What do you bring to Basic Military Training? Not much other than yourself and the necessary items listed below. Anything you bring that is inappropriate for Basic Military Training, will be confiscated and returned to you after graduation.

backpack2

During in-processing trainees are issued a backpack upon arrival as part of the Backpack Initiative which will have the below items provided. Trainee’s pay for the backpacks out of their initial clothing allowance ($165-$177).  The backpacks are provided to make the process smoother. Trainees will be able to purchase any additional items needed during their flights initial shopping run at the Base Exchange (BX) upon arrival.

•Laundry bag
•Four mesh bags
•Padlock
•Two writing pens
•Two black Sharpies
•Four brown towels
•Four blousing straps
•Flashlight
•ID cardholder
•Reflective belt
•Two silver Sharpies
•Ruler
•Highlighter
•Notepad
•Book of stamps
•Box of envelopes
•“3-in-1”soap
•Showershoes
•Toothbrush
•Toothpaste
•Toothbrush case
•Dental floss
•Foot powder
•Deodorant
•Laundry detergent
•Box of trash bags
•Nail-trimming kit
•Canteen
•Storagecontainer

NOTE: This is due to availability of products listed above. If an item is unavailable, PRC staff will provide a list of those items that will be picked up at the flights Initial BX Run. The cost maybe higher/lower based on product name.  If you have any further questions you may contact your local recruiters for further information and guidance.

Packing List: The listing below are to ensure all new recruiters entering US Air Force BMT have proper items to minimize the possibility of interruptions in processing/training.

Items for all BMT recruits:

  1. List of all important contacts (i.e. mother, father, spouse, significant other) to include full LEGAL name, address and contact phone number (hand carry on route to BMT, identify as previously completed to Air Force personnel).
  2. Completed VARL (Visitor Access Request Letter) completed and signed by RECRUIT, not recruiter, with all required information to ensure ample time for background checks to be accomplished for graduation event attendees. Failure to complete fully and correctly WILL hinder guests from gaining access to the base and attending graduation ceremonies.
  3. Some cash/debit card in case of travel delays or possible pay issues after arrival to BMT.
  4. Driver’s license OR state issued numbered picture ID/Military dependent ID.
  5. Copy of birth certificate.
  6. Certified true copy of marriage Certificate – must be filed with the court, annotated with file number and seal (if applicable)
  7. Copy of spouse/children’s birth certificate (if applicable)
  8. Copy of spouse’s driver’s license or state issued picture ID. This copy must be in color (picture visible) and does not expire within 30 days of recruit’s graduation (if applicable)
  9. College/ROTC/Civil Air Patrol transcripts or any advance rank documents.
  10. Alien card/naturalization certificate (if applicable).
  11. GUARD/RESERVE recruits only – 10 Copies of orders/Common Access Card (CAC).
  12. Ensure clothing worn /taken to BMT is of good taste and relevant to temperatures current to the San Antonio/Lackland area (e.g. jacket/coat during winter months).
  13. CASUAL CLOTHING ATTIRE (RECOMMENDED): Collared polo/button-up shirt, a pair of pants/slacks, and closed toe shoes. UNAUTHORIZED CLOTHING ATTIRE: jeans, leggings, shorts, hoodies, sweats, skirts, and sandals/heels.
  14. Spandex shorts – 3 pairs (Dark blue or black only with no visible ornamentation).
  15. All doctor prescribed medications currently being taken in original bottle with label and original prescription documentation. FEMALE recruits – mandatory information for birth control medication.

Items for female recruits:

  1. Black/white undergarments – 6 pairs of each. Bras – RECOMMEND athletic bras and conservative underwear.
  2. Ensure hairstyle/color is NATURAL and in accordance with AFI 36-2903 (those not in compliance with the Air Force regulation will be corrected at the RECRUIT’S expense).
  3. Hair ties and hair pins/clips of same natural hair color.
  4. At least a two-week supply of feminine hygiene products.
  5. Conservative make-up.
  6. NO acrylic or fake/false nails of any kind.

Items for Male recruits:

  1. Shaving equipment (at least a two-week supply; disposable razors are encouraged)

Items for recruits applying for US Citizenship:

  1. Completed N-400 Application (make sure to sign and date page 18/part 12 and do not to further unless needed).
  2. N-426 (completed and signed by Commanding Officer/or Designated Representative the bottom of the form (Commander/Operations Commander).
  3. Form G-1145 (recommended).
  4. Alien Registration Card front & back I-94 with passport, and fingerprint receipt/form.
  5. COPY of any pertinent documents (marriage certificates, divorce decrees, birth certificates).
  6. If arrested within the last year (one year from date sending in paperwork) you MUST provide certified copies of the police and court documents.
  7. 2 Passport style photos. NOTE: If unable to obtain two passport photos, you will be able to get these photos during your training prior to your interview.

Additional notes:

  1. Travel size toiletries are authorized.
  2. NO aerosol products.
  3. NO items containing alcohol (to include face wash, mouth wash, shaving products, etc.)
  4. NO smart watches or electronic devices/high value items.
  5. NO electronic face exfoliators.
  6. NO over the counter medications, supplements, food or beverages.
  7. While in basic training contact lenses are extremely hard to care for and will only be worn until military issued glasses are provided. It is preferred that recruits bring glasses with hard case and current prescription.
  8. All recruits are encouraged to bring a working charger for their cellular phone. Ensure the phone is activated for use through the entirety of BMT (i.e. bill paid, minutes purchased, auto payment set). If there will be a need to make international calls, ensure device is capable prior to departing for training.
  9. IMPORTANT: All recruits are encouraged to begin preparing for BMT physical training, as early as possible prior to arrival. The American college of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days per week, or 20 minutes of more vigorous activity three days per week; and consultation with their doctor before beginning any exercise program. Selection a good, safe running shoe that fits your feet and needs will help you avoid injuries

If you have any further questions you may contact your local recruiter for further information and guidance.