What To Bring With You To Training

CLOTHING

  • 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 will be purchased at the post exchange (PX)
  • A pair of comfortable shoes
  • Eyeglasses (no faddish/stylish eyewear)
  • Luggage should be limited to one small suitcase or gym bag

    • LOCK

  • One lock (combination or padlock with two keys) Additional lock will be purchased at PX

    • TOILETRIES

  • Disposable/safety razor with blades
  • Shaving cream (optional for women)
  • Toothbrush with case
  • Hairbrush or 6″ black comb
  • One washcloth and towel (Additional items will be purchased at the PX)
  • Anti-perspirant
  • Shower shoes
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental floss
  • Shampoo
  • Soap and soap case

    • MONEY

  • $10, but no more than $50 in cash
  • Traveler’s Checks or Money Orders (Personal checks are not recommended because of limited check-cashing facilities.)

    • DOCUMENTS YOU MAY NEED

  • 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.

    • What NOT To Bring

  • Family
  • Pets
  • Privately owned vehicles
  • Expensive personal items — cameras, radios, tape players, jewelry and costly watches are hard to safeguard during training.
  • 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”)

    • For Women Only

    ADDITIONAL ITEMS WOMEN MIGHT NEED OR DESIRE TO BRING TO BCT

  • Undergarments: Panties (cotton recommended), bras, and one full slip (all neutral shade), flesh-tone nylons or pantyhose.

    • APPROPRIATE HAIRSTYLES

  • Hairstyles not considered appropriate when in uniform: Ponytail, extreme bouffant styles, exotic upsweeps and the corkscrew or “corn row” styles.

    • CLOTHING AND JEWELRY

  • Do not mix items of civilian clothing with your uniform and vice versa.
  • You may wear quarter-inch or less pearl, gold, silver or diamond spherical earrings with Army uniforms, except for the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and Physical Fitness Uniform.