Males: ONE LOCK (I used a brinks lock with a 3 number combo), Debit/Credit/Cash of $80-$100, 1 x phone charger, 1 x head phones for the bus/plane ride, 1 x tooth brush, one small tube of tooth paste, 2x deodorant (I was allergic to the old spice from basic), 2 x pairs of jeans, 2 or 3 x t shirts neutral color with no designs preferable, 4 x underwear, 4 x socks, 1 x cheap razor (I used a BIC) with extra blades, 1 x bottle of shaving cream, 1 x cheap pair of flip flops, and a pair of running shoes for walking around. Everything else will literally be sold to you (forcibly) at reception on like day 3 or 4? Bring your religious book and necklace if you’d like or get the Army edition which I recommend, and I HIGHLY recommend a water proof watch, pen, and a small notebook. I brought so much more and regretted it by day 2 of basic, and I packed it all in the cheap black Army back issued from the recruiter. Also, bring enough stamps to last yourself a few weeks.. I didn’t write as much as some of the guys.. so I took roughly 15-20 stamps and still have some left over.
Thanks for sharing and pretty much what I recommended in the video minus the extra pair of jeans because it’s unnecessary items and weight seeing how you’ll be wearing Army PT’s the night you arrive or by next day. Most people will lose weight or gain weight and need to buy better fitting clothing upon graduation and additional clothing from home can be shipped o your AIT along with your tablet or laptop if preferred. Thank you so very much for watching this video and i hope stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
PJ Trust me, you’ll be fine. The Drill Sergeants want you to succeed. Even when you don’t think they do. Trust the process... Good luck and make us proud!
I would also add a towel to dry off with after that one shower. I would suggest it be not brand new, but used or very used (of course by you) and not ridiculously large or small. Bring a trash bag to water proof your stuff in you bag, and or to throw the towel away if it doesn't dry properly, or if your that sentimental about a wet towel you can bag it and deal with it in 10 weeks time. Start running now and do at least 50 push-ups and sit-ups every day till you ship out. YES DRILL SARGEANT!!!
I agree and I like the trash bag for wet clothes. Smart and thanks for the idea for when I redo my what to pick video! Thank you for watching and stay blessed! 🙏🏼🇺🇸
Bryce Felts disposable cartridges only for BCT. You won’t have time to use a double edge safety razor or straight edge. Maybe during AIT but I still wouldn’t recommend it then either
Mark Martinez No Doubt and thank you for watching! Best wishes and good luck in training! Let me know when you graduate how accurate I am on this list haja
Sorry for spamming the comment section, do not show up to boot camp wearing anything with a military insignia...You might as well show up with a big old bulls eye on your back, and greet every training instructor you meet, because that is one big way they can and will focus on you. Just show up looking bland, and do your best to blend in, be a fly on the wall during BCT/OSUT, and AIT. I had gone through basic as a road guard, and my training instructors only knew me as a road guard, nothing more, they did not know my name until graduation.
Nothing wrong with wearing Army giveaway apparel. Maybe marine corps DI’s care but for the most part Army DS’s don’t care. That also might be an OSUT thing to mess with their trainees when Shark Attacks happened Pre-COVID. Thank you for sharing! Thank you so very much for watching this video and i hope stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
Good list. All I would add is covid-19 masks due to the new regulations (which hopefully reverts back to no mask requirements again.) Everything not listed you'll receive when you get to reception. Also, any additional hygiene or mailing items you'll be allowed to get eventually from a PX on base.
I ship out June 22nd to Ft. Leonard Wood, this video is incredibly helpful. I'm literally taking a small handbag to BT with everything I need. Thank you Sgt. Swartz!
+Aiden Russell You’re very welcome and thank you so much for your support! You have plenty of time to mentally and physically prep for BCT! Congrats on joining our Team and welcome to our Family! Why did you join the Guard?
