MEPS

Items to Bring

Clothing

  1. One-day supply of casual, comfortable clothing (no halter tops or ragged shorts).
  2. Three sets of white underwear.
  3. One pair of white, calf-length athletic socks (no color bands, designs or logos). Additional socks can be purchased at the post exchange (PX).
  4. A pair of comfortable shoes.
  5. Eyeglasses (no faddish/stylish eyewear).
  6. Luggage should be limited to one small suitcase or gym bag.

Lock

  1. One lock (combination or padlock). Additional lock will be purchased at the PX.

Toilet Articles

  1. Disposable/safety razor with blades
  2. Shaving cream (optional for women)
  3. Toothbrush with case
  4. Hairbrush or 6" black comb
  5. Antiperspirant
  6. One washcloth and one towel (additional items can be purchased at the PX)
  7. Shower shoes
  8. Toothpaste
  9. Dental floss
  10. Shampoo
  11. Soap and Soap case

Money

  1. $10.00, but no more than $50.00 in cash, traveler’s checks or money orders (Personal checks are not recommended because of limited check-cashing facilities.)

Documents

  1. 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.
  2. If applicable, notarized copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or separation order; notarized copies of birth certificates for your children under 18 years-of-age; Affidavit of Support for Parents; court documents and direct deposit forms if ordered to pay spousal and/or child support. Ask your Recruiter for full details.

Proof of Citizenship (Aliens only)

  1. The name, Social Security number and military address of your spouse if you are married to another service member in the Navy or any other military component.
  2. Copies of your lease agreement or rental contract for any dependents residing outside of government quarters.
  3. Documentation of any ROTC experience and college transcripts.

Your Orders

  1. Be sure to keep all copies of orders and documents issued to your unit Recruiter and/or MEPS. These orders must be delivered by you and by hand. Travel and meal tickets will be provided.

For Women only

Additional items women might need or desire to bring to Basic Combat Training are:

  1. Undergarments, panties (cotton recommended), bras, and one full slip (all-neutral shade), flesh-tone nylons or pantyhose.
  2. Hairstyles not considered appropriate when in uniform: ponytails, extreme bouffant styles, exotic upsweeps, and the corkscrew or “corn row” style.

Clothing and Jewelry

  1. Do not mix items of civilian clothing with your uniform and vice versa.

On Your Way to Recruit Training Command:

  1. Don’t hesitate to ask airport, train or bus personnel for assistance en route to Recruit Training Command (RTC).
  2. If your departure is delayed, you should know that there are USO centers at most of the larger air terminals.
  3. You will ordinarily travel to RTC by air and/or bus and will complete the trip in one day. If there is a delay, get a statement from the ticket agent stating the reason.

What not to bring:

  1. Family
  2. Pets
  3. Privately owned vehicles
  4. Expensive personal items – cameras, radios, tape players, jewelry, and costly watches are hard to safeguard during training
  5. Nonprescription drugs or drug paraphernalia
  6. Steel hair picks
  7. Razor blades
  8. Weapons of any type, including pocketknives
  9. Obscene or pornographic material
  10. Alcoholic beverages
  11. Playing cards/dice/dominoes
  12. Cigarettes/tobacco products
  13. Batteries (except size “D”)