Late comment but Im definetly impressed. I see SO many videos with way too much stuff to pack, and its helpful to have a no fuss informational video to help me when I do finally ship out. Hope the Army is treating you well!
We were told we could keep our plain/black sports bras. But they will issue you a few (maybe 2-3) sports bras and they are also sold at the store they take you to when you arrive, so you’ll be able to buy plenty of the kind they want you to have. Pack whatever you already own but I wouldn’t go shopping for anything new.
I love your video I’m to young to join but consider it a path to pay for college and learn some valuable lessons, I’m just drilling in what I know I’ll need to be ready for when I do go, I’m just wondering though what’s the likelihood of someone who is very sensitive and an absolute shy introvert actually succeeding through basic
A lot of people are shy, it’s okay. They may volunteer you for things a lot to try to get you out of your shell but I wouldn’t worry about it. But if college is your main goal I would consider ROTC. You can apply for an ROTC scholarship while you’re still in high school and just go straight to college, no boot camp.
@@justalaysia Thankyou for the advice! I thought about the military BEFORE I ever thought about college and I also need an extra 4 years to know what I want! So that’s mainly why I’d go through boot, But I’m glad I’m not going to get hazed or something 24/7 just cause I’m shy
I wish I could post a photo of the MEPS issued military pack list. Because I’m confused by this video based on what the sergeant major at Meps and my recruiter said and the army liason…. This video is slightly different than what they are saying and the document provided showing items needed.
But will they actually force you to throw out everything you brought with you? Or is it entirely dependent on your drill sergeants? I've seen different answers to this and I'm not sure what to believe. Great video btw, and thank you for your service!!
Thank you so much! They don’t make you throw away anything unless it’s something you just shouldn’t have at all like lighters, pocket knifes, condoms (yes someone from my basic actually brought those). But if it’s something they just don’t want you to have during basic like a smart watch, contacts, jewelry, or medication they just lock it up for you until you graduate.
So like for hair products, with higher maintenance hair should we bring our own? because i heard the store there won’t have many options for higher maintenance hair. J saw someone say u can bring unscented hair products (does that even exist like💀)
what do you mean that they make you buy underwear? what type? I can never get the small details like what the shop has as far as items you can buy since I am one of those people that like tiny details.
Everyone keeps telling me different things. One person tells me to bring the essentials with me so I'm not wasting money at the shop. You're saying to not do that and just buy everything at the shop. Another person tells me they will confiscate your stuff and make you buy it regardless. Another says I can bring my glasses and contacts but then someone else says no, they will give you BCT-issues glasses. I'm so confused. No two people ever say the same thing.
You won’t be wasting money if you buy everything at the shops because they will give you a card with money on it to use at the store and if you don’t use all the money on the card you basically lose it because the card won’t work anywhere else. Anything they take from you you’ll get back when you graduate. You can bring your glasses and contacts with you to have when you leave but they will make you wear Army issued glasses in basic. I also was not allowed to wear my contacts.
@@brexnnqcI’ve heard the same thing, that the money is taken out of paycheck.. I’m not sure what to believe anymore😂 I’m just gonna bring necessities and if they make me buy new ones, oh well, I’ll have extra for AIT🤷🏽♀️
Yes it’s allowed. Just keep it in its original packaging. I had some larger skin care bottles that I poured into smaller travel sized bottles and they made us throw out anything that was not in its original container. It was for safety reasons but still a pain.
Think of it this way. This is a process designed to help anyone succeed. They will provide you with everything you need from the time you get there. At the hotel they feed you. While traveling through the airport to basic training they provide a food voucher for you to eat at the airport. When you get to reception they issue all your uniforms and gear, and they give you money on a card to buy personal items from the store. If you come in with NO money and nothing but the clothes on your back, you will be just fine. If you decide to bring cash $20 is fine. I did not come with cash, but I did bring the debit card that my paycheck was going to.
I had my own locks and they still made me buy a pack when I got there. I would wait until you get there because everything you need is provided or sold there.
what could i do if my family cant come to give me my ait bag? coming all the way from an island, my its too expensive so my family cant come for any family days:(
You can pack a little extra for boot camp (I really don’t recommend), or you can have them mail you whatever you need when you get AIT (this is the better option). But you shouldn’t need much, even for AIT. Remember, you’ll be able to go to the store on post and buy things. You can also send yourself packages from Amazon when you get to AIT.
Nooo! Lol please don’t. You will literally be forced to go to the store on your first day of reception to buy everything you need. That includes toiletries, pens, paper, envelops, stamps, undearwear, socks, razors, shower shoes.. you name it. They make you go down every aisle and take what you need. Some things weren’t event optional, they would just throw it in your shopping basket for you lol.
They give you a cheap military issue sunscreen when you get there but they also take you to the store during reception and you can buy name brand sunscreen there. They give you a card with money on it in reception for you to buy everything you need. That card is basically an advance on your paycheck. So if you buy a bunch of stuff now you’ll be spending money twice because they’ll make you buy it again.