Team Swartz I joined the National Guard because it goes along with my school schedule very well and it’s a very good thing to do for some one my age. I have always been motivated to join the Military but didn’t know which branch to join. I found the Guard through the recruiter that came to my school and then the rest was history. I like that I have drill every other weekend because it keeps me up to date with everything that’s going on with the Guard
Absolutely! Guard is an excellent option due to our State TA benefits. Here in NY we pay 100% for all Community and State Colleges/Universities. Hope your state offers the same or better! What’s your MOS?
I think Recruiters really put that laundry list together to screw with new privates going into the army...Just pack a day or 2 days worth of clothes, maybe some tooth paste, your favorite tooth brush and deodorant. Because you will be wearing a uniform of some kind that is issued to you 100% of the time through out boot camp, and I am fairly certain they do PX runs where you can buy what you need to make it through boot camp.
If you actually watched my video you’d know I provide a “Minimalist” list of things to bring which is far less than what you stated. And then suggested items throughout the rest of the video with the “Why” behind it. But Yes, less is better! The reason a lot of recruiters give that list is because that’s what’s told to us to tell you. But some of us like me share the best tips. Thank you so very much for watching this video and i hope stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
Great advice - especially bringing a Sharpie for labeling. Follow up Questions: How many sets of underwear recommended? Bring from home? Or purchase at boot camp? Is sun screen-authorized? If yes, bring it or purchase it there? Can a female bring travel sized hair conditioner? Unscented Face moisturizer such as Lubriderm?
3-5 pair of underwear is suffice and you’ll get standard issue underwear for BCT while at Reception. Sunscreen can be purchased and supplied during training. Yes, travel size conditioner is authorized. Yes, that face moisturizer is fine. Thank you so very much for watching this video and I hope you stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼 Good luck and best wishes in Training! 💪🏼
Hi, I got the TSA baby locks for my bag as suggested in the video for those warriors who want a five finger discount from my backpack lol. I was wondering... where do I put the small keys that come with those little locks ? Can I just put them around my dog tag chain ? I leave in about a week and just want to get everything squared away.
Newest and updated (better) packing list video dropping today at 10am EST as a Premier, then watch anytime there after! 🙏🏽🇺🇸 Good luck and best wishes in Training! 💪🏼 Thank you so very much for watching this video and I hope you stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
SFC Swartz, On everything you name, do you write your last name and last 4 of your social on tape or do you write directly on your uniforms, equipment, boots, etc??? Will you get any sort of tape to write/stencil your information on?
BASIC TRAINING PACKING LIST: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Rm16JdkrbEE.html That’s the updated packing list Abe explanation. I address that concern but if you’re the only last name, that’s all but add the last four or first initial if there’s more than one of you and directly on your uniforms, boots and “personal items.” Not anything you have to give back. Thank you so very much for watching this video and I hope you stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼 Good luck and best wishes in Training! 💪🏼 Make the best of it, have fun and do your best!
Ernesto Arellano My pleasure and if you can, share with your other Battle Buddies waiting to ship! 🙏🏼 Thank you so much for watching and commenting! 🇺🇸
If you've already enlisted and your documents have been uploaded by your unit into GCR, you should be good to go to ship. However, if you're in the middle of enlisting, you'll be required to place an order for new documents.
Jeans with no rips, holes or tears or Khakis. At our MEPS, leggings or anything tight and revealing is not authorized. Best wishes and good luck in training! Thank you for watching and stay blessed! 🙏🏼🇺🇸
The only reason a Recruiter stops communication is either they forgot to tell you they went on vacation or you’ve been identified as not eligible to join. Find another recruiter if need be… Thank you so very much for watching this video and I hope you stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
Kat Taase My pleasure and thank you for watching! I hope you find it useful! Feel free to share the video and let me know how much on point I was when you finish BCT! Stay blessed!!!
