What are some supplies that someone can take or have at basic training?

SPC Bill Workman — Sun, 15 May 2022 14:57:32 -0400

I have a friends son going into basic soon. It's been a few years since I've been in basic(1983) What are some things he can take or have at basic? IE pogey bait, or other suggestions. Thanks

Response by A1C Miranda Azbill made May 15 at 2022 3:21 PM

A1C Miranda Azbill — Sun, 15 May 2022 15:21:03 -0400

I remember having liquid body/hand soap. Pretty much containers that were quick and easy to clean off.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2022 3:30 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 May 2022 15:30:44 -0400

Here is one source.

https://www.operationmilitarykids.org/what-to-bring-to-army-basic-training/

What to Bring To Army Basic Training - Operation Military Kids

Check out our complete Army Basic Training Packing List for 2022. Includes items you need to bring, should bring, and should NOT bring.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2022 4:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 May 2022 16:13:18 -0400

3 days worth of civilian clothing. Prescription medications. Prescription glasses (if required). Toiletry items. That's pretty much it.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 15 at 2022 4:32 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Sun, 15 May 2022 16:32:48 -0400

Not gonna lie, I had to look up pogey bait. The interwebs say that term has been around in one form ofr another since WW1. Things have changed drastically if candy, snacks and such are allowed. Back in the dark ages, getting caught with candy had the entire company in the street at 0200 doing footlocker drills.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2022 9:35 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 May 2022 09:35:49 -0400

First off, I thought I was one of the only ones left that used the term Pogey Bait! HA! Love it! Second they really can not take anything... they should be given a packet from the recruiter with info in it; 3 days civies, small hygiene kit, glasses and scripts; wouldn't hurt to take it all in a large book bag to have room to bring stuff back in.... Other than that they just need to take their grit with them and leave the BS at home. Best of luck to your friends son!

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 16 at 2022 12:04 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:04:21 -0400

The recruiter should provide a packing list. The basics will be a few changes of clothes and basic toiletries. I recommend travel size items as they take up less room and won’t be an issue if they are lost or need to be trashed. Prescription meds and eye glasses if needed. Other than that they shouldn’t be bringing a bunch of random junk to include pogey bait. Anything out of the norm will just draw attention

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made May 23 at 2022 10:23 AM

Cpl Vic Burk — Mon, 23 May 2022 10:23:25 -0400

When I went to USMC Boot camp the recruiter himself told me to not to take anything with me. All I had was the clothes on my back, not even my wallet or a wrist watch.

Response by SSgt David M. made May 23 at 2022 11:47 AM

SSgt David M. — Mon, 23 May 2022 11:47:29 -0400

Bill, the best thing that anyone can take to Basic Training is a Good attitude! Other items would be toiletry items, toothbrush, tooth paste, BO Juice, a razor, fingernail clippers, comb (not that you will need that for some time after they 'trim' your hair!). If you want to stand out from all the others you might take some boot polish but not the spray on type, real boot polish!Just the one set of civilian cloths that you wore on the way to basic as the less weight the better. When I did basic we had to mail everything non-military clothing home. I did my Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood (Fort Lost in the Woods), Missouri. June - August 1973. Let the fun begin! I had my share already so will gift my share to your Friend's Son! LOL ;-)

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made May 24 at 2022 1:25 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Tue, 24 May 2022 01:25:59 -0400

I Was In The USAF From 1961- 1965
At That Time We Weren't Allowed To Bring Anything Except Ourselves,
Even Our Civilian Clothes Which We Wore To Get To Basic, Were Shipped Back Home