Orders and all recruiter/MEPS documents (hand-carried)
Why: Orders must be delivered by you and by hand; travel/meal tickets provided at ship.
Army basic training packing list: one checklist, every line sourced.
For recruits shipping to Basic Combat Training and the parents helping them pack. I compared the packing lists published by Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Sill, goarmy.com, Army Recruiting Command, and the National Guard against the Army uniform regulation, so you bring what you need and skip what gets confiscated or issued.
- One checklist, not five lists that disagree.
- Sourced: every item ties back to an official page or the regulation.
- Nothing wasted: issued items are flagged so you don't buy them twice.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Products are picked because they meet the published spec, not because of commission.
Your recruiter's packing list and your reception battalion's instructions always win over this page. Last reviewed: November 15, 2026.
Bring 26
Everyone brings these, so pack them first.
Valid driver's license or state photo ID
Why: Identification at reception.
Social Security card
Why: Personnel/pay processing.
Bank info for direct deposit (SF 1199A signed by bank, or routing/account numbers) + ATM/debit card or checkbook
Why: Military pay is direct deposit; USAREC says account must have been used within the last 6 months.
Cash
Why: Small purchases before the pay advance; you get a pay advance / stored-value card for required purchases.
Lists disagree on the maximum. Bring no more than $50; see 'Lists disagree' below.
Casual civilian clothing (what you travel in + change)
Why: Travel and reception days before uniform issue.
Men's underwear (briefs or boxers)
Why: Hygiene until issue/PX.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 20-32c: issue drawers are brown; commercial briefs or boxers allowed in white, brown, tan, sand or other neutral colors.
White is the one color every list accepts.
Options that meet the spec:
Hanes 6 Pack White Briefs 2252P6at ArmyNavyUSAWomen's underwear (briefs)
Why: Hygiene until issue/PX.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 20-32a: commercial design in white, black or other neutral colors not readily apparent under the uniform.
Black calf-length athletic socks, no logos/color bands
Why: Wear on ship day; PT socks until issue/PX.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 10-6b: with commercial running shoes, commanders may authorize calf- or ankle-length plain white or black socks (no logos); calf-length ends midway between ankle and knee; ankle-length must cover the anklebone.
Color depends on the list (black at Fort Sill, white at Fort Leonard Wood). Check product photos for logos before you buy.
White calf-length athletic socks, no logos/color bands
Why: Same as above.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 10-6b (plain white or black, no logos).
Check product photos for logos before you buy.
Comfortable shoes / running shoes (worn on ship day)
Why: Travel and standing for long periods.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 10-6b: running shoes must keep all five toes in one compartment (toe shoes prohibited).
Wear shoes you already own. A Fort Leonard Wood reception official said not to buy new ones, because training shoes are issued.
Shower shoes (all-rubber, open-toe flip-flops)
Why: Barracks shower hygiene.
What's allowed: Not a uniform item (no AR 670-1 rule). Spec comes from the USAREC list: all-rubber, open-toe.
Options that meet the spec:
Havaianas Men's Top Flip Flops (Black)at us.havaianas.com Havaianas Women's Top Flip Flops (Black)at us.havaianas.comToothbrush with case
Why: Hygiene.
Toothpaste (3.4 oz or less)
Why: Hygiene.
What's allowed: USAREC: liquids/gels must fit one 1-quart zip bag, each container 3.4 oz or less (TSA).
Dental floss
Why: Hygiene.
Antiperspirant/deodorant: stick, NON-aerosol
Why: Hygiene.
What's allowed: USAREC: non-aerosol only.
Shampoo (and conditioner), 3.4 oz or less
Why: Hygiene.
What's allowed: USAREC: liquids/gels must fit one 1-quart zip bag, each container 3.4 oz or less (TSA).
Soap (bar, or liquid 3.4 oz or less) + soap case
Why: Hygiene.
What's allowed: USAREC: liquids/gels must fit one 1-quart zip bag, each container 3.4 oz or less (TSA).
Disposable or safety razor (non-electric)
Why: Men must be clean-shaven in uniform.
What's allowed: Army Directive 2025-13 (facial hair grooming standards) requires male Soldiers to be clean-shaven (from the directive summary; not reviewed in full).
