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[risingstar0783]

I'm set to ship out on January 12 2010 for Army basic training and I'm still unsure what I need to bring. I've been told by people on the future soldier website that I need to bring underwear for basic as well as bras but my recruiter made it sound like everything would be issued to me and that I only need to bring enough clothes until I get to

Comments

[whomperjawed]

Bring at least 5 sports bras and one civilian white bra for your dress uniform. Bring a brown towel [the ones they issue suck]. You will buy all of your stuff the first week of basic - they give you an allowance card so it doesn't really come out of your pocket. No tweezers.

[risingstar0783]

Thank you so much. I'm so worried that I'm not going to be prepared for basic. This helps a lot. I mean I know that I can't bring my entire wardrobe but it's hard to get clear infromation about certain things from the recruiters.

[risingstar0783]

What about feminine products. I know to bring some but I'm not sure if it's best to just pack what I have at home or pack enough for the trip and then get more there. I've also heard girls say that they didn't have their period while in basic training.

[whomperjawed]

Feminine products are good to bring. I didn't have my period until my AIT was done, so 6 months. I still had a box of tampons in there just in case. You can also buy them - the shoppette is stocked.

[turtlenladybug]

My Husband went to basic in April so i asked him what you should bring. do you know what fort you are going to basic at? it might be different for each for but he says that you should bring a least two change of clothes. when he got there they pretty much take your clothes and make you go a buy shampoos and everything so dont bring that. he says less is more. if you bring tons youll just be carrying it around through out reception. and the bra situation hes not really sure but he says they wont let you wear. civilian bras they will make you buy class a bras.

[risingstar0783]

I'll be shipping to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

[turtlenladybug]

thats where my husband went for basic and ait.
what your mos?

if you have any questions about missouri im sure hell be able to answer it
he says that in reception they give you 250 dollars advance and make you spend all of it on your gear before you get to basic and then when in basic its all about training.

[whomperjawed]

There are no "class A" bras, btw. It's a civilian white bra and they will let you have it in basic. No offense, but your husband really wouldn't know much about that unless he has boobs.

[risingstar0783]

Please someone just tell me that I'm not the only one who feels like that kid in the back of the class that is not prepared. I mean I'm trying to run a mile everyday, I know I could do more situp/pushups then I'm doing, and I certainly need to brush up a little more on my knowledge but I feel like the other people I've talked to are way more preapred. I feel like by now I should be a genius in military knowledge and running five miles a day.

[turtlenladybug]

I don't think any of the people are super army genius.

Ben says that on day one you'll feel like you want to pee your self but so does everyone.

a suggestion with exercise that he has is try go walking for a while with like 30 lbs in a backpack.

[cityginger]

I went to basic with practically no physical stamina/endurance/etc, and no army knowledge and made it through just fine. It's always better to be prepared, I'm not denying that at all, but they will shove down your throat everything you need to know, and if you push yourself during PT and what not, you'll definitely come out where you need to be. It seemed to me that the attitude you have is half the battle. Go in there WANTING to be there and give 110% in all you do and you shouldn't have any problems at all.

[risingstar0783]

Good advice. Thanks!

[soldiergrrrl]

Okay...it's been a few years, but here you go

[risingstar0783]

Thank you so much this helps a lot.

[soldiergrrrl]

I didn't have long hair when I went to Basic, sadly. I had a very short cut.

Now, I have waist length hair, and since it's not layered, it stays up okay. I'd say get really good at fixing it fast, and keep working with it throughout the day. We had a female with us that had thigh lenght hair, so I know it can be done. :-)

Good luck to you both!

[paladyn]

Expect to spend approximately 3 days in transit from your home of record to your basic training station. Pack light, but pack according to the weather. Bring about 7-9 pairs of white athletic (mid calf, no colors) socks, not the kind that go under the ankle.

I'd bring 1 pair of shoes, preferably the ones you are going to be running in. If you have a spare moment go see a store than specializes in running shoes, just to see if you might need a specialized running shoe. A lot of people get messed up because they have never run before or they are running in the wrong kind of footwear.

You'll be issued 8-9 pairs of t-shirts and underwear.

When you get to basic you will have a shakedown and all of your personal belongings will be dumped t look for contraband. Don't bother bringing any products w/ alcohol in it: mouthwash, hair product, etc.

Remember that time is in short supply, especially when you a jockeying for sink space.

I hope some of this helps.