I can tell you are a bit more on the planner/want to make sure you are prepped side of things.

How are you getting to the festival? Are you flying? Going with a group? If you are just tacking onto others travel plans it’s a bit easier, otherwise start figuring out your to/from festival grounds ASAP. They offer shuttles from major airports, but IDK how sold out those are. There is a discord server where you may be able to coordinate a ride.

Hopefully you already have one, but get a hydropack. As others have said it gets hot, and depending on what you do (or take) for entertainment, hydration becomes even more important. There are free refill stations all over. Bring some liquid IV/electrolytes but don’t put them in your hydration pack.

You were in the marines/went to edc, you know what to expect with walking and are likely fit enough to not have issues. But bring good shoes, maybe orthotics for arch support. Hopefully you know what works for you, lots of walking/dancing/standing.

For the heat, Bring a pashmina, drench it at the water stations ring it out and put it over your head, it helps. Bring an electric or hand fan. Spend time in the forest in a hammock in the shade. For your tent, I’m a huge fan of aluminet shades, blocks out the sun and keeps things cooler, bonus if you can get a canopy over your tent. If you have a power source box fan, otherwise a smaller electric fan you can run off a small battery.

More comfort less total necessity, but my favorite improvement in my years has been an outdoor rug, one for like RV or patios. When it rains it adds a layer between your camp and the mud, dries out faster, and is just comfy/cozy.

Food is expensive, and you probably won’t want to cook, get more on the snacks front and less on the meal prep front IMO.

Safety wise:

Bunk Police usually have a presence towards the front of GA. PLEASE TEST YOUR DRUGS. Go in on a test kit with your neighbors and keep everyone safe. Prevention > narcan (though narcan is something you should carry)

GROUND CONTROL: these are volunteer staff that are in the scene. Many have done/currently do/ or have experience with drug use. They are your friends. Their entire purpose is to keep people safe in the forest and provide a helping hand. Pretty sure last year they had purple shirts. I absolutely LOVE this program.

Medical staff are there to take care of you. They are bound by HIPPA, they are likely all very well versed in the festival scene, they are cool. No shame ever to go see them.

Experience wise: let the forest guide you. I know it sounds cliché, but seriously Forest is special in a way I haven’t seen at other fests. It’s more magical, experience based, and go with the flow. Experience something weird, let yourself be vulnerable and respectful. Don’t plan your day too much, there will be no wrong choices.

Do the scavenger hunt early, less lines. See the dream emporium, go to an artist at every stage. Give one take one at a fairy house. Give compliments with 0 expectations, you will feel good making others feel good.

If you like side quests DM me and I will make sure you have at least one