#38 - What to bring / what to mail

After much deliberation, I have purchased all the requisite items to bring with me to basic training. The packing list is as follows - part one, in the photo below: five pair of underwear, two sports bras, 2 pair socks (I know I'll have to buy more of everything), three packs of pocket Kleenex tissues, ~2 month supply of feminine hygiene products, a few cut squares of moleskin, 1 Badger lip balm (unscented), pair of black flip-flops/shower shoes (don't know if I'll be able to keep these - they are from Old Navy, though I did black out the logo to the best of my ability with a Sharpie), 30 prestamped envelopes, 10 postcard stamps (probably another book of letter stamps too), one 4"x6" Rite-in-the-Rain notebook (for letter writing), a 3"x5" Rite-in-the-Rain notebook (for note taking), some loose Rite-in-the-Rain paper of the same size, 2 keyed brass padlocks w/2 keys apiece, 1 small luggage lock, 1 hard eyeglasses case (to put away my civilian ones when we are issued BCGs), and a pack-it-cube to store the aforementioned items.



Part 2 of the packing list: unscented bar of soap in a clear plastic case, 2 travel-sized bottles of Pert shampoo/conditioner, hair pick, small hairbrush, a few bobby pins to control hair (I'll pick up some barrettes in the PX), toothbrush in clear plastic case, dental floss, Q-tips, Toms of Maine toothpaste in "stand up" bottle, deodorant, small nail clippers, one disposable razor, Cat Crap anti-fog/eyeglasses cleaner, birth control pills (will have to bring prescription for Army doctor to represcribe), another Badger lip balm (unscented) and small black toiletries bag. The toiletries bag and the items in the first photo both fit into the black Army DEP bag with plenty of room to spare. The DEP bag will also hold a folder with documents issued by the military as well as personal documents such as my marriage certificate, birth certificate, college transcripts, etc.



I plan on wearing old but comfortable sneakers (that will be thrown away once I buy new ones there), and casual clothing. On my person I will be carrying another 4"x6" Rite-in-the-Rain notebook and an ink pen for writing during my journey. This notebook will also have addresses, phone numbers, some photographs, personal info, etc. I will have a wallet with no more than $50 cash, a driver's license, social security card, ATM/debit card, and phone calling card. I am also bringing an inexpensive Timex military-style watch, as pictured below.


I feel like a nerd posting photos of all of this stuff, but, hey, this is my blog...I can do what I want...lol! Actually it might be helpful for someone reading this in the future who is trying to determine just what they should bring with them to basic training. The key is to go light initially, and purchase what you're lacking later on at the PX or Shoppette on base.

I am also planning to have my husband mail me two packages of items while I'm at basic training. I've already sealed up the boxes, and thought I'd photograph these items too. Package #1 will hopefully be mailed to me as soon as he gets my BCT mailing address. This package includes the items in the photo below: 2 travel-sized packs of handi-wipes, Q-tips, Cat Crap anti-fog eyeglasses cleaner, 1 small bottle of hand sanitizer, 1 Badger lip balm (unscented), a small bottle of Gold Bond powder, and one small bottle of Gold Bond skin lotion (these will hopefully meet the criteria of products not having a strong scent). These items will fit into a small (1/4 or 1/2 size) pack-it-cube, which will also be handy to have later to keep some of the smaller items in my personal drawer together. Additionally, there is a roll of plastic baggies of various sizes, about 30 more prestamped envelopes, 18 postage stamps, more ink pens and a Sharpie, and 6 packs of pocket-sized Kleenex tissue.


Package #2 mostly contains additional items (resupplies) of items in the first package. I will ask my husband to mail this to me later in basic.