Well you just taught me something! I had to reach out to my recruiter friends and get more info. Choosing your duty station at meps is called “option 19.” It is not a available for everyone but it is available for certain jobs/MOS. So congrats! That’s awesome. Still, when you’re packing for basic just pack as if you’re spending the night at a friends. ONE NIGHT. As soon as you get to reception they will take you to buy everything you need for basic. And you’ll be allowed to go back to the store again a few weeks after that.
Cool, and thanks for the quick response - son ships on Tues 9/5. Btw, you have a very direct, concise, no-nonsense delivery. This video was spot-on. BZ's to you and best going forward!@@justalaysia
Late comment but Im definetly impressed. I see SO many videos with way too much stuff to pack, and its helpful to have a no fuss informational video to help me when I do finally ship out. Hope the Army is treating you well!
Thank you and good luck on your journey!
Are they super strict on sports bras? I heard that some are considered contraband for having logos and such. What sports bras would you recommend??
We were told we could keep our plain/black sports bras. But they will issue you a few (maybe 2-3) sports bras and they are also sold at the store they take you to when you arrive, so you’ll be able to buy plenty of the kind they want you to have. Pack whatever you already own but I wouldn’t go shopping for anything new.
I love your video I’m to young to join but consider it a path to pay for college and learn some valuable lessons, I’m just drilling in what I know I’ll need to be ready for when I do go, I’m just wondering though what’s the likelihood of someone who is very sensitive and an absolute shy introvert actually succeeding through basic
A lot of people are shy, it’s okay. They may volunteer you for things a lot to try to get you out of your shell but I wouldn’t worry about it. But if college is your main goal I would consider ROTC. You can apply for an ROTC scholarship while you’re still in high school and just go straight to college, no boot camp.
@@justalaysia Thankyou for the advice! I thought about the military BEFORE I ever thought about college and I also need an extra 4 years to know what I want! So that’s mainly why I’d go through boot, But I’m glad I’m not going to get hazed or something 24/7 just cause I’m shy
I wish I could post a photo of the MEPS issued military pack list. Because I’m confused by this video based on what the sergeant major at Meps and my recruiter said and the army liason…. This video is slightly different than what they are saying and the document provided showing items needed.
could you make a video on what to bring for AIT?
I got you!
@@justalaysia you r the best 😭💕💕
Uploading it Thursday night ❤️
Thanks for this great video!
such a good video, short and concise. would a black drawstring bag be allowed?
But will they actually force you to throw out everything you brought with you? Or is it entirely dependent on your drill sergeants? I've seen different answers to this and I'm not sure what to believe. Great video btw, and thank you for your service!!
Thank you so much! They don’t make you throw away anything unless it’s something you just shouldn’t have at all like lighters, pocket knifes, condoms (yes someone from my basic actually brought those). But if it’s something they just don’t want you to have during basic like a smart watch, contacts, jewelry, or medication they just lock it up for you until you graduate.
@@justalaysialike contacts for you to see?
So like for hair products, with higher maintenance hair should we bring our own? because i heard the store there won’t have many options for higher maintenance hair. J saw someone say u can bring unscented hair products (does that even exist like💀)
Definitely talk to your NCO’s or your recruiter.
OMG MY NAME IS ALASIAH TOO !! 😂😂 hey girlll! Good vid ! 😂❤
Ahhh! Hey twin! Thanks for watching 💕
what do you mean that they make you buy underwear? what type? I can never get the small details like what the shop has as far as items you can buy since I am one of those people that like tiny details.
Everyone keeps telling me different things. One person tells me to bring the essentials with me so I'm not wasting money at the shop. You're saying to not do that and just buy everything at the shop. Another person tells me they will confiscate your stuff and make you buy it regardless. Another says I can bring my glasses and contacts but then someone else says no, they will give you BCT-issues glasses.
I'm so confused. No two people ever say the same thing.
You won’t be wasting money if you buy everything at the shops because they will give you a card with money on it to use at the store and if you don’t use all the money on the card you basically lose it because the card won’t work anywhere else. Anything they take from you you’ll get back when you graduate. You can bring your glasses and contacts with you to have when you leave but they will make you wear Army issued glasses in basic. I also was not allowed to wear my contacts.
@@justalaysiaIsn't the card taking money out of your paycheck? So if you don't use it, will the money not be given back to you?
@@brexnnqcI’ve heard the same thing, that the money is taken out of paycheck.. I’m not sure what to believe anymore😂 I’m just gonna bring necessities and if they make me buy new ones, oh well, I’ll have extra for AIT🤷🏽♀️
So I don’t want to bring too much but I plan on bringing my skin care to basic because I can’t with breakouts, is that stuff allowed?
Yes it’s allowed. Just keep it in its original packaging. I had some larger skin care bottles that I poured into smaller travel sized bottles and they made us throw out anything that was not in its original container. It was for safety reasons but still a pain.
Regarding money, should you bring a credit card or cash? If cash, how much please?
