Disclaimer:  These are educated guesses as to how things may go for you based upon my experience at Fort Jackson Reception and how they operated.

Here are some topics I didn't cover in episode 006.

Packet

You will probably receive your Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills Book, Initial Entry Training book (aka "Smart Book") and hand sanitizer.  The smart book and sanitizer may end up being an inspectable item you will need to keep on you throughout your entire stay in Basic Combat Training.  (The sanitizer is provided because you will not always have the luxury of washing your hands with soap and water).

Amnesty Brief

If I recall correctly, the amnesty brief is basically a brief on what you are allowed and not allowed to have with you during the remainder of your time at reception battalion (and even at your BCT company for the most part).

Post Exchange (PX)

You will have an opportunity to go to the post exchange to purchase some basic, but necessary items just prior to shipping to your actual BCT company.  Here are two links to two (downloadeable/printalbe) tables that Fort Jackson provides on their website in accordance with Army Regulation (AR) 612-201.  

• "What to bring list" - Items Future Soldiers shoudl wear or bring to Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) on ship day.
• "What to buy list" - Items to purchased at Reception Post Exchange (PX).

Moment of Truth

The moment of truth is where the future soldiers are asked as a whole if there is anything that you lied about, "failed" to share or admit during the enlistment process or what have you.  You aren't expected to admit these things in front of others, but it' s just a final chance for you to come clean privately before attempting to move forward with training.

Phone Call

As far as I know and from what I've read, you are strongly encouraged to bring your mobile phone with you when you ship as it will be your secondary means of communication with family (apart from writing letters--the primary means of communication).  Bring it with you and use it as much as possible if allowed while you're at reception!  Drill sergeants will most likely return you mobile phone to you once each phase to make a super-short phone call to family.

That is all for now.  If I come across further informationt that needs to be added here, or if have a topic that you feel should be addressed for BCT Reception, please email me at godavidstrong@gmail.com.

This is a continuation of Episode 004, which covered what to pack for shipping to basic training.  This video goes through mostly suggested items or additional items you should purchase for your convenience while in basic training.  Some of these items are actually required, but you'll often hear me suggesting that you buy extra of a lot  what is gone over in the video.

When it came to packing for Basic Training I will confess that I was the one that overpacked because I wanted to be prepared.  I found it hard believe that packing one day's worth of clothing and basic hygiene products was going to be sufficient, but trust me when I say that the packing list I'm about to share with you is probably exactly what you need.

Some of the things that you will see listed below were not listed in the video because they were thought of long after the video was created.  So if you're reading this, lucky you! lol

My packing list:

• Pack one day's worth of clothes, including a jacket (males you may wear boxers for now, but that will change after reception).
• Bring all basic hygiene products.
• If you have prescription eyeglasses, bring them.
• Photo ID (driver's license and/or military ID
• Social Security Card
• Birth Certificate (probable)
• Debit Card
• Checkbook (optional)
• Credit Card (optional)
• Any required medications
• Cash not to exceed $50
• Combination Lock for your temporary stay at reception battalion
• Extra copy of enlistment contract (optional, but recommended)
• Packet from recruiter
• Sharpie markers (to put your name on everything you own)
• Any religious reading material you feel you need.

I hope this benefits you and brings some reassurance.  And as usual, for any questions or concerns hit me up by commenting on this post or emailing me at godavidstrong@gmail.com.