Cartridge or disposable razors are fine. Loose razor blades and straight razors are not.
Shaving cream/gel (non-aerosol, 3.4 oz or less)
Why: Shaving.
What's allowed: USAREC: liquids/gels must fit one 1-quart zip bag, each container 3.4 oz or less (TSA).
Hairbrush or black comb (6 inches or less)
Why: Grooming.
Washcloth
Why: Hygiene.
What's allowed: No AR 670-1 rule. Leonard Wood specifies brown.
Options that meet the spec:
3 Pack Brown Wash Cloths Military Styleat Bradley's SurplusTowel
Why: Hygiene.
What's allowed: No AR 670-1 rule. Leonard Wood specifies brown.
Options that meet the spec:
Brown Army Towel USGI 44x23at Bradley's Surplus Rothco 94 Coyote Brown Microfiber Hand Towel 15x24at ArmyNavyUSALock: combination padlock or keyed padlock with 2 keys
Why: Secure your wall locker.
What's allowed: No AR 670-1 rule. List spec: combination, or padlock with two keys.
Fort Leonard Wood lists 2 locks; most lists say 1, and you can buy more at the PX.
Small suitcase or gym bag (everything must fit in it)
Why: Limited storage; extra items get confiscated or stored.
What's allowed: AR 670-1 para 3-7f and DA PAM 670-1 para 20-2b: a shoulder bag carried in uniform must be black or a uniform camo color, no commercial logos, not see-through; no diagonal cross-body carry. Bags that don't meet this are hand-carry only.
Everything you bring has to fit in it. Plain black with no visible logos is the safest choice.
Standard wristwatch (NO smartwatch)
Why: Timekeeping for formations and training.
What's allowed: AR 670-1 para 3-4a: one wristwatch (plus one activity tracker) allowed in uniform, must be conservative. BCT lists ban smartwatches, which is stricter than the reg.
No smartwatches and nothing with GPS. A basic digital sport watch is the safe choice.
Bring if it applies 22
Documents if they apply to you, items for women, glasses wearers, and extras that only some lists mention.
Family/legal documents if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, children's birth certificates, child-support orders, lease, spouse's military info)
Why: Needed for DEERS enrollment and housing/family pay entitlements.
Education records (high school diploma/GED, college transcripts)
Why: Personnel records / promotion credit.
Proof of citizenship (if not born in the U.S.) and ROTC documentation (if any)
Why: Personnel processing.
Immunization records (childhood/adolescent, if available)
Why: Medical in-processing.
Prescription medication (original pharmacy container with your name, or doctor's written prescription)
Why: Continuity of prescribed meds.
Coat or jacket (seasonal)
Why: Weather on travel day.
Bras incl. sports bras (neutral shade)
Why: PT and daily wear.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 20-32a: white, black or other neutral colors not readily apparent under the uniform; the bra category includes sports bras.
Eyeglasses (if prescribed) + copy of prescription
Why: Vision; you get military-issue glasses later.
What's allowed: AR 670-1 para 3-10a(1),(3): conservative prescription glasses; no trendy frames, conspicuous initials/designs, or extreme lens colors; no chains/ribbons; restraints only for safety.
Eyeglass band / retainer strap
Why: Keeps glasses on during training.
What's allowed: AR 670-1 para 3-10a(3): restraints (including bands) allowed when needed for safety; glasses may not hang down the front of the uniform.
Neutral-shade nylons / pantyhose
Why: Worn with service/dress uniforms later.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 20-28d: sheer or semi-sheer, no seams, a tone that matches skin and uniform; no patterns or pastels.
Full slip (neutral)
Why: Worn with the service/dress skirt.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 20-32d: slips are worn with service, dress and mess skirts.
Still on some older lists but not on goarmy.com. You can probably skip it for basic.
Athletic supporter (men)
Why: PT.
What's allowed: No specific rule.
Feminine hygiene products (about 1 week supply)
Why: Personal hygiene; restock at PX.
Hair elastics / accessories matching natural hair color
Why: Hair must be secured in uniform.
