1.Make sure that you have regular postal addresses for anyone you may wish to write to while in basic training. Be sure that you take enough stamps and envelopes with you to last for nine weeks.



2.Purchase enough pre-paid phone cards to get you by for nine weeks. The ones available on-base may be more expensive so it will pay you to be prepared.

3.Don't pack your entire wardrobe. First of all, you won't need it while at basic training, and secondly, they probably won't fit when you get out. Most recruits lose quite a bit of weight during basic training. Pack only one bag and take only one or two outfits along with any personal necessities you might need.

4.Don't forget to resolve any medication issues you may have. This includes taking the original prescription bottles with you (the ones with YOUR name on them) and get any documentation that you might need from your physician so that you can take it with you to the base.

5.Take along enough of any personal items to last you at least a couple of weeks. This includes soap, shampoo, razors, and deodorant. Then be sure to pack it appropriately so that you don't have problems passing through airport security.

6.Arrange for a friend or family member to pay your bills in your absence. If you cannot do this, most companies now accept automatic bill pay. To avoid wasting money, close out any accounts you will not be using while you are gone, including cable or satellite television and newspaper subscriptions.

7.Give a two-weeks notice to your current employer. The reference they can provide later in life might be helpful and it will be good to leave them on good terms.

8.Never go to an army base without a copy of your recruiting contract. This will be a rule you should follow throughout your military career.

9.Get some survival advice from some other men who have been through the basic training process.

10.Don't party your last night home. You need to arrive at basic training well-rested and ready to go to work. (You probably won't get much rest for a few weeks.)

11.Lastly, but most importantly, take some quality time for your family.

Your recruiter will probably give you a checklist to follow. Be sure that you read all of the material they give you and then follow any important instruction thoroughly. Once you arrive at basic training, your opportunities to remember anything you might have forgotten are gone. Don't get left hanging without everything you need to get through the next nine weeks.