Supplies for bootcamp

[epwegmann]

Yeah,
Just bring yourself, ID, and some cash for later. The weather in Chicago should be pretty decent when you get out of boot, but will be plenty cold for your time there. You'll get to dress like an idiot for the next 8 weeks too(you'll find out what I mean when you get your uniforms past P-days)...
~Erik

[rromeo]

wait.. what? So what happens if we get like super mean razor stubble and ingrown hair from using manual razors?

If you have a serious problem, you go to sick bay, and they'll give you a "get out of shaving pass."

[BraveUlysses]

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

^^^
All they want is you. Don't take any thing else. Wear a good pair of running shoes.

[Desert_Rat]

I went to MCRD San Diego in 1994. Anybody with new shoes didn't have to buy the red, white, and gold Nikes from 1983. My recruiter warned me beforehand.

I went to MCRD San Diego in 1994 too. I had to buy those ugly Azz go fasters. I used them all the way until I hit the fleet. I wore those ugly things out.

[klmmicro]

Enlisted in 88 and went to boot camp in San Diego. Lived just down the road and when it was my day to "get on the bus", I had a friend drop me off. It is probably similar now...take yourself and the clothes you are wearing. As I recall, I got them back after graduation. They gave me EVERYTHING that was required, including running shoes.

[Hunter4life1990]

i leave for bct as well on tuesday but mines army and im going to fort benning. good luck

[stitch_paradox]

I got off the Navy bus at Great Lakes, IL 371 days ago. Don't bring alot of stuff you'll end up sending them back home (on your expense) or donating them. Cell phones wasn't allowed at boot camp, at least in my division, everything electronic was sent home. Don't bring any writing pads or stamps either. The Navy will provide that for you, plus the stationery over at the Recruit Nex there is nicer because of the RTC logo. You can bring and keep a small religious book and/or medalion. I brought my Bible, it gave me comfort and wisdom while I was there. Bring your social security card, state IDs, and all the necessary paper works. Also bring some money, but don't exceed $40. Once you get there you have to call back home to let them know you arrived safely, so either bring a phone card or bring your cellphone and just send it back home. I did the latter, your fellow recruits will want to barrow your phone to call home because of the long line at the phone booth. Make friends and connections among your fellow recruites, it'll help you as you go along your training.

I brought some pictures too, some of my fellow recruits waited till their families sent pictures and they didn't receive it till the 3rd week or so. Navy boot camp is EASY, the only thing I had a hard time coping was homesickness. Family pictures, pictures of love ones helps a lot, specially on those cold nights.

No weapons or anything illegal, (it should state in your DEP booklet what you shouldn't bring) you don't wanna get "branded" by the chiefs and RDC's there on your first day. First impressions last so if you get "branded" on the first days, it'll follow you till you graduate.

Gets lots of sleep on the plane ( You'll need it for the first 48 hours!) and wear warm clothes cause you might wait at the airport for hours and hours.

Have military bearing once you step of the bus, and if you have any experience in JROTC, drill team, color guard, boy scouts, or school band try to get to the 900 division. It'll be worth it believe me, plus you get to wear cool uniform on your graduation.

Good luck!

[stitch_paradox]

I just want to add this, Everything will be issued to you, from your under wear to your deodorant to your pens, stamp and stationery. All our stuff was sent home or donated except for:

Bible
Wrist watch ( we have to lock it up though)
Pictures
Wallet
Some jewelries ( some where sent home)
Prescription eye glasses or contacts (it'll be locked up as well)

[klmmicro]

Hey Stitch, no kidding on drill! I did not have any drill experience, but they placed me there anyway.

Making friends is a priority as well. They will be an asset to you.

Oh, and get ready for pushups...and more pushups! I was a 150 pound wimp when I stepped from the bus and came out 190 with nil body fat after 8 weeks. Great "get in shape" program! You will be on the go from reveille to just before taps. I actually had a great time in boot, though while enduring it things seemed stressful. After a few weeks, you will get into the rhythm of things.

[secondwind]

Congrats on your choice. Be wary of what you bring, like others have said you don't need anything. An address book of people you want to stay in touch with, good running shoes. Pictures of girlfriends may well wind up in the DI's office, ciggs you will pay dearly for. I well remember mail call and the crap some people would send to recruits, packages were opened in front of the DI. I remember one kid was mailed a 5 lb box of candy, DI asked if he wanted to pay by piece or by pound..he answered by the pound..ouch

[usmcchet9296]

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

Yes same here in 1992
you basically were not allowed to have anything but then again you are going to Navy bootcamp so who knows
You might actually be allowed to bring your Xbox or some such trash like that

[PyroFox79]

When I went to boot camp in 2005 all I brought was my self and my wallet. Everything else was issued to me.

[steelrain82]

I was there in 2000. I was wearing my running shoe when I went in. Couldn't wear it. Had to wear what they gave us.

I was there in 2000 also. Hotel company. Did you get the green cammie go fasters.

[kermit315]

Yes same here in 1992
you basically were not allowed to have anything but then again you are going to Navy bootcamp so who knows
You might actually be allowed to bring your Xbox or some such trash like that

That would be the Air Force, get it right.

Same as above. Clothes on your back, a little bit of cash, and his ID. Anything else he needs, they will make him buy from the Exchange during initial outfitting/seabag issue, or will send him on a follow up trip.

[olhunter]

You should get a USMC sweatshirt and wear that on your first day.

....They gave me EVERYTHING that was required, including running shoes.

Running shoes? Whaaaa?

We got two pairs of hard, stiff, leather 10" boots.

You quickly found out which pair was more comfortable to run in.