Factsheets : What to Bring to Basic Training

Library > Fact Sheets > What to Bring to Basic Training

WHAT TO BRING TO BASIC TRAINING

Posted 10/23/2009

You're expected to have certain mandatory items and paperwork upon arrival. Most of what you need can fit into a gym bag or small suitcase. Use the checklists provided and good judgment. If in doubt, ask your recruiter.

Check the most current Transportation Security Administration policy for what you can place in your carry-on luggage (gels, liquids, etc...). (The Transportation Security Administration web site is at http://www.tsa.gov/)

Do Bring
 Only the necessities in your personal luggage.
 Any important paperwork you may need -- check with your recruiter.
 A toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, deodorant, shampoo and shaving equipment (males) to last for about a week.
 Glasses as opposed to contact lenses. The training environment is not conducive to contact wear.
 Shower shoes are mandatory and must be the slip on type with a rubber bottom. No sandals or beach shoes are allowed.

Don't Bring
 Over-sized luggage or bags
 Knives, guns, brass knuckles or anything that may be used as a weapon.
 Dice, playing cards or anything that may be used to gamble.
 Magazines, books, crossword puzzles or any other media that is not of a religious nature.
 Cigarettes, dip, lighters or any other tobacco products.
 Large photo albums. A few photos are permitted but space is limited.
 Material that is pornographic or can be considered questionable.
 Any over-the-counter medications to include vitamins and supplements.
 Aerosol sprays of any kind (i.e. hairspray, deodorant, starch)

Checklists of Items

Mandatory Items for all Trainees
 Laundry soap (See Note 2) (1)
 Ball-point pen (blue or black) (1)
 Shampoo (1)
 Deodorant (See Note 4) (1)
 Toothbrush (1)
 Toothbrush tray (1)
 Toothpaste or powder (1)
 Notebook and paper (1)
 Shower shoes (1 pair)
 Soap (1)
 Soap tray (if bar soap is used) (1)
 Civilian eyeglasses (if applicable)
 Contact lenses/case (if applicable)

Male Specific Items
 Shaving Equipment (1)
 Shaving cream or Electric pre-shave lotion (1)
(The USAF will provide underwear for male trainees)

Female Specific Items
 Sanitary napkins/tampons (1 pkg.)
 Bras/sport bras (6)
 Hair bands, bobby pins, etc.
 Underwear (6)
 Brushes or combs (1 each)
 Nylons/panty hose (7 WOT)

Optional Items (Females and Males)
 Envelopes (1 box)
 Iron (1)
 Towels (2)
 Stamps (1 book)
 Cotton balls (1 box)
 Spandex Shorts (females) (3 pair)
 Spray starch/fabric finish (see Note 4) (1)
 Batteries (D size) (2)
 Nail trimming equipment (1)
 Watch (1)
 Sewing kit (1)
 Calling card
 Foot powder (1)
 White socks (3)
 Shaving items (Females)
 Stationary supplies (1)
 Running shoes (1 pair)
 Cell Phone (Used for making initial arrival call then secured until completion of training.)

You should also bring enough civilian clothes to last about 3 days. If you wear contacts, bring your glasses. The training environment is not conducive to contact lens wear.

NOTE
1. Trainees who wear glasses or contacts are required to buy eyeglass straps.
2. If you are allergic to a certain kind of detergent, you may purchase another brand at your own expense.
3. Do not buy or bring over-the-counter medication.
4. Do not bring aerosol sprays of any kind.

Paperwork: To complete all of your military records, you will need to bring some items with you to basic training. Better to be safe than sorry, so bring any paperwork you think may be useful during your processing. Below is a list of the minimum documents you should bring if you have them:
 Civilian eyeglass prescription
 Contact lenses prescription
 Any important paperwork relating to a medical prescription
 Driver's license
 Social Security Card
 Marriage license
 Dependents' birth records
 JROTC/ROTC certificates
 Civil Air Patrol certificates
 Naturalization papers
 Alien Card
 Enlistment contract
 College transcripts

Financial Preparation

It's important to take care of personal matters before you leave. Basic Training is designed to be stressful and you will need to focus all your attention on training.

Check with your recruiter if you have questions or are unsure about how to handle any of the following matters:
 Who will receive your mail?
 Does your family have access to your finances? Bank accounts, etc.
 How will your bills be paid while you are gone?
 Does someone know what bills are due and when?
 What other things could pop up in the time you are away?
 Does your family know whom to contact in the event of an emergency?
 Have you set up a bank account prior to your arrival?

Inside AFBMT

GeneralImagesVideo

View All RSS