Living in a military dorm....what do they need?

Sgt Mickey

<font color=red>I will always remember where I was
Joined
Feb 5, 2009
Messages
5,323
My son joined the Army. He leaves next month for basic. SO I am trying to think back when I joined the AF what did I need for dorm living. SO trying to get a list together. If you child lives in the dorm (military/college) what were some necessities?

So far I have
bedding
towels
bathroom accessories


I know now days some dorms have mini kitchens so they can cook but I don't want to go crazy. Just anything your child needed living away from home for the first time.

Just want to add not looking for basic training or AIT list. I mean when he actually moves away and is at his first base. What else to add the stuff TMO will ship off to him.
 
I went to Army basic training 9 days after 9/11 so I know it has been a while, but we needed absolutely nothing. We were issued everything. Bedding and towels were standard issue. I would imagine that his recruiter would be able to help with that but absolutely everything I brought with me was locked into a closet until I finished basic training. I would suggest checking the website for the base he will attend basic at and see if there are lists of do and do not bring items there.

I just remember those itchy stiff green blankets and brown towels. Nothing plush for us at Ft. Leonard Wood!

ETA: The Army refers to them as barracks not dorms. You were a lucky soul in the AF...I will never forget that the BEST base with the nicest rooms was when I was stationed at the Presidio of Monterey while I attended the Defense Language Institute. All 4 braches attended there and the AF received a stipend because it was substandard living accommodations :)
 
http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/boot-camp-checklist.html

ARMY and NATIONAL GUARD [top]
Here is the list of items the Army recruiter said you "HAVE to HAVE" to ship to basic military training:
1 change of clothes
Direct deposit Form
Personal Hygiene kit
Picture ID (i.e. driver’s license)
2 combination locks (Actually not required but highly recommended)
The recruiter’s words were, “GO LIGHT!”
Documents to bring:
Certified copies of your children's birth certificates - if applicable
Your social security card
*Banking account information to establish Direct Deposit of military pay
Marriage certificates - if applicable
*Driver's License or picture ID
* Must bring
Items to bring:
Personal hygiene kit*
Two plain towels (optional)
Stationary and stamps (optional)
Sports Bra FEMALES ONLY (optional)
Regular Bra FEMALES ONLY (optional)
White calf length socks with no logos or color on them (optional)
Hair restraints to match hair color. FEMALES ONLY (optional)
Shower shoes (Plain not fancy) (optional)
Civilian clothes (no more than 1 set)*
Personal address book (optional)
Female hygiene items
*Must have
Items you may not bring :
Tobacco items
Knives
Pornographic material
Lighters
Products containing alcohol
Medication not prescribed by military medical personnel
Magazines or newspapers
Large bulky items
Jewelry other than wedding band
Food
 
That is a great list and sounds right on the money.

Basic Training will be the most strict time in which they will have the least amenities. Once they have moved onto their AIT, they will go in phases where they earn more privileges and civilian gear/attire. Then when they have their first duty station is where they will most likely need the additional items you are thinking about. By then they should have socked away enough from payroll to go shopping for the items they need. I would not suggest purchasing those until they have arrived at their duty station as the units are all so different.

Good luck to you and I am sending prayers of safety to your son. It was truly the best decision I ever made and I thank him for his service.
 

I went to Army basic training 9 days after 9/11 so I know it has been a while, but we needed absolutely nothing. We were issued everything. Bedding and towels were standard issue. I would imagine that his recruiter would be able to help with that but absolutely everything I brought with me was locked into a closet until I finished basic training. I would suggest checking the website for the base he will attend basic at and see if there are lists of do and do not bring items there.

I just remember those itchy stiff green blankets and brown towels. Nothing plush for us at Ft. Leonard Wood!