Think of it this way. This is a process designed to help anyone succeed. They will provide you with everything you need from the time you get there. At the hotel they feed you. While traveling through the airport to basic training they provide a food voucher for you to eat at the airport. When you get to reception they issue all your uniforms and gear, and they give you money on a card to buy personal items from the store. If you come in with NO money and nothing but the clothes on your back, you will be just fine. If you decide to bring cash $20 is fine. I did not come with cash, but I did bring the debit card that my paycheck was going to.
Can I bring a hair cream and gel?
Yea just keep it in the original packaging. Don’t transfer to travel sized bottles or anything like that.
Thank you!!! For this video
Of course!
Thank You.
Some videos said bring two of your own locks. Is this recommended?
I had my own locks and they still made me buy a pack when I got there. I would wait until you get there because everything you need is provided or sold there.
Will they let you keep ur running shoes ? If they are in good condition?
You will lock up all your civilian clothes. They’ll give you running shoes.
what could i do if my family cant come to give me my ait bag? coming all the way from an island, my its too expensive so my family cant come for any family days:(
You can pack a little extra for boot camp (I really don’t recommend), or you can have them mail you whatever you need when you get AIT (this is the better option). But you shouldn’t need much, even for AIT. Remember, you’ll be able to go to the store on post and buy things. You can also send yourself packages from Amazon when you get to AIT.
Hey! How do you label everything?
Are you talking about uniforms or personal items?
@@justalaysia personal
Can you not bring your own tennis shoes for pt? and crocs for water shoes ?
You can bring them but they’re just going to lock them up and issue you pt shoes and make you buy shower shoes from the PX.
can i bring a black drawstring bag?
Yes
Hey should I bring shower shoes??
If you want them for when you spend the night in the hotel you can. But then throw them out because you’ll get some as soon as you get to reception.
Dont be the one to bring two suitcases
Did you know anyone that couldn’t do pushups or run?
Yes. It’s better to work on that before you leave.
do you recommend bringing female products, tampons, pads, liners, etc.. ?!
Only if you need them while you’re traveling to basic, or if you you need/prefer a specific brand. Otherwise you can buy them when you get there.
@@justalaysia another question, do we bring our own laundry detergent?
Nooo! Lol please don’t.
You will literally be forced to go to the store on your first day of reception to buy everything you need. That includes
toiletries, pens, paper, envelops, stamps, undearwear, socks, razors, shower shoes.. you name it. They make you go down every aisle and take what you need. Some things weren’t event optional, they would just throw it in your shopping basket for you lol.
@@justalaysia AWESOME! Thanks so much!
How about face towels and a regular towel ?
They make you buy them there.
So you can’t bring sunscreen?
They give you a cheap military issue sunscreen when you get there but they also take you to the store during reception and you can buy name brand sunscreen there. They give you a card with money on it in reception for you to buy everything you need. That card is basically an advance on your paycheck. So if you buy a bunch of stuff now you’ll be spending money twice because they’ll make you buy it again.
I thought you duty station is what you choose at meps
You choose your job at meps. Your first duty station is given to you towards the end of AIT.
@@justalaysia oh gosh this is so confusing I chose my job with my recruiter an my duty station with her
Are you going active duty?
@@justalaysia yes
Well you just taught me something! I had to reach out to my recruiter friends and get more info. Choosing your duty station at meps is called “option 19.” It is not a available for everyone but it is available for certain jobs/MOS. So congrats! That’s awesome. Still, when you’re packing for basic just pack as if you’re spending the night at a friends. ONE NIGHT. As soon as you get to reception they will take you to buy everything you need for basic. And you’ll be allowed to go back to the store again a few weeks after that.
I have a question was there someone that was shorter than 4’10
No
@@justalaysia i am 4’9 do you think i would have to sign a waiver
If i did 4 years of jrotc in high school would i be a higher rank if i go in the army?
@@Melanie..10_123 you would have to talk to a recruiter but I think that would make you an E3
Did you bring your Social Security Card? Recruiter told my son to bring his!
Yes I did. And I’m glad I did because I did not get a chance to go home after basic or AIT. I went straight to Germany.
Cool, and thanks for the quick response - son ships on Tues 9/5. Btw, you have a very direct, concise, no-nonsense delivery. This video was spot-on. BZ's to you and best going forward!@@justalaysia
Can I bring my iPad and watch and have them lock it up ?
They are going to lock up any electronics (and other contraband) you bring whether you want them to or not. That includes your phone.
@@justalaysia great thank you !
can i bring my laptop??
No
Am i the only one that can hear her and only the music?
Are we able to pack a Bible?
Yes. The smaller the better though. I was also given one there.
What happens to my wallet when I get to basic training
You can hold onto it. Your sleeping area will have wall lockers to lock up your belongings.
@@justalaysiais it a key lock or combination
where did u get ur shirt from
It’s my uniform.
@@justalaysia Oh😭 im so sorry
Lol it’s okay. I’m sure other people were wondering too. This is the shirt that we workout in.
You can buy one at a surplus store if you don't want to join lol