BCT Packing List

In less than a week I'll be on my way! My bags are packed and I'm ready to go- I'm going to look more like the guy walking down the road with a red handkerchief tied to a stick over his shoulder than a soldier. There's not a whole lot you need to (or can) bring.

Here's the list of what I'll be shipping with. I'll report back when I come home as to how useful this list was. [Post-BCT comments in red]

• NG backpack with nametape and rank insignia
• Civilian clothes (one set in addition to what I'll be wearing) [You'll just need what you have on your back. Don't bring anything you're not willing to throw away- not everything will fit in the bags they issue you after you receive your initial issue of gear at reception and I ended up parting with a pair of shoes that couldn't be crammed into my duffel bag.]
• Master Lock Speed Dial- Perfect for a BCT environment as they are easily opened under pressure and in the dark. Set it up EXACTLY like the directions say or it won't work.
• Pre-addressed/stamped envelopes
• Bible, pocket size 
• Q-tips (100) [500]
• Fox River Maximum Socks, Tan [OD Green, check your local PX] (3-5 pairs)
• Watch
• Sharpie (2)
• Black Pen (2)
• Notebook
• Toothbrush
• $20 cash
• ATM card

Travel-sized items:

• Toothpaste
• Body wash
• Razor
• Shaving Cream
• Foot powder [Issued at BCT]

[You'll be given a $350 "gift card" (that's taken out of your first paycheck) for the PX so you can buy more items that you need when you get there- they'll give you a list of what you need. The card will be used to restock on items you need throughout basic and pay for haircuts every 2 weeks.]

Documents:

• DL
• Military ID [If you've been issued one already. Active and Army Reserve didn't have one yet.]
• Social Security Card

The rest of the documents are on file with the RSP Cadre who put together a packet that I'll take with me. 

The goal is to travel as light as possible. The backpack hardly weighs anything. [Which turned out to be a huge advantage when I was holding over my head for two hours.] Let's roll.