ETA: The Army refers to them as barracks not dorms. You were a lucky soul in the AF...I will never forget that the BEST base with the nicest rooms was when I was stationed at the Presidio of Monterey while I attended the Defense Language Institute. All 4 braches attended there and the AF received a stipend because it was substandard living accommodations :)

That is where he is going to. I know he won't need it for basic or AIT just for barracks (not dorm lol) living once he gets to his first base.
 
That is a great list and sounds right on the money.

Basic Training will be the most strict time in which they will have the least amenities. Once they have moved onto their AIT, they will go in phases where they earn more privileges and civilian gear/attire. Then when they have their first duty station is where they will most likely need the additional items you are thinking about. By then they should have socked away enough from payroll to go shopping for the items they need. I would not suggest purchasing those until they have arrived at their duty station as the units are all so different.

Good luck to you and I am sending prayers of safety to your son. It was truly the best decision I ever made and I thank him for his service.

Thank you. They take even less now then when I went through. He will have to buy all of his toiletries once he gets there he is only allowed to bring travel sizes.
 
http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/boot-camp-checklist.html

ARMY and NATIONAL GUARD [top]
Here is the list of items the Army recruiter said you "HAVE to HAVE" to ship to basic military training:
1 change of clothes
Direct deposit Form
Personal Hygiene kit
Picture ID (i.e. driver’s license)
2 combination locks (Actually not required but highly recommended)
The recruiter’s words were, “GO LIGHT!”
Documents to bring:
Certified copies of your children's birth certificates - if applicable
Your social security card
*Banking account information to establish Direct Deposit of military pay
Marriage certificates - if applicable
*Driver's License or picture ID
* Must bring
Items to bring:
Personal hygiene kit*
Two plain towels (optional)
Stationary and stamps (optional)
Sports Bra FEMALES ONLY (optional)
Regular Bra FEMALES ONLY (optional)
White calf length socks with no logos or color on them (optional)
Hair restraints to match hair color. FEMALES ONLY (optional)
Shower shoes (Plain not fancy) (optional)
Civilian clothes (no more than 1 set)*
Personal address book (optional)
Female hygiene items
*Must have
Items you may not bring :
Tobacco items
Knives
Pornographic material
Lighters
Products containing alcohol
Medication not prescribed by military medical personnel
Magazines or newspapers
Large bulky items
Jewelry other than wedding band
Food

Thanks for the list. We have this list already. :thumbsup2

I should of been clear in when I was making my list for lol. Dorm living at his first base which I now know it is barrack living at his first base.
I promise I am not that mom that is trying to send my son off to basic with plushy blankets.:rotfl2:
 
A bit off topic, but one piece of advice I would pass along to him is once he is allowed to go to the PX remind him to please be respectful. We lived in the area for 2 years (FLW) and I saw wives complain a lot about the new recruits being disrespectful and using foul language very loudly. There are many permanent party there, even tho it is a training base. No one wants to take their young child to the store and have them exposed to that.
 
If this is inappropriate, please feel free to delete it.

"Soap on a Rope" would come in handy.
 
I assume you mean post-bootcamp living.

The best thing my husband got when he lived in the barracks was a really good pillow. The ones they are issued are apparently thin, hard and terrible. I'd also suggest a good mattress pad, and a nice webcam to skype home.
 
Don't know if this will help, but this DS got as a sample during a campus/base visit

Issued Items. Each new cadet will be issued the necessary clothing to participate fully in Cadet Basic Training.

a. Bring no more than one piece of luggage. You will be issued a trunk and luggage in the future. All of your stuff needs to fit into one piece of luggage.
b. You will receive some personal items and toilet articles when you get to West Point. These are issued to new cadets on R-Day: deodorant (1), sewing kit (1), soap (4), soap box (1), Oral B toothbrush (1), toothbrush tube (1), toothpaste (1), brown towels (4), white towels (4), washcloth (3), Brasso cleaner (1), shampoo (1), & black shoe polish (2).
c. All cadet clothing except brassieres for women.
d. Trunk, lockers, and etc to store necessary items.
e. Cadets during Reorganization Week for the academic year will be afforded the opportunity to purchase the necessary items needed or will be issued items to assist with the academic program.

