important Navy boot camp checklist.
- Photo I.D./Drivers License
- Social Security Card
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce Decree (if applicable)
- Copies of Dependents Birth Certificates (if applicable)
- Complete civilian and military immunization records
- Direct Deposit System form with bank account and routing number information
What additional items can I bring to Navy Boot Camp?
It is important to note that RTC Great Lakes is extremely tight on storage space and anything considered excess will be given to charity or sent home. If you choose to send items home, the cost of shipping will come from your paycheck.
- One pair of prescription glasses, reading glasses or contact lens kit if applicable
- Money (maximum of $25) (optional)
- Religious medallion (No larger than approximately 2”x1”)
- Small Bible or other religious book
- Check book and ATM card
- Female Sanitary Items
- Prescription birth control which will be taken and reissued
- Female cosmetics. One of each is permitted: face powder, blush, lipstick, eye shadow and mascara (non-aerosol or glass). Make-up will be authorized for division photos and graduation weekend only.
- Female Barrettes (must match hair color)
- Personal hygiene Kit
- Small address book
- Wrist watch
- Wedding ring
- Writing material
- Pocket dictionary
- Small hairbrush and comb
- Pre-paid phone cards
- Prescriptions Drugs*
*Recruits may bring prescription drugs with identifying prescription labels. At a designated time, they must be sent to the dispensary for medical evaluation.
Get a printable version of the Navy Boot Camp Packing List 2019 for when you start packing your bags.
What am I not allowed to bring?
Some are more obvious than others but packing these items will be a waste of packing space as they will be confiscated immediately. The following items are unauthorized to be possessed by recruits in training:
- Large cans of shaving cream. (12oz. or larger)
- All aerosol containers.
- After shave/cologne.
- Lighter fluid.
- Disposable Lighters (the fluid cartridge of a “Zippo” lighter will be confiscated, the casing will be retained with)
- Non- Navy magazines and books.
- Playing cards, dice, gambling paraphernalia.
- Large bulky stationery.
- Large hair combs/afro pics, rakes or anything made of metal.
- Anything in glass containers including mirrors.
- Double edge razors, blades.
- Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, tobacco, chewing tobacco.
- Large deodorants (larger than 4oz).
- Alcohol-based health & comfort items.
- Food items.
- All non-prescription drugs and medications that include but not limited to:
- Phisoderm, Phisohex, etc.
- Foot powders.
- Rubbing alcohol.
- Motion sickness medication.
- Commercial sleeping aide.
- Decongestants.
- Acne medications.
- Antihistamines.
- Analgesics.
- Eye wash (exception: saline solution for contacts).
- Sex related materials (diaphragms, condoms, etc).
- Vitamins
I will be shipping out real soon and I was wondering if we could bring hair moisterizer and gel. I need to know before November 22.
information from my dad and grandpa which are navy vets say no
I’ve been speaking with a recruiter recently and have been told that prescription medications are prohibited, but this list says otherwise? Is there specific medication that isn’t allowed or have I been misinformed?
The list says you CAN bring presciptions. You can not bring non-prescriptions. However, they may take them and reissue them.
My son is going to boot camp September 3rd. Wanted to know if he is allowed to bring the Blue Jacket Manual 25 th addition United States Navy handbook with him to boot camp? Also does he need to bring shower shoes? Thank you so much! It is getting close!
Your recruit will be supplied shower shoes. Sadly, your recruit isn’t authorized to bring non-religious texts, they will be boxed up and either stored at RTC Great Lakes or shipped home. Your recruit will, however, be given an updated Bluejacket Manual.
Hello, my girlfriend leaves in a few months and I was just wondering if she could send letters as a form of communication because I know she will not have her phone or is that not permitted
Should my son bring shower shoes or will they be provided? Thank you
Hello, just got out of bootcamp. Navy issues Shower shoes, and he will get his own copy of the Blue Jackets manual so he does not need to bring his own.