I agree it’s in the system but by MEPCOM Policy is they need to have the physical copy unless they get an ETP to ship without it. So, unless you oversee MEPCOM Leadership, we will require Enlistees to ship with their original SSN Card. Sooooo, Thanks for your input but leave it to the Trainee’s leadership to dictate otherwise.
I shave my head regularly, are you allowed to shave your head at the same time you shave your face During basic training? Or before graduation at least? Or do you have to let it grow out and pay for regular haircuts?
Romeo Garza Unfortunately during your initial entry training (BCT, AIT or OSUT) you’re not allowed to shave your head. I feel you lol... I shave my dome piece 2-3x weekly. Just don’t do it during training. Afterwards you’re Gucci 🙏🏼 Thank you for watching! I appreciate your comment too!
Romeo Garza Not even for Graduation lol... now, if you’re not afraid to do some push ups for it, knock yourself out for graduation only. Best wishes and stay blessed! 🙏🏼🇺🇸
putting a lock on the zippers of a bag is absolutely useless. the theif can just take a pen and poke the zipper and it will open right up and then they can even move both of the zippers to close the bag again
illest king The MEPS GC can print out a copy your Recruiter submitted at time of enlistment and they’ll sign it as a certified true copy. You’ll be fine but definitely order a new one which takes 10 business days to get in the mail. Thank you for watching!
I’am thinking about joining the guard but I’am also in my late 20’s so theirs that an wanting to get away from my family as well. Any thoughts is helpful.
I have a few videos for you to watch they may help you. 1: How To Join The Right Way: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-llYI_fbVtVE.html and a comparison video on the 2: Guard vs Reserves Video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tiMVDM6FzRY.html Either option are excellent options. If you’re in NY shoot me a Text “Boss” to 917-576-3529
What are their rules on contact lens solutions? I don’t have glasses since my contacts are the RGP type that shape your eyes while you sleep so you don’t have to wear anything during the day
Team Swartz okay, thank you so much! I ship off to Ft. Jackson in exactly weeks, so... yeah Thank you for your videos, they’re been incredibly helpful!
For the disposable razors. Do I need just enough to get me through the 48 hour period or the whole of basic training? Won’t basic training have razors there for me to purchase?
Neither. You won’t have to worry about playing Call of Duty... you’ll be doing it for real! 🤣🤣🤣 Thank you so very much for watching this video and i hope stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
So my only pair of headphones are wireless. But they come in a case and I can even charge my phone with it. Is this a good idea? They hold a charge well. Also coast guard? Same list?
Team Swartz yes sir! Thanks. Talked to a recruiter today, but I’m thinking coast guard. I’m the last in my family line, but I feel it my duty to serve those around me. That includes this country. Thank you for the great advice. God bless you and god speed sir!
Dionak Gamer You’re definitely allowed to have your religious book regardless of your religion. We support all religions with no discrimination. You’re good to go! Thank you so much for watching!
What about compression shorts?(men tights to wear under PT Shorts or pants to stop from thighs rubbing) are you able to wear those under your PT Shorts and/or cargo pants? Or no
The PT Shorts have built in compression shorts but if you’re inclined to bring a few pies i case you’re issued the other variorum PT Shorts with built in underwear instead... make sure they’re all black with no logos visible while wearing your PT Shorts. Thank you so very much for watching this video and i hope stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
OK so interesting question in regards to waking up earlier before zero 500 let’s say I wanted to get a Headstart so that I’m ready to go I’m ready to start training and I don’t want to be caught up in all that mess of getting up making my bunk taking a shower doing what I need to do so that I’m ready along side with everybody else. I’m already accustomed to waking up at zero 400 or possibly earlier though depends but usually I wake up at zero 400s zero430 can I wake up early before my battle buddies to do what I need to ? Or do I have to wake up the same time as everyone else ?
You won’t be allowed to shave during BCT and cell phones are dependent on your leadership. Typically each time you phase up you’ll get access to your phone for a few minutes
@@TEAMSWARTZ I see is it just on on basic training your not allowed to shave? Ok make sense with the cell phones writing will be better and it’s motivating.
