MEPS & Boot Camp Packing List: What You're Allowed to Bring

The baseline across branches is minimal: required ID documents (Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, driver's license), any legal or court paperwork your recruiter specified, a small amount of cash in small bills, and a small supply of sealed, original-packaging toiletries. Confirm the exact list with your recruiter or your branch's official reception guidance, since specifics vary by branch and installation.

No personal electronics — including phones, tablets, and smartwatches — are allowed at reception for any branch. Phones are typically confiscated, shipped home, or stored until designated phone-call periods later in training, so plan to arrive with no expectation of device access for the duration.

Only with prior medical clearance and complete documentation coordinated through your recruiter and MEPS medical staff before you arrive. Undisclosed personal medications are typically confiscated on arrival, which can create a genuine health risk, so this is not something to handle informally — disclose everything during the medical screening process.

Very little to none — most branches issue all required uniforms, boots, and basic clothing during in-processing, and personal clothing you arrive in is typically bagged and shipped home. The general default is comfortable, plain, weather-appropriate civilian clothes with no offensive graphics, plus closed-toe shoes, since that's what gets bagged and shipped home immediately. Check your specific branch's reception guidance for what to wear on arrival day, since that single outfit is often all you'll wear before uniform issue.

A small, minimal supply in original, unopened packaging is generally the safest approach — toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and similar basics — since most branches issue toiletries during in-processing and excess personal supplies are often shipped home or discarded. Feminine hygiene products follow the same rule as other toiletries: a small quantity in original, sealed packaging. Avoid anything scented or unusual; stick to the basics your branch's list specifies.

Yes — grooming standards are enforced immediately on arrival across all branches. Male recruits get a very short buzz or high-and-tight cut on day one, so cutting your hair short beforehand isn't required but won't matter either. Female recruits should expect hair-length and style regulations that vary somewhat by branch, so a low-maintenance style that stays off the collar is the practical way to prepare.

No — MEPS (the Military Entrance Processing Station) conducts the full medical and dental screening as part of processing, so recruits don't need to arrange a separate pre-departure physical. Follow up with your recruiter first if they've specifically instructed otherwise.

No real luggage is needed — a small bag, backpack, or folder is enough to carry the few permitted items, like ID documents, legal paperwork, cash, and minimal sealed toiletries. Arrival clothing is bagged and shipped home, and nearly everything else you need is issued.

Bring a backup pair of prescription glasses in a hard case if you wear corrective lenses, since contact lens wear is commonly restricted during the early weeks of training. MEPS or reception can issue standard-issue glasses if needed, but a personal backup avoids relying on that.

No. The restrictive baseline (no electronics, no weapons, no tobacco, minimal cash and toiletries) holds across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, but exact allowed items, document requirements, and procedures differ by branch and even by specific training location. Always follow the official list your recruiter or reception command provides over any general guidance.

Leave all personal electronics, jewelry and valuables, tobacco or vaping products, alcohol, weapons of any kind, and any undocumented medication. There's no secure way to store valuables during training, and banned items are typically confiscated on the spot, so the safest rule is: if it's not on your branch's official list, don't bring it.