Can anyone tell me, with references, does an enlisted Soldier have to pay for his/her initial uniform issue?

PFC (Join to see) - Someone was jerking your leg. Do yourself a favor and go to clothing sales and price one complete uniform (head to foot) either field (combat) or dress and tell us how far that $350 went and how much you had left over.
Also according to the information that I can immediately gather without looking at your LES or the current pay manual, I think that the amount was actually $250.

Now to break it all out for those of you that have either forgotten or have short memories. And for women/females the amount and items are different. Things have changed since I went through this process but the fundamentals remain the same. Currently todays Initial Entry soldiers receive an advance pay in what is called a 'stored value card' (basically a prepaid debit card), when I went through 40+ years ago it was in cash (then it was $50, if I remember correctly, though I could dig out and check my LES) and we did not get an allowance for running shoes.

Soldiers receive a 'stored value card' with either $250 (males) or $300 (females) as a pay advance to make purchases of required personal hygiene items and other incidentals, to include running shoes. These are all items to be purchased by the new recruit/soldier. Since they are mandatory items/purchases this always tends to confuse people.
Running shoes ($60 allowance)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap, bar or liquid
Deodorant/Anti-perspirant
Shaving Cream
Shaving razor
Padlocks (2)
Socks (white athletic)(6)
Shower shoes
Wash cloth (2)
Underwear (3)(6)
Shoe Shine Kit
Laundry Detergent
Shampoo
Comb/Hairbrush
Nail Clippers
Soap Case
Toothbrush case
Eye Glass Band (2)
Optional Hygiene Items
Feminine Hygiene Items
Bra (3)
Sports Bra (6)

Oh, and least I forget, I believe that you also have to pay for haircuts. When I joined I thought that I would be able to get out of that initial ritual since I already had a buzz cut, but my Reception Station DI had me sit in the chair and pay the barber anyway.

Any current Drill Instructors/Sergeants out there please correct with appropriate current information and references.

1LT Brian Lareau, I hope that this clears up some of the confusion. Also, there should be a table of information for new recruits on the web sites of each of the post that host Initial Entry Training about the mandatory purchase items; though I doubt it will ever be clear to some people because of the way it is explained. And people always mix up how things are different between Enlisted and Officer ranks when it comes to things like this.
http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/basictraining/content/Wear-Bring-Buy%20List.pdf
http://www.wood.army.mil/usamps/Training/MOStPackingList.pdf (For Access to your money while at Basic Training: You will be given an advance on your first paycheck for any required purchases.)

Isn't that $350 what they give you on the card to buy PT shoes and basic stuff? Did they take that back in the first check? I can't remember if I saw an LES in basic. I feel like they said that they would take that back (I think I got $250 when I was in basic). I don't know that was almost 13 years ago. It's a blur now. But I believe they take back that money they gave you on the card but that's it.

But there's no way $350 covered initial issue items like your ACUs, boots, socks, T shirts, PTs. No freaking way.

SSG Robert Webster - This is accurate. Privates tend to come up with some wild ideas; but this is the correct answer.

SGT Sean Goodrow - Thank you.