Hi there! I don't know if you could've guessed from the title but this picture definitely gives it away. I am taking you back to April 4, 2016 and what I packed in this bag for Army Basic Combat Training. Keep reading if you're interested to know what I carried with me to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina and what I suggest that you take with you! In hindsight, I felt that I overpacked. I don't want this to happen to you. PS: Don't be nervous, this is an exciting time in your life if you're entering training but let your girl help ease the stress. As you can tell from this picture, I packed my items into this backpack. However, I suggest you carry a much smaller, drawstring bag that can easily be packed into duffel. I'll explain later. Here's a link to one at footlocker.
P.S. If there is a specific item that I strongly suggest, I will add a link below :)
Packing List:
Ziploc bags in various sizes
Permanent Marker
Zipper Pouch
Black Pens
Book of Stamps
Notebook (for letter writing)
Small calendar to count down days
1 Regular Bra (nude, white or black)
1 Sports Bra (nude, white or black)
2 White Underwear (you can pack more if you wish)
Tampons/Pads (they don't have a wide variety at the PX)
Pantyliners
Black Shower Shoes
Sunblock
Hairbrush with soft bristles for smoothing
Comb
Insoles for sneakers (wear these in your sneakers!)
Travel size Toothpaste
2 Razors
Shaving Cream (no aerosol, non-scented)
Deodorant (natural scent)
Steripod or Toothbrush holder
Toothbrush
Soap Dish
Bar Soap (I suggest black soap or dove sensitive)
Face Wash (they don't have a wide variety at the PX)
Exfoliating Pad
Moisturizer (I used this one as a lotion and face moisturizer since it's au naturale)
Sunscreen (no more than 3 oz)
Chapstick with SPF
Shampoo + Conditioner (if you can use a 2-n-1, bring that! I brought small travel sized bottles of my favorites)
Tide Pods (smallest count should last until your PX visit)
The key to packing for BCT is to bring items that are necessities to you! Bring items that you likely will not be able to buy at the PX. During Reception, you will be taken to the PX to purchase items that you need. The Drill Sergeants may even make you buy items that you don't need more of. If there are sports bras that hold your boobies into place better than any other, I suggest you bring more of those with you! If there are specific tampons you prefer, bring those! While packing your bag, keep in mind that everything you bring with you, along with everything you purchase and all the uniforms you are given at Recpetion will come with you to your company. When we arrived to Delta Co 2/60th, we were made to hold our fully packed duffels over our heads for a series of minutes. So ideally, you only want to bring essentials. The less you have, the better. During your 2nd week of Basic Training, you will likely be taken back to the PX. Our Drill Sergeants actually took us maybe sooner if there was something we really needed. Keep in mind, your families can send you items such as laundry detergent and such once you arrive and they receive your address. My Mom, Mother-In-Law and Sister sent me cough drops, detergent, stamps, sunscreen, etc! I was so thankful!!! Just had to do about 30 push ups to get my box. Piece of cake! Im including footage from my actual packing experience if you want to watch.
Sincerely,
JNB