What's allowed: AR 670-1 para 3-2 (hair-holding devices): plain, as close to hair color as possible or clear; no large scrunchies, claw/alligator clips, or decorative items.
Nail clipper
Why: Grooming.
What's allowed: AR 670-1 para 3-2 sets fingernail standards.
Cell phone + charger
Why: Contact family/travel assistance; phone use in training is limited.
Primary religious book
Why: Faith practice.
Stamps, stationery, pens
Why: Letters home (main contact channel).
Small box of laundry detergent
Why: Laundry.
Insect repellent
Why: Field training.
Check the ingredients. Items listing alcohol can be thrown out at reception.
Traveler's checks / money orders / long-distance calling cards
Why: Legacy payment/phone methods.
Still on some older lists, but mostly obsolete. You can probably skip it.
1-quart clear zip-top bag for liquids
Why: TSA compliance.
What's allowed: USAREC note: all liquids in one 1-quart bag, 3.4 oz or less each.
Issued, don't buy 3
The Army gives you these at reception. Buying them early wastes money and bag space.
Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU): black/gold jacket, pants, trunks, short- and long-sleeve T-shirts
Why: Clothing-bag issue at reception.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 10-2, 10-4, 10-6g: APFU is a clothing-bag item. Optional-purchase APFU is allowed only from a Natick-certified maker with the printed certification statement; garments without the NSN/DLA label are not authorized. Para 10-5: the only insignia allowed is the physical fitness badge.
Fleece cap (black or coyote brown), gloves, cold-weather layers
Why: Issued as needed.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 10-3, 10-6a, 10-6c, 20-13: fleece cap black or coyote brown; commanders may authorize gloves, reflective belts, long underwear (must be hidden under the APFU jacket/pants).
OCP uniform, tan 499 undershirt, rigger belt
Why: Clothing-bag issue at reception.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 (OCP/ACU chapters; para 20-32e undershirt).
Don't bring 11
These get confiscated at reception or aren't allowed.
Weapons of any type, including pocket knives
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
Cigarettes, tobacco products, vaping paraphernalia, lighters
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
Alcoholic beverages and products listing alcohol as an ingredient
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
Nonprescription drugs, supplements, OTC meds, drug paraphernalia
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
Smartwatches and expensive personal items (jewelry, costly watches, electronics)
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
Food: gum, candy, chips
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
Playing cards, dice, dominoes (gambling items)
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
Obscene or pornographic material
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
Steel hair picks; loose razor blades
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
Privately owned vehicles, pets, family
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
Aerosol toiletries; liquids over 3.4 oz
Listed by: Confiscated / not allowed at reception.
After BCT (optional) 3
Not for your ship bag. These are things Soldiers may buy later, within the regulation.
Combat boots, coyote (hot weather)
Why: Not on any official ship list. Boots are clothing-bag issue at reception.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 20-5a: issue boots are coyote, flesh-side-out cattlehide leather + nylon duck; Soldiers must have 2 pairs. Para 20-5b(1)(a), optional commercial boots: 8 to 10 in. tall; coyote flesh-side-out cattlehide leather; plain toe; sole matches the upper color; rubber or polyether polyurethane outsole only; sole no taller than 2 in. and not up the heel or over the toe; no mesh on the exterior (leather or leather + non-mesh fabric). Para 20-5b: allowed only as authorized by the commander; they never replace issue boots; not allowed in formation when uniform appearance is required. Para 20-5a(2)(a): no metal/plastic cleats, side tabs, or zipper/hook-and-loop inserts; laces match the boot. AR 670-1 para 20-5 points to the PAM.
You'll be issued two pairs. Commercial boots are allowed only if your commander says so. Don't bring them to basic.
Boot socks (cushion sole, tan/green/black)
Why: Issued with boots.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 20-28a: tan, green or black, stretch, calf-length, cushion sole; worn with combat boots; may be layered with a black liner sock.
Options that meet the spec:
Thorlo Maximum Cushion Over-Calf Military Socks MCB (Black)at thorlo.comBlack spandex/compression shorts worn under APFU trunks
Why: Not on official ship lists; optional comfort item.
