BASIC COMBAT TRAINING

BCT Packing Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you pack everything you'll need at BCT. All personal belongings must fit into one medium-sized gym bag—so make sure none of that space is taken up by anything that will be confiscated.

Gym bag rule

Everything you bring must fit in a single medium-sized gym bag. Review the Do Not Bring section carefully. Confiscated items cannot be returned on-site. 

Take this checklist with you. Save or print before you go.

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Personal Documents

Bring 5 certified copies of each document listed below. 

  • Certified copy of high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Certified copy of college transcript(s)
  • Original Social Security card
  • Valid driver's license with photo or other valid photo ID
  • Valid driver's license if required by your MOS (must be valid 30 days past MOS training)
  • ATM or debit card for SurePay account
  • Certified copy of marriage license
  • Certified copy of divorce decree
  • Certified copy of birth certificates for children under 18
  • Certified copy of legal papers for family members in your household for whom you have custody and/or financial responsibility
  • Eyeglass or contact lens prescription
  • Letter from doctor listing all required prescription drugs, including birth control pills
  • Lease agreement or rental contract
  • Any other legal document that may affect your pay
  • If a spouse is in the military: spouse's name, Social Security number and military address

Military Documents

All documents received from your unit RRNCO and/or MEPS. Bring 5 copies of each.

  • Military orders
  • Travel and meal tickets (supplied by MEPS on the day you report for shipping to BT)
  • Copy of DA Form 4187 showing promotion and/or Stripes for Buddies eligibility

Additional Documents

  • Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
  • Copies of SF1199A (direct deposit form), signed by a bank official, with account and routing numbers filled in
  • Telephone number of the Liaison Officer/NCO at Battalion Reception

Clothing

  • 2-day supply of casual, comfortable clothing
  • 1 pair of comfortable shoes
  • 6 pairs of white, calf-length athletic socks
  • Running shoes
  • Shower shoes
  • Eyeglass band (if you wear eyeglasses)
  • 3 pairs of white underwear (men)
  • Athletic supporter (men)

ADDITIONAL CLOTHING & PERSONAL ITEMS — WOMEN

  • 3 pairs of underwear (white, black or beige)
  • 3 bras (white, black or beige)
  • 1 full slip (white, black or beige)
  • 1 pair flesh-tone nylons/pantyhose
  • Feminine hygiene products

TOILETRIES

  • Disposable/safety razor with blades
  • Shaving cream
  • Toothbrush with case
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental floss
  • Hairbrush or 6-inch black comb
  • Antiperspirant
  • Soap and soap case

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Luggage (1 small suitcase or duffel bag)
  • 2 washcloths and towels
  • 2 locks (combination or padlock with 2 keys)
  • $25–50 in cash, traveler's checks or money orders
  • Long-distance calling cards
  • A small box of laundry detergent
  • Stamps
  • Stationery
  • Insect repellent
  • Holy Scripture (Bible, Koran, etc.), if desired

Do not bring

These items will be confiscated. Leave them at home.

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