Updated Packing List video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vqLsMq6IKaQ.html Prepare for BCT Tips here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vqLsMq6IKaQ.html Thank you so very much for watching this video and I hope you stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼 Good luck and best wishes in Training! 💪🏼
Just make it simple. Go with the clothes on your back and the documents you need. Leave all the other bullshit behind. The Army will give you or tell you everything you will need for basic.
When or as needed. Thanks for watching! This is the updated video: BASIC TRAINING PACKING LIST: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Rm16JdkrbEE.html
Your PT Shorts have built in underwear. When you get OCP’s you’ll get underwear too at that point. Thank you so very much for watching this video and i hope stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
I’d say 30-60 minutes before mandatory wake up at 05:00hrs. Thank you so very much for watching this video and I hope you stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼 🪖ARMY BASIC TRAINING MINI-SERIES LINK: ru-vid.com/group/PL_X49gY0-bFZ3g9to23kAMXFrSI8o2Yhz
Not allowed. Only what I share within this video and with explanations. Thank you so very much for watching this video and I hope you stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
Ray Bang I wouldn’t bring anything extra honestly. They have strict rules to which brands, etc... that is acceptable and authorized. They’ll at best case scenario have you leave it in your personal bag or worst case scenario like me, get tossed in the garbage. Wasting my money. Best to buy things for BCT when you’re there.
Lou Dress comfortable but no athletic pants or shorts allowed. Checkout the video for more detailed information and checkout the shipping video I created too. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Best wishes in training and make us proud! Stay blessed!!!
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! As stated in my video, you can certainly bring your own running shoes but won’t be authorized for wear dying BCT only. You may wear them during AIT though. You will be forced to buy running shoes based on your foot print when they observe your foot posing during Reception. They’ll be purchased using the cash advance card commonly referred to the Eagle Card.
This link is the updated Packing List but the answer to your question is no: BASIC TRAINING PACKING LIST: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Rm16JdkrbEE.html Good luck and best wishes in Training! 💪🏼 Make the best of it, have fun and do your best! Thanks for watching!
You’ll purchase appropriate runnings shoes that match your foot print to minimize running related issues. Thank you so very much for watching this video and I hope you stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
ID Tag chain (dog tag chain) after it’s issued and in the meantime your wallet or pocket. I’d suggest getting the cheesy Velcro wallet you can purchase at the Troop Store. You won’t care if it gets wet or trashed through the vigorous training you’ll go through. The Velcro will keep it secure and not fall out. Thank you so very much for watching this video and i hope stay blessed! 🇺🇸🙏🏼
Therea N Felix Trejo Nope! They’ll buy the appropriate socks and underwear while at the reception BN. Check out my Reception Video and thank you for watching!
Below is the updated Packing List for all Army Components going to Army Basic Training and my BCT Mini-Series: BASIC TRAINING PACKING LIST: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Rm16JdkrbEE.html 🪖ARMY BASIC TRAINING MINI-SERIES LINK: ru-vid.com/group/PL_X49gY0-bFZ3g9to23kAMXFrSI8o2Yhz Good luck and best wishes in Training! 💪🏼 Make the best of it, have fun and do your best!
Johanny Nuñez I would say officially, No. if it’s black, tight and not visible, you might be able to get away with it. I don’t think it’s a big deal if it’s black and not visible. Oh, and no logo’s...
Amazon sells the period panties. You can actually use them without tampons or pads. However, I use them with tampons. For me it's an extra layer of protection and keeps me worry free on my period. You also have to have feminine hygiene products with you at all times.
Out Freakin Standing! Hope you're pumped up! I suggest combo locks but DS's suggest key style locks. One usually goes into your wallet or usually secure it to your ID Tag (Dog Tags) and give the spare key to your DS. That way if you lose the key, they have the back up key. Thanks for watching!
