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Basic Training Checklist: What to Bring to Boot Camp
For many people joining the Army, Basic Training is the single most radical change in their lives. Once you've prepared yourself for Basic Training, you'll want to triple-check your packing list; many items that you may take for granted are difficult or impossible to get ahold of during your first months in the Army.
This checklist is fairly short because, as any military recruiter or service member will tell you, you must pack light. Storage space for your personal effects will be extremely limited, and within the first few days of arriving at Basic Training, you'll be required to purchase certain supplies at the on-base store anyway. If you bring unauthorized items (or too much stuff in general), some of your belongings may be confiscated.
Essential Items
While there are some items you're not allowed to bring with you to Basic, the following items are essential. Make sure you have them with you when you arrive.
Two sets of civilian clothing: You'll be issued uniforms and PT clothing on your first or second day, but you'll need something to wear until then. You'll also be permitted to wear your civilian clothes on leave.
Combination lock or padlock: You'll have an opportunity to purchase locks for your locker, but unless you bring your own, you'll have nowhere to secure your things the first few nights. If you want to protect your belongings, make sure to bring your own locks.
Credit or debit card(s): If you have any credit cards, they're better and safer than debit cards — just make sure they're set up on autopay. Credit cards have more robust identity theft protection features than debit cards, and it's much easier to get unauthorized charges reversed.
Cash: All branches of the military limit how much cash you can bring to Basic Training (usually to $100 or less). Still, it's handy to have some if you can't use your debit or credit cards for some reason.
Contact lens cases and solution/glasses: You'll be issued new glasses shortly after you arrive, and you'll be barred from wearing contacts most of the time, but you'll still need to be able to see for the first few days.
Simple wristwatch: You won't be allowed to carry your cell phone most of the time, but you'll be expected to adhere to a strict schedule, so pick up a basic watch. It must be black, brown, tan, or olive drab, with no ornamentation or decoration. If you're interested in a more advanced tactical watch, take a look at our guide on how to choose a tactical watch.
Running shoes: You'll be taking a PT test within your first few days, and you'll have to buy your own running shoes throughout your military career anyway, so be sure to arrive with a high-quality pair that fits well. A good pair of athletic shoes goes a long way.
Snacks: Once you get to Basic Training, food will be confiscated and thrown away, so bring just enough to hold you over until then.
Critical Documents
Throughout Basic Training (and your time in the Army as a whole), there will be times where you need to identify yourself with proper certificates and licenses. Make sure you have these items handy, and store them in a safe, secure place.
Driver's license or other photo ID, and Social Security card: You'll need identification until you're issued a military ID card.
Marriage license, birth certificate and dependents' birth certificates: If you're married or have kids, the Army will need these vital records in order to process your housing allowance or other benefits.
Passport or resident alien card (as applicable): If you're not a naturally-born U.S. citizen, the military will need these documents to verify your eligibility to enlist.
Banking information: You'll want to get paid, of course!
Orders and enlistment contract: During the first few weeks of Basic Training, you'll be asked to show these documents many times. Have them at the ready.
Paper prescriptions: If you take prescription medications, you'll be required to get them from the on-base pharmacy.
High school diploma, college degree, or transcripts (as applicable): For enlisted personnel, academic credentials usually don't matter unless you plan to attend college during training, which requires your command's approval. Officers may occasionally need to show proof that they've obtained a college degree.
Personal Hygiene
Good hygiene habits are essential for both your physical and mental health. Make sure you take these things with you in order to keep your personal hygiene up to par.
Shower shoes: Military showers are, frankly, disgusting. Shower shoes are mandatory, but even if they weren't, you'd definitely still want them.
Soap or body wash: Bar soap is much more space-efficient than liquid body wash, but both are permitted.
Shampoo: Double-seal your shampoo or liquid body wash in two plastic bags in case it spills.
Razors and shaving cream: Men are required to be freshly clean-shaven every day. Women aren't required to shave but may do so if they wish.
Aftershave: Many men experience severe skin irritation if they have to shave every day, so be sure to bring lotions or ointments designed to alleviate razor burn.
Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss: Dental hygiene is key, especially in light of the fact that you may be charged for dental work if the military decides that it's needed because you aren't adequately brushing or flossing.
Deodorant: Being dirty and stinky not only annoys your bunkmates, but can have negative effects on your physical and mental health. A simple stick of deodorant goes a long way in terms of personal hygiene.
Clippers (for men, optional): If you're male, you're required to have your head shaved at the on-base barber shop when you arrive at Basic Training, even if you've already buzzed yourself. After that, though, it'll be more cost-effective to cut your own hair than to pay the barber every week.
Hair ties and bobby pins (for women): If you're female, you aren't required to cut your hair short, but if you choose to keep it long, you do have to wear it in one of a few approved styles.
Nail clippers: Men and women are both required to keep their nails trimmed and clean.
Lip balm: Chapped lips can be highly unpleasant and distracting, especially if you're going somewhere cold for Basic Training. Bring several tubes.
Unscented lotion or body powder: You're allowed (and encouraged) to take extra-good care of your skin, but you aren't allowed to have any particular scent.
Things NOT to Bring
The list of things you aren't allowed to bring to Basic Training consists of anything and everything not on the list of things you are allowed to bring. The following items are especially prohibited:
Tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs
Makeup
Jewelry (except for wedding rings)
Electronics other than your cell phone
Weapons
Cards or gambling items
Pornography
Over-the-counter medications
Aerosol sprays
Large, bulky items