OCS Packing List

Required and Recommended Items to Bring

The items needed to begin training are listed below. Only the items listed should be brought to ensure compliance with Navy standards. Candidates without the required items at check-in will need to purchase them. Regular trips to the Navy Exchange will be permitted after the first week of training.

NWPT_OTCN_STUDENT_CONTROL@us.navy.mil (for direct assistance).

Required for All Students

• Debit/Credit card
• Checks / mobile payment application
  • Anticipate $3,500 or more in out-of-pocket expenses for uniform components and miscellaneous class costs. All necessary uniforms will be purchased during the first week at OCS. DO NOT purchase them beforehand
  • A uniform card will be issued for purchases, and candidates are responsible for settling the balance during out-processing. Students typically earn enough money during their time at OCS to cover these uniform expenses by the time of out-processing.
• Notify financial institutions of your military training status to accommodate single authentication measures, as cellphone access will be limited.
• Ensure personal financial responsibilities are addressed and steady before reporting to OTCN.
• Paper list of emergency contact information (Next of Kin) with phone numbers and email addresses.
• Eye glasses (if prescribed) in accordance with Navy Uniform Regulations with plain black head strap (required).
• Laundry detergent for 3 weeks (recommend pods/powder type).
• 7-10 pairs of underwear.
  • At least one pair should be white or skin-toned when worn with white uniforms per NAVPERS 15665I. Color is optional for other uniforms.
  • Men may wear boxer shorts or knitted briefs.
• Digital wristwatch with alarm (Smart watches are NOT authorized in Weeks 1-9).
• Hygiene products and toiletries (3 weeks' supply). Electric razors are authorized. *CBD or hemp-containing products are not allowed. Ensure all products comply with regulations.*
• Physical training (PT) gear: T-shirt and shorts/pants suitable for weather conditions and in accordance with modesty standards.
• 8-9 pairs of socks to be worn with running shoes.
• Cell phone (and charger) and/or laptop (and charger) for accessing required documentation during the gaining process.

Required for Female Students

• 5-7 plain sports bras designed for high-impact sports—no logos or words.
• 2-3 bras
  • Both sports bras and bras must be white or skin-toned when worn with white shirts or the yellow PT top.
• Solid black or navy blue one-piece swimsuit.
• Feminine hygiene products for at least one week, packed in a clear plastic bag (e.g., Ziploc).

Recommended for All Students (Available at Navy Exchange)

• Contact lenses (if worn). Be prepared to wear glasses for most of the training period.
• Ziplock bags (gallon size) or personal trash bags.
• Unscented face and body wipes for use between showers.
• Unscented hand lotion.
• Nose hair trimmer.
• Insoles for running shoes and boots (if needed).
• Non-aerosol sunscreen.
• Compression shorts (solid navy blue or black, mid-calf length, not visible under PT shorts).
• Physical training recovery equipment (e.g., lacrosse balls, resistance bands).
• 1-2 additional bags/luggage (empty) for accumulating items during training.
• Clorox disinfectant wipes.
• Tide pen.
• White shoe polish.
• Cotton balls/swabs.
• Chlorhexidine wash (antibacterial wash).
• Postage stamps for mailing letters early in training.
• Sharpie markers (black).

Recommended for Female Students

• Strong hold gel.
• Non-aerosol hair spray.
• Hair retaining devices (bobby pins, spin pins, clear elastic ties) matching hair color.
• Small hand mirror.

Prior Military Service / Active Duty Students

Bring the following items ONLY if you already own them. Uniforms will be inspected for serviceability. Unserviceable items must be replaced during uniform issue periods.

• PT gear (blue and silver PT shorts, yellow short-sleeve shirts, hoodie, sweatpants).
• Service Dress Blue (dry-cleaned) if E7 or higher.
• Service Dress White (dry-cleaned) if E7 or higher.
• Summer White.
• Khakis with garrison and combination covers.
• NWU Type III with black boots (rough-side-out not authorized).
• Medals (large, non-anodized), ribbons, and warfare devices.
• Undergarments meeting Navy standards.

OCS Issued Items

The following uniform items are typically issued to candidates by the Naval Exchange Uniform Store at the candidate’s expense. A charge card will be provided to assist in covering costs. Prior service members may bring uniform components with them, which will be inspected for serviceability. If they meet standards, the purchase of those items may be waived. Note that issuance of some items is subject to availability and season, such as the issuance of Service Dress White (SDW) items during winter months.

In addition to the uniform components listed above, the following gear will also be issued to candidates to facilitate training.