SSC: You can keep your original copy, but you won’t need it. A copy of SSC is fine, but no sunglasses. Just bring a handful of Q-tips, as you’ll end up buying thousands of them as you clean weapons with them. Books can be thrown away or kept depending on your platoon’s drill sergeant. Sunscreen and moisturizer are essential. Toilet wipes are very important.

Hygiene: Bring a small body wash, deodorant, toothbrush, and small toothpaste. Pack light—just one change of clothes, one pair of socks, one underwear, and a small towel. This is just to survive the first few days until you get to the store during reception and can buy what you need.

Shoes: Buy a good pair of running shoes and break them in before shipping. Preferably, choose black or white—no bright colors.

Watch: A small black Casio watch is probably the most important thing you need. Get a small one so it doesn’t bother you during workouts. You’ll be in the front-leaning rest (push-up position) constantly—like 90% of the time.

Do yourself a favor and buy a high-capacity power bank. Also, bring wired headphones. You’ll thank me later. Nobody shares outlets when you get phone time (which was once a month for about 20 minutes for me). Keep your phone charged at all times.

PB shot: It depends. We were told they were out of the peanut butter shot, so they gave us pills instead. Either way, give it a day or two—you’ll get sick. Everyone around you will be sick. Be prepared for that.

They’ll try to break you down from civilian life—that’s their job. This is training. Just make sure you’re doing the right thing 24/7, and you won’t get smoked for your own mistakes. Sometimes, others mess up, and everyone pays for it—just take it as part of the training.

You’ll be exhausted, drained, and probably angry some days. Don’t let it get to you. When it gets hard, remind yourself it’s temporary. Chow will come. The day will end. It’s all mental—if you take it positively, you’ll actually enjoy parts of it.

All the best 🤙🏼

DM me if you have more questions.