What Should I Pack for Air Force Basic Training?

If you’ve recently signed up to join the Air Force and you’re unsure of what you’re expected to bring along with you to basic training boot camp, look no further.

You're expected to have certain mandatory items and paperwork upon arrival. Most of what you need can fit into a gym bag or small suitcase. Use the checklists below and your own judgment.

If in doubt, we always recommend checking with your recruiter. Be sure to check out the most current Transportation Security Administration policy for guidelines on what’s allowed, and not allowed, in carry-on luggage. 

Do Bring:

• Only the necessities in your personal luggage.
• Any important paperwork you may need -- check with your recruiter. Make sure you take your marriage license if you have one, and the birth certificates of any dependents you may have. 
• State identification and any documentation regarding citizenship, if applicable.
• A list of contacts such as family members and close friends. Include their full name, address, and contact number. Make sure that you provide their legal names, not their nicknames. 
•  A toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, deodorant, shampoo, and shaving equipment (males) to last for about a week.
• Glasses as opposed to contact lenses. The training environment is not conducive to contact wear.
• Shower shoes are mandatory and must be the slip-on type with a rubber bottom. No sandals or beach shoes are allowed.
• Feminine hygiene products – you might consider packing enough for two weeks. You will have access to purchase these items on base, however.

Don't Bring:

• Over-sized luggage or bags
• Knives, guns, brass knuckles, or anything that may be used as a weapon.
• Dice, playing cards, or anything that may be used to gamble.
• Magazines, books, crossword puzzles, or any other media that is not of a religious nature.
• Cigarettes, dip, lighters, or any other tobacco products.
• Large photo albums. A few photos are permitted but space is limited. Material that is pornographic or can be considered questionable. 
• Any over-the-counter medications to include vitamins and supplements.
• Aerosol sprays of any kind (i.e. hairspray, deodorant, starch).
• Electric health and hair-care items, including face washers, curling irons, and hair dryers, are not permitted.
• Cell phones and smartwatches – bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone and plan on retrieving your cell phone later after Air Force boot camp.
• Fake nails are unnecessary and not allowed during boot camp. If you wear them, be sure to have them removed before you leave.

Can you bring ibuprofen to basic training?

No. Generally, over-the-counter medications are not allowed to be brought with you to Air Force basic training. This is because medications not prescribed to you by the military are not allowed while in basic training.

This may include (but is not limited to) foot powders, rubbing alcohol, motion sickness medication, commercial sleeping aides, decongestants, acne medications, antihistamines, analgesics, sex-related materials (diaphragms, condoms, and so on), and vitamins.

As over-the-counter medication is not allowed in basic training, if you’re caught with any, it will be taken away from you. However, you may be able to get prescribed ibuprofen or another painkiller from the on-site doctor.

However, this can be problematic as many trainees avoid visits to medical during basic training out of fear of being disqualified due to injury. 

Can you wear your wedding ring in basic training?

Yes, technically, you can wear your wedding ring during Air Force basic training. However, it’s always a good idea to consider leaving it at home instead.

Although you’re authorized to wear a wedding or engagement ring while in uniform, even in basic training, it doesn’t mean that you necessarily should. Your precious band could easily get damaged, lost, or stolen. 

Also, many people find that their fingers swell during training due to rigorous exercise, so wearing a ring could be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous in these instances. 

Here are the current regulations on rings in Air Force basic training:

Some sources online recommend putting your wedding ring on your dog tag chain. However, we strongly advise against this. Those chains are flimsy and literally designed to be easily broken. If you feel particularly lost or sad when not wearing your ring, consider speaking to your spouse about a “training ring,” an inexpensive band that you can take with you to training without risking the real thing.