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Packing List

The items needed to begin training are listed below. Ensure you have enough hygiene and personal care supplies to last through the first weekend. Regular trips to the Navy Exchange may be made after the first week of training. If you arrive early on Saturday or Sunday, you may be able to purchase these items at the Navy Exchange before training begins.
**Note: There is a communal area with supplies left by previous classes, including detergent, starch, small fans, clocks, and other items. However, availability cannot be guaranteed.**

Estimated Costs:
  • Anticipate $2000 - $3500 to cover uniform, food, and class-specific costs:
    • ~$450 for daily meal costs at the galley (payable on your last weekend at ODS)
    • $1000 - $2250 for uniforms, depending on optional items purchased
    • Additional expenses for off-base activities during liberty days (5 days on average)
    • Class merchandise (t-shirts, coins, possibly sweatshirts) averaging $50
    • Professional photos in service dress uniforms, ranging from $30 to $500
Required
  • Debit/Credit card, checks, or mobile payment app
  • Emergency contact information (phone numbers and email addresses)
  • Glasses/contacts (no transition lenses in formations)
  • Laundry detergent (pods/powder recommended)
  • Hygiene and toiletry products (1-week supply)
  • Shaving gear (electric razors permitted)
  • Sunscreen
  • Nail clippers
  • Shower shoes (flip-flops)
  • Mesh laundry bag (white or black)
  • Bath towels/washcloths
  • White athletic socks, ankle or calf-length, without visible emblems (7 pairs)
  • White, 100% cotton crew-neck undershirts (5 minimum)
  • Combination lock (key locks not permitted)
  • Running shoes (newer than six months, quality pair)
  • Underwear (7-10 pairs; at least one pair white or skin tone for wear with white uniforms)
Additional Requirements for Females
  • 5-7 plain, high-impact sports bras (no logos)
  • 2-3 bras, white or skin tone for wear with uniforms
  • Solid black or navy-blue one-piece swimsuit (mid-back rise)
  • Hair products matching hair color (bobby pins, clear elastic ties)
Recommended
  • Prescribed medical equipment (to be cleared upon training start)
  • Religious items, if applicable
  • 3-4 black ink pens
  • Notebook, small to medium size (solid color)
  • Shoe shine kit (black polish, brush, cloth)
  • Digital wristwatch with alarm (smartwatches allowed)
  • Toiletry caddy
  • Unscented face/body wipes
  • Unscented hand lotion
  • Nose hair trimmer
  • Cell phone with charger
  • Insoles for running shoes and boots
  • Lint rollers
  • Envelopes, stamps, and note cards
  • Scissors
  • Vitamins
  • Optional: Female earrings per NAVPERS 1566

Unauthorized/Contraband Items

Contraband refers to any item that disrupts the discipline, health, welfare, or safety of ODS students. Unauthorized items will be confiscated and discarded. This list is not exhaustive:

  • Weapons: Firearms, knives over 3 inches, letter openers, etc.
  • Food and Beverages: Only plain water and healthy snacks allowed in King Hall unless authorized.
  • Alcohol: No alcohol permitted in OTCN spaces, except for hand sanitizer or prescribed mouthwash.
  • Tobacco: No tobacco or nicotine delivery products allowed.
  • Medications: Prescription medications must be in the original container with a label; caffeine-based OTC medications are prohibited.
  • Caffeine: All caffeine products are banned.
  • Supplements: Supplements are allowed, but be cautious of misbranded or adulterated products. For guidance, refer to Substance Information.
  • Gambling Equipment: Gambling and related equipment (dice, cards, etc.) are prohibited.
  • Lights: No light larger than one bulb using more than 2 "AA" batteries.
  • Containers: Any container for unauthorized chemicals, food, or beverages is prohibited.
  • Hemp Products: Any hemp-derived product, including CBD, is banned regardless of legality or THC content.

Uniform Shop and Requirements

During your time at Officer Development School (ODS), you will have two scheduled visits to the uniform shop to purchase required uniforms. The first trip occurs on check-in Sunday to obtain the physical training uniform (PTU). Later in the first week, you will visit the main uniform shop to complete the purchase of additional required items.

Uniform Shop Issue - First Day
Required to Purchase
PTU Shorts (Blue with Silver Lettering) (2) Navy PTU Short Sleeve Shirt (Gold) (2)
Navy Fitness Suit Pants (1) Black Cold Weather Parka
Navy Fitness Suit Shirt (1) Gloves (Seasonal)
32oz Water Bottle* Watch Cap (Seasonal)
Black Backpack* Sea Bag
Reflective Belt*
*Must be purchased on Sunday for uniformity
 

Additional Items Available if Needed
Reflective Belt Combination Lock
Shower Shoes Navy Sweat Bottom
Navy Sweat Top Laundry Bag

Uniform Shop Issue - Later in Training
Required for ODS
NWU Blouse (Unisex) (1) Combination Cover (1)
NWU Trouser (Unisex) (1) Garrison Cover (1)
NWU Eight Point Cap (1) Khaki Web Belt (1)
NWU Rank Tabs (2) Black Boot Socks
Brown T-Shirts NWU Boot Bands
Black Dress Socks Insignia for Khaki Uniforms
Black Leather 9" Boot Khaki Shirt (2)
Black Leather Dress Shoe Khaki Trouser (2)
Khaki Poly/Wool Belt Gold Belt Buckle

Graduation Uniforms

Full Dress Whites (Ribbons and Large Medals), Accessories, Insignia, White Dress Shoes, and Socks (for June - September Graduation)

Full Dress Blues (Ribbons and Large Medals), Accessories, Insignia (for October - May Graduation)

Summer Whites (Ribbons), Accessories, Insignia, White Dress Shoes, and Socks (for June - September Graduation)

Already Purchased Uniforms

Uniforms already purchased will be verified for serviceability and fit upon arrival. Unserviceable items must be replaced during uniform issue. While there is no requirement to purchase uniforms prior to arrival, doing so may expedite the uniform days and lessen initial financial expenses. If purchasing uniforms in advance, the following items are recommended:

  • Basic Physical Training Uniform (PTU) (Gold short-sleeve shirt and blue shorts with silver lettering)
    • Serviceable – Not faded, polyester (not nylon), with intact lettering
  • Navy PTU Track Suit
  • Navy Sweat Suit

** Note: You will only be issued two sets of the PTU at ODS. For additional sets, consider purchasing them at a Navy Exchange Uniform Store before arrival.

  • Footwear, especially if your size is uncommon (e.g., small/large or narrow/wide shoes)
Additional Uniforms to Bring if Purchased Prior to Arrival
  • Service Dress Blues (for October - May Graduation)
  • Summer White (for May - October Graduation) with white leather shoes
  • Service Khakis with garrison cover
  • Black leather dress shoes (Corfams are not authorized at OTCN)
  • NWU Type III with Black Boots (rough-side-out/Brown boots are not authorized)
  • Ribbons and warfare devices (Large medals required for October - May Graduation)
  • Black parka for cold/inclement weather
  • Watch cap and gloves
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