So I saw at the top of this that anything excessive would be donated to charity? So if I show up there in my jordans do they get rid of those???
Hey since u just got out of bootcamp I have a question. Will my boyfriend be able to buy stamps in navy bootcamp?
Can I bring my necklace? Its a religious necklace. Not big and it doesn’t stand out. mens
You can bring it, might have to leave it in ur A&B drawer bc you can’t wear it.
Hello. Will recruits for the Navy be allowed to bring their own running shoes? Shoes with support if their arches are low-to flat?
Yes, the official change was made on June 6, 2022
Do they send your phone and charger back home once you get there or do you get to keep it there with you?
Alexis, all civilian items are packed in a 12″x12″x12″ box and stored at RTC until graduation. RTC stopped sending items home in September 2019. Recruits just need to remember to keep their wallet, ID, banking information, etc. and not pack those items in the box.
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Can the recruit have a visa gift card or should the card wait until after they graduate from bootcamp?
We allowed to bring cortizone? For like random itches or bug bites?
What kind of underwear are the men provided with? My son is very particular. Hoping it’s not tighty whities lol
Can I bring my jewelry shoes clothes and etc.
No only wedding ring and small religious pendant
Hey can we bring grease or hair oil
What about hair gel are you allowed to bring your own?
So whatever I bring like my phone and charger to stay at the hotel before I leave for boot they will send it back?
Do i have to bring my own underwear?
My son is getting ready to leave for Great Lakes next week but since he hasn’t been vaccinated he will be in quarantine for 2 weeks. Is he allowed to bring a book or his phone with him during that time? Where is the quarantine location? What are they allowed to do during quarantine?
The location is in a barracks ship. Quarantine is time to study the trainee guides provided. I suggest he bring a book or 2 and his phone. Although, it will be taken until after he graduates.
Do they need to bring white sports bras and underwear??
No, they will be provided everything that they will be wearing.
A person I know is leaving for bootcamp in 2 weeks. Are they allowed to bring a small bracelet or 4” by 3” photos?
Hi! Should a recruit bring a combination lock for their locker?
i believe you will be given one at reception
Can i bring notebook?
Like where do i write adress to write?
am i able to bring shampoo and conditioner for myself
According to http://www.military.com nothing larger than 8 oz or with grease in it. Also nothing scented. I suggest not doing so.
My son leaves for boot camp in August, I have heard moleskin padding is something to send with them, do you know if this is allowed? Thank you.
Of over the counter allergy meds such as Allegra aren’t approved to bring, does that mean they will be provided?
If you have a prescription for them, they’ll be provided. If not, no.
Can we bring face wash like for acne?
My daughter’s was sent back with her clothes. But you can bring it for the trip.
Cell phone and ear puds
Bring your cell phone and charger but no headphones. Headphones will be put in your locker or sent back home.
Can a recruit bring a book of stamps pen and writing tablet ?
RTC will provide this.
Can I bring a perm/ relaxer in order to keep my hair in regulation?
You can bring it, but it will be sent home with the rest of your belongings.
Am I allowed to bring a body wash that contains 2% salicylic acid? to control breakouts from happening?
You can bring it, but it will be sent home with the rest of your belongings.
How how about liquid body scrub?
Is cerave face wash and lotion safe to bring?
No, both of those will be put in your locker with your belongings.
Quick question …. My grandson is getting ready to go to boot camp at the end of August. He says he doesn’t need to bring anything other than what is listed on this page …. no t-shirts, shorts, underwear, socks, jacket, other shoes…. is that true?? I would hate for him to get there and not have anything to wear! Thanks so much for responding to my question.
He is correct.
Can you bring a stamps and envelopes? Also, a notebook? Or would a pack of paper be better?
Don’t bring any of those, they’ll be put in your locker if you do. All supplies for writing letter will be provided or can be bought at the NEX.
Is curology safe to bring?
Yes
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