Fort Jackson Basic Training Packing List

What to Bring to Army BCT (Basic Combat Training) at Fort Jackson

Clothing

• One set of casual, comfortable clothing - No halter tops or ragged shorts
• Three sets of underwear (White) - One packing list I have states specifically that they must be "tighty-whities" and NOT boxers or boxer briefs.
  
• One pair of white, calf-length athletic socks - No color bands, designs or logos
• One pair of comfortable athletic shoes - Should be running shoes. Do not buy new shoes to take with you. You will be required to purchase a pair of running shoes from the Army while you are in processing.
  
• Eyeglasses - No faddish/stylish eyewear. Leave your sunglasses at home, folks. People who require prescription glasses will be given a pair of BCG's courtesy of the US Army. BCG means Birth Control Glasses. They are called birth control glasses because they are the ugliest goddamned glasses you have ever seen in your life. You have absolutely zero chance of getting laid with these things on. On the upside, these glasses are nearly indestructible. Though you cannot survive a nuclear blast, your BCG's probably would.
• Athletic supporter (males only) - I've got to clarify here, I've heard people ask, "What's an athletic supporter?" It's a jock-strap, where you would put your "cup" to protect your nuts.
  
• Luggage should be limited to one small suitcase or gym bag.
• Two locks (combination or padlock with 2 keys) - Don't get the locks with keys. You'll have enough shit to remember and lug around with you for 9 weeks without having to worry about what the hell to do with your keys. Get combo locks. And here's a tip: Buy the 2-pack of combo locks. I got mine at Target. You get two locks, both with the same combination. Now that's one less thing that you've got to remember. With all the shit you've got to remember, you'll thank me and yourself later for the 2-pack of combo locks!
  

Toiletries

• Disposable / safety razor with blades - Nothing electric, like the battery operated vibrating Mach razors.
  
• Shaving cream (optional for women) - Non-aerosol
  
• Toothbrush with clear carrying case - CLEAR carrying case. Shit... mine's yellow. Note to self: find a clear carrying case.
  
• Hairbrush or 6" black comb
• Shampoo - 3 ounces in a clear bottle will do
  
• Two washcloths and one brown towel
• Non-aerosol antiperspirant - Now this is what's on the official list, but this is also an area of confusion. Another list states that it must be a deodorant and can NOT contain antiperspirant. The reasoning for this clearly stated that we can NOT wear antiperspirant because it stops us from sweating, and sweating is VITAL in cooling your body and preventing heat related injuries.
  
• Black shower shoes - Means black flip-flops. MUST BE BLACK!
  
• Toothpaste
• Dental Floss
• Soap with clear carrying case
• Nail clippers

Money*

• A minimum $10.00 - but No More Than $50.00 in Cash
• Traveler's Checks or Money Orders
• ATM Card or Personal Checks

*You will be given an advance pay for any required purchases.

For Women Only

• Undergarments:
  • 8 underwear (cotton recommended, White or Neutral)
  • 6 sports bras
  • flesh tone nylons
• Hairstyles not appropriate in uniform: ponytail, extreme bouffant styles, exotic upsweeps, and corkscrew or "corn-row" styles.
• You may wear quarter-inch or smaller pearl, gold, silver, or diamond spherical earrings, only with Army "dress" uniforms.

Documents You Need To Bring with You

• Social Security Card
• Driver's License
• Direct Deposit Form - 1199 signed by a bank official, or the name, address and account number and routing number of your financial institution.
  

If applicable, notarized copies of your:

• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Decree
• Separation Order
• Birth Certificates for all children under 18
• Affidavit of Support for Parents
  
• Court documents
• Direct deposit forms if ordered to pay spousal and/or child support. Ask your recruiter for full details.
  
• Proof of Citizenship (aliens only).
  
• The name, Social Security Number, and Military Address of your spouse if you are married to another service member.
  
• Copies of your lease agreement or rental contract for any dependents residing outside of government quarters.
  
• Documentation of any ROTC experience.
  
• College transcripts.

Your Orders

Be sure to have all copies of your orders and documents issued by your unit recruiter or the Military Entrance Processing Station. These orders must be hand-delivered by you. Travel and meal tickets will be provided.

What NOT to Bring

• Prohibited Items, Do not bring these items with you to Fort Jackson:
  • Weapons
  • Drugs or narcotics
  • Alcoholic beverages and empty containers
  • Counterfeit money
  • Tobacco products
  • Pornographic items
  • Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic communication devices
  • CD players and walkman-type devices
  • Body jewelry
  • Contact lenses
    
• Retained Items, These items should not be brought with you, but may be turned in for safe keeping at the OWNER'S RISK
  • Knives
  • Gambling devices
  • Suggestive items and pictures
  • Un-opened over-the-counter drugs
• These items should be retained by individual
  • Prescription drugs with a written prescription