Unofficial OCS packing list

I want to provide candidates with an Official and Unofficial packing list with commentary. For me this has been the MOST STRESSFUL part in preparing for OCS. This blog will be my longest, but one of the most necessary. This is also the most confusing as everyone seems to have different opinions on what is a "necessary" packing item.

DO know the items that are NOT ALLOWED at OCS. These items include protein bars, aspirin, vitamins, lotion, etc. Do not get sent home for having such items, BE SMART!

Please familiarize yourself with the Official packing list:  Official OCS Required gear

• 2 collared shirts (1 worn)
• 2 undershirt (1 worn)
• 2 pairs of slacks, pressed, with belt (1 worn)
• 1 pair of dress shoes (clean, worn)
• 5 pairs of underwear
• 5 sports bras (females)
• 2 pairs of serviceable running shoes, preferably purchased within 3 months.  See 'Fitness Preparation: Shoes' page for details.
• 1 rugged, water resistant watch
• $450.00 of cash or credit/debit for initial issues
• Enough basic overnight toiletries for a week, such as razors, shaving cream, soap, deodorant, etc
• 1 pair of eyeglasses as required.  2 are recommended.
• CONTACT LENSES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR AT OCS AT ANY POINT IN TRAINING.                                                                                                                          END

Glasses: Depending on your vision, getting your glasses can take up to three weeks! Thus, if you need glasses, then I would recommend getting an extremely cheap pair of 1980's style glasses. The more you can see the better, plus its not a fashion show.
Boots: All non prior-service candidates DO NO BUY BOOTS prior to arrival. Candidates will be issued and properly fitted for boots at Officer Candidates School. ---I've heard from both priors and OCS graduates, who emphasized the right size boots will make all the difference. Candidates WILL be in a stressful condition. BUT remember everything is a test. So make as many trips necessary to get the right size.  
Things to remember: There are DIFFERENT brands of boots and they run in different sizes. So if you try on one brand and you need a smaller size, make sure you ask for the same brand. Otherwise, you'll be making another unnecessary trip. Also, get a bigger size. YOUR FEET WILL SWELL! You do not want to be "that one" who can't put their boots back on.

Cash: I've been told to carry an ATM/credit card with $400 and $50 cash on my person. MEN SHOULD CARRY MORE CASH, as men candidates will need weekly hair cuts. I've been told they only acccept cash and the amount its $7.50; and they don't give change.

UNOFFICIAL LIST

The Official list is pretty basic, and I don't recommend bringing anymore items then absolutely necessary. Candidates will have to empty and repack their entire bag at arrival to OCS. Candidates WILL be issued some of the items, but as washing machines break down you'll be glad for your decision. Get use to doing laundry every few days. That being said, here is a list of additional item that may help prevent some stressful situations. (Besides the socks- the following list should fit into one small toiletry bag and gallon bag)

 1     Black electrical tape (to tape down lose straps)
 1     Headlight (must have red light!!!!)
 3     1 inch wide medical tape
 3     Pairs of wool/boot socks (anti-blister)
 6     Pairs of ANKLE running socks (extra dry)
 1     Mole skin/ duck tape
 1     Compression shorts OR body Glide (To prevent chafing, though I've been told an off brand of body glide will be issued  to candidates)
 1     Weather/waterproof notebook (3x5-- If it doesn't fit in your pocket its no use to you)
 1     Pack of erasable BLACK pens
 1     Pack of lead pencils
 2     Black Sharpy MAGNUM and fine point markers (if you have black clothing get 1 silver fine point)
 1     SnakeBore rifle cleaner (22 cal)
 1     Packet index cards (candidates will never get yelled at for studying during down time- take advantage!)
 1     Packet baby wipes
 1     Larger/medium size towel (try to get a light brown)
 2     Small hand towels
 1     Travel size wrinkle release spray (you don't want to be that one waiting for the iron before liberty)
 1     Spray Neosporin OR NewSkin Liquid bandage (Infection Prevention)
 1     Mini tide togo (Don't be "that one" who has a stain from chow on there uniform)
 1     Mini BLUE Gold Bond foot powder 
 1     Glasses strap/band (ONLY IF YOU WEAR GLASS)
 1     Handful of Gallon and Quart size bags. (get the Ziploc ones- saves time)
 1     Small spray can of sweat-proof sunblock
        Cell phone and charger (though you will not have access to either until liberty)

If you have connections to a PX (military exchange store):
 1     Packet of 4 boot straps
 1     3 pack of military green tees
 2     Skivvy shorts (females- please get a size larger that what you normally wear) 
 1     Look Sharp: military uniform guide. (this will help prevent yo from calling a Gunnery Sgt. a Staff Sgt.!!!)

Things to remember: Blister prevention is so important! So anything that will keep your feet dry is worth the additional attention from an Sergeant Instructor (SI). Also, candidates will be allowed weekly PX calls, so don't over pack. You will not always have the ability to wash your hands, so anything that can be hands free DO IT. ex. sunblock = spray kind, Neosporin = spray kind, icy hot = spray on...get it?! :)

***Candidates should put their "go- fasters" (shoes) and a pair of socks at the top of their pack!


DOCUMENTS: Makes sure you have on hand: Health form, dental form, and  shot record. These should be given to each candidate prior to shipping out by their OSO. Though, I am only familiar with the standards, efficiency and excellence of the Phoenix OSO office. 


FEMALES: (with hair that falls past the collar)
1    Package of ouchless hair ties (must be hair color)
1    Package of  bobby-pins (must be hair color)
1    Chignon bun OR view my next blog for a cheaper/ prettier way to do you hair.
1    Small box of Tampons
2    Razors (I've been told female are encouraged to shave throughout OCS)
1    Thick bristled brush (This will help prevent fly-aways)
1    Travel size Aussie hair spray -Extra strong - (This brand has never let me down)
1    Travel size hair gel (Extra firm if possible!)
1     Men's wallet ( I figure this will help, as all my female friends have larger wallets as well)


Females--Things to remember: If your menstrual cycle falls near the third week of the month you should be fine, as most females will stop menstruating by the third week. So if you're on birth control try to time accordingly. Time management is SOOO important. Thus, you DO NOT get extra time to fix your hair. I will post a blog on how to do a sturdy sock bun that should last a few days, with VERY LOW maintenance. Here are three stories from females (Officers and priors): 1. If your hair falls out during training, you may get a "nice" hair cut that night! get my drift. 2. You hair might start smelling like mold, as you're hair will be wet and in a bun most of the time. 3. It will look like you're losing a lot of hair when you wash it, but it will just be the accumulation from the prior wash. DO NOT go to OCS with your nails or toes painted. DO NOT go to OCS with makeup on. DO NOT go to OCS with a flower, playboy bunny, or heart shaped design on your skin from fake tanning. DO bring comfortable dress shoes, preferably ones with thick heels.


FEMALE UNDERWEAR AND BRAS: Bring extra sports bras and underwear if possible, the official list is the minimum. Only bring bikini or brief style underwear. Everything you bring should be WHITE or BLACK ONLY!!! 

DO WRITE YOUR LAST NAME ON EVERYTHING YOU BRING... EVEN MARKERS, PENCILS, UNDERWEAR AND PENS!

I will update the list if there are any "necessary" changes after the 4th week of liberty. :)