The most commonly asked questions recruits ask today is “What Can You Bring to Basic Training?” There are several things you can pack up for boot camp but you don’t want to forget these items such as running shoes, a cell phone, stationery supplies, a debit card, cash and also civilian clothes. After all, you want to have the best experience as possible with the least amount of problems in basic training. Here are some of the few things your allowed to take with you to boot camp.
Running shoes. You can bring your own running shoes to basic. You can bring your running shoes (tennis shoes) but it’ll be up to your drill sergeants on whether they’ll let you wear them or not. Some drill sergeants will make you buy the shoes that they sell at reception. It depends on where you go to training and some drill sergeants let Soldiers wear their own shoes and they didn’t have to buy them.
Cell Phones. You can bring your own cell phone but it’ll be up to the drill sergeant’s decision if you’ll receive any phone privileges (cell phone or phone booth). You can keep your cell phone during reception but once you’re at basic then you’ll have to hand them over to the drill sergeants. You will not get them back until you start white phase or every other Sundays.
Stationary Supplies. You can take your own stationery supplies such as paper, envelopes and stamps or you can buy them while you are at basic training. You have the freedom to write letters every night and have it sent out to a family or friend every day. You will have to do 10 push ups for every letter that you receive during mail call which is worth it.
Debit Card. It is highly recommended that you bring your own debit card tied to your account. You will have to resupply later for personal hygiene’s and to withdraw money from the ATM to pay for haircuts at the PX. Some things are not free in training and you’ll have to reach into your pocket sometimes to pay for the basics such as a haircut or if you want to buy a class yearbook.
Address book. Bring an address book listing your family members and next to kin. It’s very important to have a mailing address of someone so that you can send letters and add them to your life insurance, emergency contact and beneficiary when you in-process during the reception battalion.
Cash. Bring a few extra dollars but not more than $50 dollars. You may never know what might happen during your journey to boot camp. You might need to get a cab or buy something to eat.
Civilian Clothes. Bring the clothes on your back because on the first day you arrive to the reception battalion, the Army will issue you a lot of uniforms and gear. You will wear your PT’s or ACU uniform. You are not allowed to wear your civilian clothes anymore and you must dress according to the uniform of that day.