3. Recommended Items. These items are not mandatory; however, they are very useful and allow your cadet to manage time, expectations, and standards a little better than if they do not have them.

a. Electric razor, disposable razor, or depilatories and shaving cream. These items are not issued; cadets will be required to shave daily or as needed. Each cadet must bring this with them to R-Day or will purchase at the Cadet Store.
b. 14-day supply of female hygiene products. All cadets will be allowed to go to the Cadet Store but sometimes a certain brand is not carried.
c. Personal hygiene items that are not issued (highlighted in Paragraph 2) or personal preference
d. Wrist watch (sturdy, waterproof, with alarm, and glowing dial for reading in the dark)
e. Small folding multi-purpose tool/knife (Leatherman type)
f. Small address book (completely filled out with important dates to remind each Cadet)
g. Stamps (put in address book)
h. Steno pad with pen and pencil
i. Religious reading material (if desired). No other personal reading materials are authorized.
j. One 8x10 frame (plastic, not glass) with various photos or a collage of photos to fit. No digital photo frames are authorized.
k. Disposable lighter (for burning strings off uniforms, sealing 550 cord, etc)
l. Lip balm and small tube of sun screen


m. Small roll of duct tape (sand color if you can find it)
n. 10ft of green 550 (“parachute”) cord
o. Band aids, blister pads, moleskin, anti-friction gel (also good for use with chafing) and gold bond foot powder
p. Lint free rag for shining shoes
q. Extra all-white crew socks (you will be issued 12 pair but if you have a certain brand you can bring them as long as they are all-white)
r. Extra all-black dress socks (you will be issued 16 pair but if you have a certain brand you can bring them as long as they are all-black.
s. Toothbrush and toothpaste, IF you prefer a particular brand of each
t. Extra sports bras for female cadets. Female cadets are not issued brassieres.
u. Sports-type wicking underwear for physical fitness events (i.e. UnderArmour type). Cotton underwear is issued to both male and female new cadets. Sports specific underwear cannot extend beyond mid-thigh and must be black or gray in color.
v. Extra boot socks (military). Brown or black in color.
w. Thin, wicking sock liners for wear under dress socks and/or boot socks
x. Eyeglass security strap if you wear glasses
y. Small desk fan, no bigger than 6” diameter
z. Copy of your dental and medical X-Rays
aa. If you are a recruited Corps Squad Player you may be asked to bring certain pieces of equipment with you.
bb. Musical instrument if you desire to join the Spirit Band or other musical club within DCA.
cc. Two each ACU "velcro" nametape for your Army Combat Uniform with last name, U.S. Army nametape (Velcro),and full color, Velcro, reverse U.S. Flag. We recommend you get two of each. You will be issued one of each as we execute R-Day but experience tells us that many cadets lose them quickly. Suggested website is http://www.acunametape.com

4. Footwear. New cadets will not be issued running shoes. You must bring them with you. Make certain your athletic shoes are running shoes (not cross trainers but real running shoes), fairly new, but broken in.

a. Even though you will be issued a pair of leather low quarters we recommend you purchase these prior to R-Day and have broken these shoes in prior to arrival. Common websites to purchase these items are: http://www.marlowwhite.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=80-100 or at the Army and Air Force Exchange (AAFES) as identified in the “Authorized Boot Letter” that was sent to each cadet. Both men and women will be issued leather low quarters but by purchasing early you have the opportunity to break-in and fit them in a more relaxed environment. If you purchase online you must purchase the leather shoe not the high-gloss shoe.
b. Even though you will be issued a pair of combat boots to wear with your issued Army Combat Uniform we recommend you purchase these prior to R-Day and have broken these shoes in prior to arrival. Common websites to purchase these items are: http://www.militaryboots.com When purchasing boots remember that there are many styles and colors. Make sure you purchase a tan/rough side out leather boot, 8-10 inch in height with plain toe and rubber sole. No three-quarter in height boot or any boot with a zipper. A great reference again is the Boot Authorization Memo for style and appropriate regulation.


