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Basic Training Packing List
Documents first, then a small kit for the first days of basic training, with your recruiter's list winning.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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If you're a recruit about to ship, or the family helping one pack, start with the paperwork. Combat Fitness calls lost documents one of the most common and avoidable reasons recruits get held back at Reception. The Army National Guard caps the rest at one medium gym bag, and the Army issues most of what you'll wear and use. Branch rules differ, so your recruiter's list wins wherever this one disagrees. It leaves out issued gear and prohibited items such as weapons, tobacco and smartwatches.
Why these items are on the list
- Social Security card. Bring the original card; the Guard list specifies original, and Combat Fitness rejects photocopies and phone photos.
- Driver's license or state ID. Valid photo ID. The Army National Guard says a job-required license must stay valid 30 days past MOS training.
- Original birth certificate. Combat Fitness says bring the original birth certificate, not a photocopy.
- High school diploma or GED. Bring the certificate; college transcripts are also on one official list.
- Direct deposit form. Lets the Army know where to send your pay; one list wants a bank official's signature.
- Military orders and MEPS papers. Carry them by hand and keep them secure; they hold your personal information.
- Immunization records. Bring childhood and adolescent records if you have them.
- Waterproof folder for documents. Label the outside with your full name and last four of your Social.
- Prescriptions and doctor's letter. Keep medication in its original pharmacy container; one list also wants a doctor's letter.
- Eyeglasses with prescription. Bring your prescription if you have it; no stylish or faddish frames.
- Combination lock. Lock count varies: OneSource says one, the Guard says two. Combat Fitness wants combination only; confirm with recruiter.
- Simple digital watch. Combat Fitness and Military OneSource prohibit smartwatches; Combat Fitness suggests a cheap digital watch instead.
- Plain travel clothes. No rips, shorts or obscene graphics; comfortable enough to wear until uniforms are issued.
- Comfortable running shoes. Suitable for walking, running and standing for long stretches; no high heels.
- Calf-length athletic socks. Guard and OneSource list white; Future Soldiers lists black athletic socks; Combat Fitness wants black boot socks.
- Underwear, three pairs. Colour rules vary by list; no thongs on the Army list.
- Shower shoes. All-rubber, open-toed flip-flops are what one Army list specifies.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste. Combat Fitness describes a small kit meant to last the first 48 hours.
- Soap and deodorant. Non-aerosol stick deodorant on the Army list; soap can be a bar or 3.4 oz liquid.
- Disposable razor, shaving cream. Non-electric razor; shaving cream non-aerosol and 3.4 oz or less.
- Liquids in one quart bag. Flying? Each container must be 3.4 ounces or less to meet TSA rules.
- Washcloth and towel. One of each is on the Army and OneSource lists.
- Small amount of cash. Limits differ: $25 to $50 on one list, up to $100 on another.
- Stamps and envelopes. For writing home; one guide also suggests an address book.
- Feminine hygiene products. One Army list calls for a one-week supply.
- Cellphone for travel. Allowed while traveling, but may be locked away once you arrive.
- Religious text (sources disagree). Guard and Combat Fitness allow it; Military OneSource says books get confiscated, so check with your recruiter.
Keep it on your phone and tick the documents first, then the kit. Whoever is driving you to the bus can run the same list.
When to use it
Use it in the weeks before your ship date, once your recruiter has handed over your branch's own list.