Supplies for bootcamp

[Quick Nick]

Hey guys, I'm shipping out for Navy bootcamp on tuesday so I was wondering: What should I bring with me?
I've already got a book and some envelopes/paper, but I can't help but think I might be missing something.

[MRX9989]

My experience is limited to Army basic, but you shouldn't have any time to do reading. I would just bring toiletries, paper and stamps. Be ready for a shakedown once you get there.

[Larker]

Also limited to Army basic... Just take what you need for hygiene, and maybe enough civilian clothing for a weekend/day pass. Your DI's will probably take everything from you and lock it up until you start getting your privileges back. Anything else, you'll get an opportunity to go to a shoppette to get what you need. A phone card can't hurt either.

You could always ask the folks back home to mail you stuff later (cell phone) as you get privileges.

[johnthomas]

Leave your electronics at home. No cell phone, no stereo. Bring a cheap watch, Toothbrush, toothpaste, no more than 1 extra set of clothes, 1 jacket and phone card. Smokes and lighter and 20 bucks.
No drugs, no weapons. A small note book and a couple of pens.
A book of stamps. Life as you know it is over, but remember, it is only 8 weeks, play their game, do what your told and keep your nose clean. Don't be a know it all, don't brag about how rich you are and sleep with your hands under your pillow, don't worry about your girlfriend, wife, husband or boyfriend.

[BoJackUSMC]

When I went to the Marine Corps boot camp 7 years ago. The only thing I took with me was $20 cash, my photo ID, and a bible. Everything else, the NAVY will provide you during your boot camp. My advice is travel light and simple

[noyaba]

Bring the clothes on your back and your running shoes. They'll issue the rest. You won't need money.

[Desert_Rat]

When I went to the Marine Corps boot camp 7 years ago. The only thing I took with me was $20 cash, my photo ID, and a bible. Everything else, the NAVY will provide you during your boot camp. My advice is travel light and simple

It was the same 15 years ago too.
I just brought some sweat, they took as much as they wanted.

[rromeo]

If the Navy is like USMC, the only thing I suggest that you bring is some good running shoes (go-fasters)

[tmart0311]

Just bring your self and a phone card... that's all you need, the military will provide the rest..

[Mr.Caketown]

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/l/blbringlist.htm

[spayne59]

WHAT?
when you take the oath & commit the US Government provides what you need. Save a hassle & just take you. Yes, been there done that San Diego navy boot camp.

[GMG]

I'm sure things have changed in 48 yrs.

When I went to NTC San Diego, tooth brush and tooth paste and about $30 + the clothes on my back!

Didn't have electronic gismo's in those days so no worries there.

[Baja_Traveler]

What they all said...

You can use a bit of cash though, the first time they allow you to go to the PX (probably your second or third week), you'll want to pick up a can of spray starch to starch the corners of your sheets to make crisp hospital corners, and a roll of masking tape for dust bunny control before inspections (At least when I was in the blankets they issued generated so many dust bunnies it was crazy). They usually announce inspection the night before, so You'll stay up cleaning everything spotless before bed, then you can put the tape down sticky side up around your rack to control those roving dust bunnies. Anything to make it faster the next morning - they barely give you time to get ready as it is...

[Tripper]

Congratulations on your decision
Thank You for Serving

My daughter, went in Nov 09.
You can take a phone, just expect it to be locked up until your graduation, thats what she did.
most things you have, that they dont want you to have, will be placed in a box, and shipped to the address of your choice.
then if i recall correctly, they allowed her to place personal belongings, into a single box, for storage until graduation, that they of course wont be held responsible for if it gets lost/misplaced, she kept her phone in that box. any jewelry will be shipped off,
you should be able to keep a simple pad of paper, and some stamps, but any more than that will be shipped, and no more than $40, they'll ship it too if its more than that.

some info you can pass along we found useful
every time we wrote to her, we included a self addressed stamped envelope, a couple extra sheets of paper and then an extra stamped envelope for her to use as she chose. we found if we overpacked the envelopes (by sending more stamped envelopes) they would come back wanting more postage. so we found that 2 envelopes and a couple sheets of paper worked well. in case you want to pass that info on to your loved ones for writing to you.

oh, dont expect to make any real calls when you get there, once you get off the plane in IL, you might get 10 minutes to make a call. then they will be telling you to shut it off and put in box.

then, they get you into the reception center, for maybe a week, where you do all the signing papers and stuff like that, you may get your address then, tell your parents not to write before you send them the proper address (we sent her stuff that first week, that she never got, we got it back after she was gone from boot camp)

oh, get a small address book, make sure its small, or it gets shipped, record all the addresses you need, then add to it, you'll want something to keep track of addresses, and they wont take a small one from you.

sorry, rambling, I know it can be tense is all.

good luck and thanks again for serving

Tripper

[Arondos]

I was told by my recruiter to take a couple of rolls of quarters. There was a soda machine in the barracks and back then they didn't take $1 bills.

If you have a mustache or beard do yourself a favor and be clean shaven when you go.

Don't worry about the haircut whether you need it or not you will get one.

When I went in 85 if you had a pocket knife you lost it. Don't take anything that can be construed to be a weapon. Pretty sure you still can't take electric razors.

Keep your mouth shut, eyes open. Do what exactly what you are told and no more and it is easy.