5. Contraband. Items listed below will be secured during Cadet Basic Training with the New Cadet’s luggage and will be reissued to them after Marchback. These items are not allowed during CBT but are allowed during the Academic Year.

a. Alarm clock
b. Personal reading material (non-religious)
c. Hair dryers, hair straightener, curling irons
d. Food of any kind (boodle)
e. Cell phones
f. Electronics of any kind (computers, media players, etc.)
g. Tobacco products
h. Knives over 4 inches
i. Contact Lenses and supplies
j. Nutritional Supplements (Protein Powder, Creatine, etc.)

6. Prohibited. Items listed below are considered prohibited for any cadet at West Point and will be confiscated and not returned.

a. Weapons of any kind
b. Ammunition
c. Alcohol
d. Illegal drugs
e. Hateful/ offensive materials
f. Prescription drugs that are not issued to the New Cadet
g. “Staybrite” brass of any kind
h. Patent-leather shoes (commonly referred as Corfam Low-Quarters)
7.
 
In Boot camp, if you have anything it just weighs you down. If I remember the thing I needed was sleep and my hair back , and they wouldnt give me neither
 
In Boot camp, if you have anything it just weighs you down. If I remember the thing I needed was sleep and my hair back , and they wouldnt give me neither

Hey, I got to keep my sideburns...the barber asked if I wanted to keep them, so he cut them off and put them in my hand.
 
Our son is at his first duty station currently. He hasn't bought much, but did get a few biggies.
He bought himself a TV, he said it was too difficult "sharing" the TV in the common room. He's not a sports watcher, like the other guys in the barracks.
His barracks has a small kitchenette, but he isn't allowed to have any kitchen items that plug in. So no George Foreman, no griddle, no crock pot. He does have a small fridge and a microwave.
Since he tries to eat in his room to save money, we bought him some good tupperware type containers that he could use for microwave cooking and storage.
Also bought him a microwave cookbook.

He took his old college dorm comforter set, his own pillow.

They aren't supposed to hang anything on the walls, so shelving is out.

A shower caddy is a good idea for the bathrooms, and maybe a nice towel or two. Military towels are not exactly soft and fluffy.
 
Best thing about microwaves these days.. you can cook anything in them... I have a microwave steamer, a pasta boat, potato bag and egg thing... all meals covered.
 
They need to be sent with supplies? ;) :lmao: My son went to his military dorm with only the uniforms he had accumulated during Navy boot camp. The only things he brought with him were his uniforms and his computer! The computer and his cell phone were given to him (by us) after his boot camp graduation.

His room has a microwave and a small fridge. Everything he has there he bought for himself.....things like deodorant, shampoo, shower slippers (I didn't even know he had those until he gave us a video tour of his room!).

We shipped him a "care package" with the bowl he always used at home to cook Top Ramen with in the microwave. Sent some snacks and things like that in the package.

Other than that, they pretty much have all they need!

Best of luck to your son!
 
A bit off topic, but one piece of advice I would pass along to him is once he is allowed to go to the PX remind him to please be respectful. We lived in the area for 2 years (FLW) and I saw wives complain a lot about the new recruits being disrespectful and using foul language very loudly. There are many permanent party there, even tho it is a training base. No one wants to take their young child to the store and have them exposed to that.

He is a military brat himself so I am not worried at all by him being one of those guys.
 
I assume you mean post-bootcamp living.

The best thing my husband got when he lived in the barracks was a really good pillow. The ones they are issued are apparently thin, hard and terrible. I'd also suggest a good mattress pad, and a nice webcam to skype home.

Yes I do. Thanks I do plan on getting pillows but I will look for a fluffier one.
 



New Posts










Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top