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Required & Recommended Items

Ensure you bring the items listed below for the beginning of your training. Plan to have enough hygiene and personal care products to last through the first weekend. Regular trips to the Navy Exchange (NEX) can be made after the first week of training. If you arrive early on a Saturday or Sunday, you may be able to purchase needed items at the NEX before training starts.

Note: There is a shared locker area with leftover supplies from the previous class, such as detergent, starch, fans, clocks, and more. Availability is not guaranteed, and quantities may vary.

Estimated Costs

  • Total Expenses: Expect to spend between $2000 and $3500 for uniforms, meals, and other class-specific costs.
  • Galley (Meal) Costs: Around $450, payable during your last weekend at Officer Development School (ODS).
  • Uniform Costs: Ranges from $1000 to $2250, depending on which additional uniforms you choose to purchase.
  • Liberty Expenses: You will have around five days of liberty while at ODS. Plan for costs related to food or activities during that time.
  • Class Merchandise: Custom class T-shirts, coins, and possibly sweatshirts are available. Average cost for these items is $50.
  • Professional Photos: Prices range from $30 to $500, depending on the package and number of photos taken in your service dress uniforms.

Required Items

  • Debit/Credit Card/Checks: For meals, uniforms, and other expenses. Mobile payment apps are also acceptable.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Have phone numbers and email addresses for your next of kin.
  • Eyeglasses/Contacts: Bring both if prescribed (transition lenses are not allowed in military formations).
  • Laundry Detergent: Recommend pods or powder; laundry is done every 2-3 days.
  • Hygiene Products/Toiletries: A week's supply is suggested—avoid overpacking.
  • Shaving Gear: Electric razors are allowed.
  • Sunscreen
  • Nail Clippers
  • Shower Shoes: Any type of flip-flops.
  • Mesh Laundry Bag: White or black, with a string for easy carrying.
  • Bath Towels/Washcloths
  • White Athletic Socks: 7 pairs minimum, ankle or calf-length without visible logos.
  • Undershirts: 5 minimum, crew neck, white, 100% cotton.
  • Combination Lock: Key locks are not allowed.
  • Running Shoes: A quality pair that is less than six months old. Expect to run 1.5-2 miles multiple times per week (limited outdoor running in winter).
  • Underwear: 7-10 pairs, including at least one pair of white or skin-tone for white uniforms.
  • Females:
    • 5-7 high-impact sports bras (plain, no logos).
    • 2-3 regular bras (white or skin-tone for white/yellow uniforms).
    • 1 solid black or navy blue one-piece swimsuit (mid-back coverage).
    • Hair products that match hair color (bobby pins, elastics, etc.).

Recommended Items

  • Medical Equipment: Any prescribed items (to be cleared by medical staff upon arrival).
  • Religious Items: As needed for your religious practices.
  • Black Ink Pens: 3-4 pens.
  • Notebook: Small to medium-sized, solid color.
  • Shoe Shine Kit: Black polish, brush, and cloth.
  • Digital Wristwatch: With an alarm (smart watches are allowed).
  • Toiletry Caddy: To hold your hygiene items.
  • Unscented Face/Body Wipes
  • Unscented Hand Lotion
  • Nose Hair Trimmer
  • Cell Phone and Charger
  • Insoles: For running shoes and boots.
  • Lint Rollers
  • Envelopes/Stamps/Note Cards
  • Scissors
  • Vitamins
  • Optional (Females): Earrings in accordance with NAVPERS 1566.

Unauthorized/Contraband Items

Contraband includes any item harmful to discipline, health, or safety at ODS. If you bring any of the following, they will be confiscated:

  • Weapons: Any weapon, including knives over 3 inches, firearms, and letter openers.
  • Food/Beverages: Only plain water and dry, healthy snacks are allowed in King Hall without prior authorization.
  • Alcohol: No alcohol is permitted in OTCN spaces (except mouthwash or prescribed medications).
  • Tobacco: No tobacco or nicotine products.
  • Medications: Prescription meds must be in their original containers. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are allowed, but caffeine-containing products are not.
  • Caffeine: Any form of caffeine is prohibited.
  • Supplements/Vitamins: Dietary supplements must meet military safety standards—some may be unsafe or misbranded.
  • Gambling/Gaming Equipment: Gambling is prohibited; associated items like dice or cards are also banned.
  • Large Lights: Any light larger than one bulb using more than two “AA” batteries.
  • Containers: Any container meant for storing unauthorized items like chemicals, food, or alcohol.
  • Hemp/CBD Products: Any product derived from hemp or containing CBD is prohibited, regardless of legality or THC concentration.

 
 
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