You should bring almost nothing to Marine Corps boot camp. The Corps will strip you of personal belongings within hours of arrival and issue everything you need, from socks to soap. What you do need to bring is specific paperwork, the clothes on your back, and a small amount of cash.
What the Marine Corps Actually Wants You to Bring
The official policy is simple: paperwork and the clothes you’re wearing. No watch, no jewelry, no books, no food, no makeup. The Marine Corps strips recruits of everything personal and issues standard gear to everyone. This applies to both recruit depots, MCRD San Diego and MCRD Parris Island.
Your recruiter will walk you through exactly which documents to gather before your ship date, but here’s what you need to have ready:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Social Security card
- Any paperwork your recruiter gives you, including your shipping packet and enlistment documents
- Direct deposit information for your bank account so your pay can be set up
If you’re married or have children, bring original copies of your marriage certificate, your spouse’s Social Security card, and birth certificates for any dependents. These documents are needed to set up your pay and benefits correctly. A divorce decree is required if applicable. Missing even one of these can delay your dependent pay and benefits for weeks, so double-check before you leave.
How Much Cash to Bring
Bring a small amount of cash, generally around $50 to $75. You won’t be shopping, but you may need it for vending machines during travel or small incidentals during processing. Once you arrive, you’ll be set up with a system for making purchases at the recruit exchange (things like toiletries, stationery, and stamps). Your recruit pay begins on your first day, so you don’t need to fund your own training.
What Not to Bring
This list matters more than the packing list, because showing up with prohibited items creates extra paperwork and annoyance for the drill instructors processing you. Anything you bring that isn’t approved will be confiscated and sent to a warehouse on the depot. You’ll get it back after graduation, but it’s a hassle for everyone involved.
Do not bring:
- Electronics: cell phones, earbuds, MP3 players, tablets, handheld games. These are the single biggest source of extra paperwork at receiving. Each device requires a custody receipt before it can be stored.
- Weapons of any kind: knives, firearms, brass knuckles, or anything that could be used as a weapon.
- Tobacco products: cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vapes, lighters.
- Medications and supplements: all over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements are prohibited. If you take prescription medication, your recruiter should have already addressed this before your ship date.
- Reading material: magazines, books, crossword puzzles, or any media that isn’t religious in nature.
- Gambling items: dice, playing cards, or anything similar.
- Aerosol sprays: hairspray, spray deodorant, starch.
- Pornographic or questionable material
- Large photo albums: a few wallet-sized photos are fine, but space in your footlocker is extremely limited.
Don’t Bother With Nice Toiletries or Underwear
A common mistake is going out and buying expensive hygiene products or quality underwear before shipping. All of it will be taken from you within the first two hours at the depot. The Marine Corps issues standard soap, razors, deodorant, socks, underwear, and every other item you’ll use during training. The whole point is that every recruit has the same gear. Save your money.
What to Wear on Ship Day
Wear simple, comfortable civilian clothes. Think plain t-shirt, jeans or shorts, and sneakers. Nothing flashy, nothing with offensive graphics. You’ll change into issued clothing quickly, and your civilian clothes will be stored or mailed home. Avoid boots with lots of laces or complicated outfits since you’ll be changing fast and under pressure.
A Few Things Worth Doing Before You Leave
Set up a bank account with direct deposit before your ship date if you don’t already have one. Your pay needs somewhere to go from day one. Write down important phone numbers and mailing addresses on a piece of paper, because you won’t have your phone. You’ll want your family’s address for letters, and they’ll want yours. Your recruiter can tell you how mail works during training.
If you wear glasses or contacts, bring your current prescription paperwork. The Corps will issue you standard military eyeglasses during training, but having your prescription on hand speeds up the process. Contact lenses won’t be worn during boot camp.
Leave your car keys, house keys, and wallet contents with a trusted family member. Anything of value that you bring to the depot just becomes one more item to inventory, store, and worry about for 13 weeks.