After surfing the websites of several basic training locations for info, and reading through several BCT journals and blogs, I have come up with a tentative packing list.
Much of this will be in plastic baggies for easy sorting and inspection during "shakedown". I should be able to fit all in a small backpack.
8 pr. "Granny" white underwear 6 white sports bras (no logo) 1 white 'regular' bra 6 pr. white athletic socks (no logo, stripes, etc.) black flip-flops (shower shoes) eyeglass case (to stow away civilian glasses) eyeglass strap (any suggestions for style?) 2 combination padlocks (or keyed? I'm getting conflicting advice on this one...) toothbrush w/clear plastic case dental floss soap w/clear plastic case hairbrush 1 oz. "travel size" combo shampoo/conditioner feminine hygiene products (in other words, guys - pads!) small nail clippers a few precut pieces of moleskin for blisters unscented deodorant a supply of stamped envelopes (will have my hubby mail more of these to me later in his letters) 2 small Rite-in-the-Rain notebooks (plan on taping a few personal photos in here, as well as addresses... will use for notetaking and letter/journal writing) - may also have hubby send me more of these when I run low black ink pens a few Chapsticks/unscented lip balms prepaid calling card(s)
From what I have read, I will probably not bring extra civilian clothes (maybe just extra underwear/socks). Will go wearing jeans, plain shirt, jacket, sneakers, and plain military-style black wristwatch.
There is some stuff I would like, but am putting off until the visit to the PX (maybe hand sanitizer, small packs of tissues, etc.)
Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks...
Posts: 358 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: 03 November 2005
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not sure about the whole packing everything in small baggies because during shakedown alot of the times the drills want to see individual items and that would be a royal pain to pull things about of baggies for that.
Posts: 487 | Location: Ft Gordon, GA | Registered: 11 October 2004
I was hoping the baggies would prevent a huge mess on the floor. Last time I went through shakedown, there was a big pile of jumbled stuff at my feet all mixed together. It also made it more difficult for me to locate things as they went through the list...
Another question: do you take your initial PT test in reception after they make you buy sneakers at the shopette/PX? If so, I was thinking of wearing older sneakers there so I could just throw them in the trash after buying new sneakers. I remember how much stuff we were issued and had to buy, and I'm trying to pare down what I bring to the bare minimum to save weight.
Posts: 358 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: 03 November 2005
The initial PT test is not at reception anymore, it is at the actual BCT unit.
This may not apply, but if you're taking your backpack on a plane to, wait until the PX to get nail clippers as those aren't allowed on planes anymore. You don't want them to dig thru all your stuff just to get to a little pair of nail clippers!
Posts: 1432 | Location: Fort Carson | Registered: 02 October 2003
floridajen may be split op. She may have gone through basic, and now is going to attend AIT. (hence the 2nd shakedown)
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Actually I chaptered out of basic at Fort Jackson in 1997 ("entry-level admin separation"), so this will be my second time around. I've heard that some things have changed in BCT since my initial experience...
Posts: 358 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: 03 November 2005
Get the keyed locks. I advise ones that have 2 keys and you CANNOT take the key out after you open it. It saved the terror of having to ask the drill sergeant to give you your spare key when you lock yourself out - especiallywhen you have 10 minutes between PT and breakfast.
Posts: 957 | Location: Platoon Mama in the Last Frontier!! | Registered: 08 August 2004
Thanks for the info - I'll go with the keyed locks. I'll also leave the nail clippers at home.
I'm trying to bring as little as possible. Last time somehow I ended up with a big bag bringing everything on the packing list, and most of it got locked up until the end anyway.
Honestly I'm still a little confused about the initial PT test. Will we have to purchase sneakers at the shoppette there before taking the test? Honestly if that was the case, I wasn't going to bother wearing my expensive running shoes if I won't use them. If I will have to wear the sneakers we're forced to buy for the PT test, then I'll just wear some cheapie pair from home that I can toss in the garbage later - no need to carry around the extra weight if it's not necessary!
Posts: 358 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: 03 November 2005
I was wondering if females were allowed to wear tampons. I have seen alot of lists with pads on them but none with tampons. Im going to the middle of the summer and the thought of wearing something that feels like a diaper in 100 degree heat does not appeal to me at all.
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