BASIC TRAINING ESSENTIALS

Use this checklist to make sure you pack everything you'll need at BCT. Keep in mind that all of your personal belongings must be able to fit into one medium-sized gym bag—so make sure none of that space is taken up by anything that will get confiscated at BCT.

 

WHAT TO BRING

Personal documents (5 copies of each):

___ Certified copy of high school diploma or GED certificate

___ Certified copy of college transcript(s)

___ Original Social Security card

___ Valid driver's license with photo or other valid photo ID

___ Valid driver's license, if required by your MOS (be sure it's valid 30 days past your MOS training)

___ ATM or debit card for SurePay account

___ Certified copy of marriage license

___ Certified copy of divorce decree

___ Certified copy of birth certificates for children under 18

___ Certified copy of legal papers for any family members in your household for whom you have physical custody and/or financial responsibility

___ Eyeglass or contact lens prescription

___ Letter from doctor listing all required prescription drugs, including birth control pills

___ Lease agreement or rental contract

___ Any other legal document that may affect your pay

___ If spouse is in military: spouse's name, Social Security number and military address

Military documents (5 copies of each):

All documents received from your unit RRNCO and/or MEPS, including:

___ Military orders

___ Travel and meal tickets (supplied by MEPS on the day you report for shipping to BT)

___ Copy of DA Form 4187 showing promotion and/or Stripes for Buddies eligibility

Additional documents, including:

___ Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)

___ Copies of your SF1199A (direct deposit form), signed by a bank official, with your account and routing numbers filled in

___ Telephone number of the Liaison Officer/NCO at Battalion Reception

Clothing:

___ 2-day supply of casual, comfortable clothing

___ 1 pair of comfortable shoes

___ 6 pairs of white, calf-length athletic socks

___ Running shoes

___ Shower shoes

___ Eyeglass band (if you wear eyeglasses)

___ 3 pairs of white underwear (men)

___ Athletic supporter (men)

Additional clothing/personal items for women:

___ 3 pairs of underwear (white, black or beige)

___ 3 bras (white, black or beige)

___ 1 full slip (white, black or beige)

___ 1 pair flesh-tone nylons/pantyhose

___ Feminine hygiene products

Toiletries:

___ Disposable/safety razor with blades

___ Shaving cream

___ Toothbrush with case

___ Toothpaste

___ Dental floss

___ Hairbrush or 6-inch black comb

___ Antiperspirant

___ Soap and soap case

Miscellaneous:

___ Luggage (1 small suitcase or duffel bag)

___ 2 washcloths and towels

___ 2 locks (combination or padlock with 2 keys)

___ $25–50 in cash, traveler's checks or money orders

___ Long-distance calling cards

___ Small box of laundry detergent

___ Stamps

___ Stationery

___ Insect repellent

___ Holy Scripture (Bible, Koran, etc.), if desired

DO NOT BRING:

  • Family members
  • Pets
  • Weapons
  • Privately owned vehicles
  • Steel hair picks
  • Pocket knives
  • Obscene/pornographic material
  • Playing cards
  • Dice
  • Dominoes
  • Tobacco products
  • Batteries (except size D)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Non-prescription drugs
  • Perfume or cologne
  • Jewelry, watches or other valuables
  • Electronic devices (CD players, cameras, laptops, etc.)
  • Personal reading materials (magazines, books, etc.)