Male and Female RTC Items

What to Bring to Navy Boot Camp

June 30th, 2008

Because storage space is extremely limited at Recruit Training Command (RTC), you should limit the amount of personal effects you bring, and keep luggage to a maximum of one small gym or travel bag.

If you are reporting to RTC during winter months (October through April) wear warm outer clothing – it does get cold near the lake! Keep in mind that during your in-processing you will be required to mail any item not listed below, with your excess civilian clothing and personal effects, to your home at your own expense, or donate the stuff to charity. Personal items and clothing won’t be allowed to be stored at boot-camp.

Here is a list of stuff you can bring to Navy boot camp:

Note: At a designated time, you will be sent to the dispensary at RTC for medical evaluation.
Additional Items to Bring, if Applicable;

Females in-processing at Navy boot-camp

Females in-processing at Navy boot-camp

Females – To expedite your medical processing, if you have had a PAP smear/pelvic examination during the six months prior to leaving for RTC bring the test results with you. Additionally, if you’re currently using birth control pills, bring copies of exam records (in addition to the pills) specifying type(s) of birth control pills both presently and previously prescribed. You will receive a pregnancy test within three days of arrival at Recruit Training. If the test results are positive, you will be discharged.

Your hair – Female new recruits may travel to RTC with their hair styled as desired. The standard hair length for females may touch but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the uniform collar. Females will have their hair cut (styled) to military standards after reporting to RTC for a nominal fee.

Males will have their head shaved to a stubble length.

Items that will be sent home (at your expense), donated to charity, or otherwise disposed of :

Non-prescription drugs/medications will be discarded and/or mailed home.
These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Phisoderm, Phisohex, and similar products
  • Foot powders
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Motion sickness medication
  • Commercial sleeping aid
  • Decongestants
  • Acne medication
  • Antihistamines
  • Analgesics
  • Eyewash (with the exception of saline solution for contact lenses)
  • Sex-related materials (including diaphragms and condoms).

Sailor’s guest posts that convey their Navy Boot-Camp experience:
Boots Pound Towards the Future
Boot-Camp: Welcome to the Deep End – (a series)

Welcome to Navy Boot-Camp Video

The following video should answer many questions.


Read Comments (339)

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339 Responses to “What to Bring to Navy Boot Camp”


  1. TakenTheLEID says:

    I was wondering what the “volunteer” jobs during boot camp were and what does one have to do to leave boot camp as a seaman or E-3?

  2. NCCM(Ret) says:

    TakenTheLead,

    Volunteer jobs are the ones that the RDC allow you to volunteer for — some ask for volunteers, and others appoint the positions of RCPO, Section Leaders, APOs, etc. To get promoted in boot-camp, you have to stand out above everyone else — demonstrate leadership!

  3. KirstenS says:

    Is there a monetary limit on the prepaid phone cards you can bring in? Many Thanks

  4. NCCM(Ret) says:

    Kirsten S.,

    There is not limit set by the Navy.

  5. SIARA says:

    How far can women who enlist in the buddy enlistment go together.

  6. NCCM(Ret) says:

    Siara,

    The Buddy Program guarantees that you will be in the same boot-camp company — if you have the same “A” school, then you will more than likely be at school during the same time frame, but only boot-camp is guaranteed.

  7. tony [Last name redacted for privacy] says:

    hi, I will go to the “boot camp” in two months. As I am a chinese,my English is not perfect, can I bring a small dictionary book? Because I know I need to learn a lot of knowledge in the camp!

    thanks very much !!!

  8. NCCM(Ret) says:

    Tony,

    You can bring a small one with you, but I would not be surprised if they have you mail it back home if it is any bigger than the palm of your hand.

  9. shakira says:

    When do we start to get paid ? When do we get our uniforms

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