Transforming a civilian into a Sailor involves a change in the life, discipline, responsibility and physical makeup of the individual. There will be a very lmited opportunity to address things such as making sure your bills are paid, childcare is stable, and banking issues are handled during your training. Taking the opportunity before arriving at Recruit Training Command to get yourself ready emotionally and financially is equally as important as being ready physically.

NOTE: The 11 General Orders of a Sentry can be found under the "11 General Orders of a Sentry" Tab.

Before you arrive to basic training, it's good to keep a few things in mind that will make your arrival easier. Try and have a good mailing address memorized, or a small address book with contact information, since personal items will be boxed up and sent home. Ensure nails are clean and without polish, no gel or acrylic nails are authorized. Have a clean-shaven face, and remove fake eyelashes if you have them. Ensure hair styles are within Navy grooming standards (ask your recruiter) and hair is a natural color. Wear weather-appropriate attire. Pants/shorts and a t-shirt are encouraged. Wear close-toed shoes and socks. NO flip flops or sandals.

Required Items
All Recruits Must Have

• Social Security card
• Immunization records
• Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card (if vaccinated)

Two Forms of Valid Identification
One form of identification MUST have a photo. The name on ALL identification MUST match. If not, provide legal name change documentation.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• U.S. Passport
• Foreign passport
• Driver's license
• U.S. Military dependant's ID card
• Personal Identity Verification Card
• Voter's registration card
• Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
• Certificate of Naturalization

As Applicable

• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Decree
• Copies of Dependent Birth Certificate
• DDS Form
• Permanent resident card (for non-citizens)

What You Can Bring

• Wrist watch
• Wedding Ring
• Religious medallion (No larger than approximately 2"x1")
• Writing Material
• Pocket-sized religious text
• Small address book
• Plastic hairbrush, pick, or comb
• Pre-paid phone cards
• One pair of prescription glasses or reading glasses
• A small amount of cash (i.e. less than $10)
• Prescription medications

Female Recruits may retain the following personal items:

• Feminine sanitary items
• Conservative cosmetics
• One of each:
  • Face powder, Blush, Lipstick, Eye shadow, Mascara
  • Barrettes (must match hair color)

What Not To Bring

• Shaving cream
• All aerosol container
• After-shave/cologne
• Lighter fluid
• Disposable Lighters (the fluid cartridge of a "Zippo" lighter will be confiscated)
• Playing cards, dice, gambling paraphernalia
• Metal hairbrush, pick, or comb
• Anything in glass containers including mirrors
• Razors of any type, including blades, and knives
• Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vapes, tobacco, and chewing tobacco
• Alcohol-based health & comfort items
• Additional civilian clothing
• Portable video game players, MP3 players
• Cameras
• Electric razors
• Hair dryers
• Curling irons
• Food items (gums, candy, chips, etc.)
• All non-prescription drugs and medications
• Firearms, weapons, or explosives of any kind
• Narcotics/illegal drugs or any paraphernalia