Use this checklist to make sure you pack everything you’ll need at BCT. Keep in mind that all of your personal belongings must be able to fit into one medium-sized gym bag—so make sure none of that space is taken up by anything that will get confiscated at BCT.
Personal Documents (5 copies of each):
___Certified copy of high school diploma or GED certificate
___Certified copy of college transcript(s)
___Original Social Security card
___Valid driver’s license with photo or valid photo ID
___Valid driver’s license, if required by your MOS (be sure it’s valid 30 days past your MOS training)
___ ATM or debit card for Sure-Pay account
___Certified copy of marriage license
___Certified copy of divorce decree
___Certified copy of birth certificates for children under 18
___Certified copy of legal papers for any Family members in your household for whom you have physical custody and/or financial responsibility
___Eyeglass or contact lens prescription
___Letter from doctor listing all required prescription drugs, including birth control pills
___Lease agreement or rental contract
___Any other legal document that may affect your pay
___If spouse is in military: spouse’s name, Social Security number and military address
Military Documents (5 copies of each):
All documents received from your unit RRNCO and/or MEPS, including:
___Military orders
___Travel and meal tickets (supplied by MEPS on the day you report for shipping to BT)
___Copy of DA 4187 Form showing promotion and/or Stripes for Buddies eligibility
Additional documents, including:
___Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
___Copies of your SF1199A (direct deposit form), signed by a bank official, with your account and routing numbers filled in
___Telephone number of the Liaison Officer/NCO at Battalion Reception
Clothing:
___2-day supply of casual, comfortable clothing
___1 pair of comfortable shoes
___6 pairs of white calf-length athletic socks
___Running shoes
___Shower shoes
___Eyeglass band (if you wear eyeglasses)
___3 pairs of white underwear (men)
___Athletic supporter (men)
Additional clothing/personal items for women:
___3 pairs of underwear (white, black or beige)
___3 bras (white, black or beige)
___1 full slip (white, black or beige)
___1 pair flesh-tone nylons/pantyhose
___Feminine hygiene products
Toiletries:
___Disposable/safety razor with blades
___Shaving cream
___Toothbrush with case
___Toothpaste
___Dental floss
___Hairbrush or 6-inch black comb
___Antiperspirant
___Soap and soap case
Miscellaneous:
___Luggage (one small suitcase or duffel bag)
___2 washcloths and towels
___2 locks (combination or padlock with two keys)
___$25-50 in cash, traveler’s checks or money orders
___Long-distance calling cards
___Small box of laundry detergent
___Stamps
___Stationery
___Insect repellent
___Holy Scripture (Bible, Koran, etc.), if desired
Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three or six years, and spend the remainder in IRR (Individual Ready Reserve).
Learn moreAbsolutely. Your Guard service is only part time—just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year.
See how the Guard helps with school.Recruits need to meet certain standards of height, weight, age, fitness and education in order to enlist.
Learn about the Guard's eligibility requirements.Yes. Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas.
Learn more about about training.MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station, METS stands for Military Entrance Testing Site.
Learn moreThe Guard is a military branch that serves both state and federal governments, at home and overseas.
Find out more about the Guard.Guard pay is based on your rank and the number of years you've served, along with incentives like hazardous-duty pay.
Contact a representative to learn more.Your pay depends on a few different factors, but you won't make less than $183 for every weekend you drill.
Find out more about Guard pay.Different states may offer commissioning bonuses for critical skill positions. Please check with your local Guard representative for current bonus information.
Learn more about becoming an officer.Yes, you will be paid for every day you work.
Find out about Annual Training pay.There are different ways to become an officer. If you’re heading to college, the ROTC program is the way to go.
View how to become an officer.The training period varies for each job.
Learn moreFor certain career specialties, particularly medical professions, the Guard will reimburse student loans.
Contact a Guard representative.Find jobs in your area on our Job Board.
Learn moreIn two major ways: getting promotions and activating retirement benefits.
Learn more from a Guard representative.If you've completed Army or Marine Corps Basic Training, you won't need to repeat BCT. Most other prior service personnel will need to attend BCT (except USAF and USN Special Operations personnel). Your recruiter has details.
Talk to a Guard representative.Yes, provided you can complete 20 years of total military service by age 62.
Learn more about retirement benefits.As a National Guard Soldier, you get good pay and great benefits, and continue building toward a military retirement—while serving your country in a part-time status.
Learn moreYou are eligible for this benefit only once in your career. Once it has ended, it cannot be reinstated, even with a new enlistment contract.
Learn more.Your Chapter 1606 GI Bill benefit is suspended while you are AGR. You may need to extend your enlistment to have it reinstated once you return as a traditional drilling Soldier.
Learn more.Eligibility for Chapter 1607 is based on Title 10 Active Duty periods. The Border Mission is Title 32 and not considered a mobilization eligible for Chapter 1607.
Learn more.If you are released from Active Duty prior to completing 90 days due to an illness or injury in the line of duty, you will receive Chapter 1607 benefits at a 40 percent rate.
Learn more.You cannot receive payment from more than one benefit program at a time.
Learn more.Your estimated total for the first year.
*DetailsPlease understand that these calculations are only estimates and that a recruiter will have the most up-to-date information about benefits.
Because of the broad range of pay options, the Pay Calculator does not apply to Medical Professional Officers.
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