What's allowed: DA PAM 670-1 para 10-6d: commercial black spandex shorts allowed under the APFU shorts. Must end at or above the bottom of the trunks; plain, no logos, patterns or obtrusive markings. Soldiers are not required to buy them. Para 10-6e: plain black leggings only with a religious accommodation.
Lists disagree? Here's what I went with
Official lists don't always match each other or the regulation. Here are the conflicts I found and the call I made.
How much cash?
The USAREC list allows up to $100. goarmy.com, Fort Leonard Wood, and Fort Sill all say $10 to $50.
I went with $50 max, the stricter number.
Sources: USAREC, goarmy.com, Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Sill
Black or white PT socks?
Fort Sill and USAREC say black. Fort Leonard Wood and the National Guard say white. goarmy.com accepts either.
The regulation allows plain white or plain black with no logos (DA PAM 670-1 para 10-6b). Follow your base's list or your recruiter. If you don't know your base, black meets most lists.
Sources: Fort Sill, Fort Leonard Wood, goarmy.com, DA PAM 670-1
Buy new running shoes?
Fort Sill and the National Guard say bring running shoes. A Fort Leonard Wood reception official said not to buy new ones, because shoes for military use are issued at reception.
Wear comfortable athletic shoes you already own. Don't buy new ones just for basic.
Sources: Fort Sill, National Guard, army.mil (Fort Leonard Wood)
Underwear color?
goarmy.com and Fort Sill say white. Fort Leonard Wood says white or neutral. USAREC adds black.
White, the one color every list accepts. The regulation allows neutral colors (DA PAM 670-1 para 20-32).
Sources: goarmy.com, Fort Sill, Fort Leonard Wood, DA PAM 670-1
One lock or two?
Most lists say one. Fort Leonard Wood and the National Guard say two.
One is enough to ship, and more are sold at the PX. Bring two if you're headed to Fort Leonard Wood.
Sources: goarmy.com, Fort Leonard Wood, National Guard
Razor "with blades" vs. "no razor blades"?
goarmy.com lists a razor with blades to bring, and also lists razor blades as not allowed.
A disposable or cartridge safety razor is fine. Loose blades and straight razors are not.
Sources: goarmy.com
Watch or fitness tracker?
The uniform regulation allows a watch plus one activity tracker (AR 670-1 para 3-4a). Basic training lists say no smartwatches.
A basic watch with no smart features or GPS. The stricter basic-training rule applies to recruits.
Sources: goarmy.com, AR 670-1
Should I buy boots?
No official basic-training list tells you to bring boots. Boots are issued, and Soldiers must have two pairs. Commercial boots are allowed only if your commander authorizes them.
Don't buy boots for basic. See 'After BCT' for what the regulation requires if you buy later.
Sources: DA PAM 670-1 para 20-5
Outdated items
Some older official pages still list traveler's checks, long-distance calling cards, and a full slip.
I marked these 'probably skip.'
Sources: Fort Leonard Wood (2018), Fort Sill, National Guard
What about Fort Jackson and Fort Moore?
I couldn't find an official basic-training packing list on either base's website.
For those bases I used the Army-wide lists (goarmy.com and USAREC) and the uniform regulations. Your recruiter's list wins if it differs.
Sources: goarmy.com, USAREC
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Sources
Official pages I checked (November 15, 2026). I couldn't find an official basic-training packing list for Fort Jackson or Fort Moore.
- goarmy.com: Pack up for Basic Training (no date shown)
- USAREC Future Soldiers: What To Wear and Bring List (PDF) (PDF created July 2022)
- Future Soldiers: What not to Bring (no date shown)
- Fort Leonard Wood: Military Police Basic and AIT Packing List (page last modified Oct 2, 2018)
- army.mil: Beginning the transition from civilian to Soldier (Fort Leonard Wood reception) (Mar 9, 2018)
- Fort Sill 434th Field Artillery Brigade: FAQs (What should I bring to BCT?) (no date shown)
- Army National Guard: BCT Packing Checklist (no date shown)
- Military OneSource: Military Basic Training Packing List (no date shown)
- AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia (PDF) (Jan 26, 2021; admin revision Mar 4, 2025)
- DA PAM 670-1, Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia (PDF) (Jan 26, 2021)
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